Jagulipatna Cluster Celebrates Young Talent at Surabhi-2026 ;

Students from 11 schools participate in literary, artistic and cultural competitions.

DILLIP KUMAR PATTNAIK

KHORDHA, OCTOBER 15:- The cluster-level ‘Surabhi-2026’ Children’s Festival was organised at the Government Upper Primary School, Taratua, under the Jagulipatna cluster in Khordha district, providing a vibrant platform for schoolchildren to showcase their literary, artistic and creative abilities.
Held on the theme ‘Samruddha Bhasha, Samruddha Odisha’ (Prosperous Language, Prosperous Odisha), the festival witnessed enthusiastic participation from students representing 11 schools, highlighting the importance of language, cultural heritage and the all-round development of children.

The programme was presided over by Hemanta Kumar Sahu, headmaster of the host school. Suryanarayan Mohanty, sarpanch of Nalipada-Arjunpur Gram Panchayat, attended as the chief guest and encouraged students to utilise such platforms to develop their abilities. He appreciated the government’s initiative to identify and promote young talent through the Surabhi programme.
Sabir Khan, chairman of the School Management Committee, attended as the guest of honour and underscored the importance of dedication, perseverance and hard work in achieving success. Delivering the keynote address, Sandhyarani Mishra, headmistress of Pubusahi High School, described Surabhi as a significant initiative for the holistic development of children. She emphasised that the festival not only helps discover hidden talents but also instils pride in the mother tongue and Odisha’s rich cultural heritage.
Satyananda Behera, headmaster of Jagulipatna Upper Primary School, and Abhiram Behera, headmaster of Nalipada-Arjunpur, also attended the programme as guests of honour. They stressed the need to recognise individual abilities and provide children with appropriate opportunities to nurture their potential.
A wide range of competitions was organised for students across different age groups. Participants from Classes IV to XII took part in elocution, essay writing, quizzes, drawing, debate, creative writing, handwriting, nutrition-themed art and cultural events. For students of Classes I to III, competitions included drawing, storytelling, a mathematical race and a mathematics quiz.
The events offered students an opportunity to demonstrate their communication, intellectual, literary and artistic skills while encouraging healthy competition and creative expression. Students securing first positions in their respective categories were selected to represent the cluster at the block-level competitions.
In his presidential address, Hemanta Kumar Sahu appreciated the students’ performances and acknowledged the contribution of teachers in identifying and nurturing their talents. Teachers from the host institution and other schools under the cluster extended their cooperation in organising the festival.
Smaranika Mahapatra, Cluster Resource Centre Coordinator (CRCC), proposed the vote of thanks, bringing the programme to a close.