Jharsuguda: The three-day Children’s Festival, “Children Fest”, of DAV Jharsuguda was formally celebrated with great enthusiasm. In the inaugural ceremony, Lokanath Pradhan, Regional Officer of the Odisha Zone, joined as the Chief Guest and highly appreciated the continuous efforts and activities of the students. Chinmaya Debata, Principal of DAV Hill Top Colony, Brajrajnagar, Pradeep Kumar Hota, Principal of Bandhbahal DAV, Sushanta Pradhan, Principal of IB Valley DAV, senior advocate Tapas Roy Choudhury; retired professor of Gangadhar Meher University, Satish Patel; retired Principal of Brajrajnagar College, Biswajit Khamari; retired Principal of Laxminarayan College, Narendra Panda; retired Principal of Jharsuguda Women’s College, Tahalu Sahu; retired Principal Saroj Kuanar; Principal of Delhi Public School, Sujata Lenka; Principal of Kendriya Vidyalaya, Harilal Pradhan; teacher of Hansamura Kantapali, Mandakini Satapathy; and founding member Bal Govind Mishra all participated as distinguished guests. Their presence enriched the three-day celebration, motivated the students, and they also felicitated the achievers. School Principal L K Debta welcomed the guests and introduced them to the audience. The inaugural ceremony, which commenced with a Vedic Hom–Yajna, concluded with the prize distribution programme. Various events such as a Book Fair, Literary Conclave, Food Festival, Grand Parents Congregation , Language & Science Exhibition, Seminars, Art & Craft activities, Ad Show, Quiz, Dance & Music performances, Group Presentations, Role Play on Great Personalities, Coconut Painting, Pottery Painting, Photography, and English Debate & Quiz were organised during the festival. In the Literature Conclave, former member of Odia Sahitya Academy and AIR announcer as well as noted writer Shibapriya Mishra; retired Reader of Brajrajnagar College, Dr Biswajit Khamari; and faculty member of Jharsuguda Women’s College, Dr Meena Soni, participated and engaged in literary discussions. They spoke on the connection between literature, society, and culture, and also shared analytical insights on personality development and national interest.For the group dance competition, Bararuchi House and Bhababhooti House were awarded. Guests, experienced judges and observers were appointed for the various events conducted over the three days. The stage programmes were coordinated by Alekh Bihari Sahu, Dr. Manjushree Vedula, Anjali Bal Subramanian, Sukanya Mahapatra, Manisha Chand, Nilima Patel and Rahas Bihari Dash. Yash Saxena received the Special Award, Sabita Bhuyan the Best Singer, Saishree Samantaray the Best Dancer, Debanshi Chand the Best Entertainer, Adriti Routray the Best Costume Award, Adya Anushri Sahu the Best Prop. and Samaira Padhee the Best Theme Award.
