Inauguration on Odia New Year

On the auspicious occasion of Maha Bishuba Sankranti, the innovative programme ‘Aarohan’ was formally inaugurated in Bhubaneswar by Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida at the ICWS campus.

Marking a warm and cultural beginning, the Deputy CM applied tikka to children and distributed Arohan kits, symbolizing a new phase in their learning journey. The initiative carries the tagline “Ujwala Bhabisyat Pain Pade Agaku,” reflecting a collective step towards a brighter future.

Focus on Early Childhood Development

Launched by the Department of Women and Child Development, the programme aims to strengthen the foundation of early childhood education across Odisha. It is designed to ensure a smooth transition of children from Anganwadi centres to Bal Vatika-3 after completing pre-primary education.

Importance of First Six Years Highlighted

Addressing children and parents, Pravati Parida emphasized that the first six years of a child’s life are crucial for brain development. She noted that during Poshan Pakhya 2026, the government is prioritizing early childhood growth and nutrition.

She also stressed that shaping a child’s future is a shared responsibility, requiring active participation from families and society alongside government efforts.

Call for Stronger Anganwadi System

Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the department, Dr. Mrunalini Darswal, highlighted the need for coordinated efforts among Anganwadi workers and officials to strengthen centres and accelerate holistic child development.

Participation of Officials and Stakeholders

The event was attended by senior officials including Swoyam Prabha Mohanty, Itishree Das, and N. C. Jyoti Ranjan, along with representatives from partner organizations.

Grassroots-level Anganwadi workers and parents also actively participated, contributing to the success of the programme.

Towards a Brighter Future for Children

The launch of ‘Aarohan’ marks a significant step in enhancing early childhood education in Odisha, aiming to build a strong foundation for children’s cognitive and social development while ensuring a seamless transition into formal schooling.