Bhubaneswar, 14 April (H.S.): On the occasion of Maha Bishuba Sankranti and the Odia New Year, the Government of Odisha formally launched the ‘Aarohan’ programme today at the ICWS campus in Bhubaneswar. The initiative was inaugurated by Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida.

The programme, launched by the Department of Women and Child Development, aims to strengthen early childhood education across the state and ensure a structured transition of children from Anganwadi centres to Bal Vatika-3 after completing pre-primary education.

As part of the inauguration ceremony, the Deputy Chief Minister interacted with children and applied tikka as a symbolic gesture marking a new beginning. She also distributed Aarohan kits, extending blessings and encouragement to the children.

The initiative carries the tagline “Ujwala Bhabisyat Pain Pade Agaku,” reflecting its focus on building a brighter future for children through foundational learning and care.

Addressing the gathering, the Deputy Chief Minister highlighted that the first six years of a child’s life are critical for brain development. She noted that early childhood development has been given special priority, particularly in view of Poshan Pakhya-2026. She also emphasized that the success of the initiative depends on active participation from parents and the community, in addition to government efforts.

Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Women and Child Development Department, Dr. Mrunalini Darswal, stressed the importance of coordinated efforts by Anganwadi workers and officials to further strengthen Anganwadi centres and promote holistic child development.

The event was attended by senior officials including Smt. Swoyam Prabha Mohanty, Additional Secretary and Director-in-Charge (ICDS & SW), Smt. Itishree Das, Additional Secretary, and Shri N. C. Jyoti Ranjan, Additional Secretary of the department, along with representatives from partner organisations.

Anganwadi workers and parents also participated in the programme, contributing to its successful implementation and outreach at the grassroots level.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda