Rayagada Hosts District-Level Surabhi and Youth Parliament; 42 Students Selected for State Events
Kanhar, District Education Officer (DEO) Bhajanlal Majhi, and DIET Principal Jagannath Meher, alongside Additional DEOs Shantilata Muni and Sasmita Behera, and Headmistresses Jyotsnarani Behera and Debasmita Rout.
Addressing the gathering, the speakers observed that while Rayagada is predominantly a tribal district, its youth possess exceptional innate potential. Comparing hidden talent to the rare medicinal herb Vishalyakarani, the dignitaries stressed the need to scout and mentor gifted children from remote pockets so they can excel on state and national platforms. MLA Kadraka drew upon his personal journey, encouraging students to set ambitious goals, maintain discipline, and cultivate strong moral character. The Surabhi festival concluded on a high-spirited note with vibrant cultural performances where invited guests and spectators joined the students on the dance floor.
At PM SHRI Jagadamba High School, the Youth Parliament featured over 250 students, with eight representatives drawn from each block.
Following an opening oath administered by the student Speaker, the simulated session saw rigorous debate.
The student-led opposition challenged the treasury benches on pressing regional and global issues, including the implementation of the Right to Education, disaster preparedness in cyclone-prone belts, industrial development in tribal belts, agricultural distress, inflation, and global conflict resolution. Alongside the parliamentary debate, an educational exhibition showcased EVM and ballot-box voting models, parliamentary seat distributions across states, currency displays, historical voter turnout trends, portraits of national leaders and freedom fighters, and photographs of the new Parliament building.
DEO Bhajanlal Majhi confirmed that 42 selected students—37 for Surabhi and 5 for the Youth Parliament—will represent Rayagada at the State-Level competitions in Bhubaneswar on November 11. ADM Kanhar extended his congratulations to the selected candidates, urging them to bring laurels to the district.
The Surabhi events were managed under the supervision of Kolnara BEO and ADEO Sasmita Behera, while the Youth Parliament was coordinated by Manoj Kumar Gouda, Headmaster of Penta High School. ADEO Shantilata Muni oversaw general administration, assisted by coordinators Gyanaranjan Sahu, Surendra Kumar Sathua, and Dillip Kumar Sabat.
