Education is the biggest power to change life: Finance Minister OP Chaudhary
Raipur, The District Level Shala Praveshotsav-2026 was organized with enthusiasm, joy, and dignity at the Government Higher Secondary School in Nagar Panchayat Pusura, Raigarh district on Thursday. The state's Finance Minister and Raigarh MLA, Mr. O.P. Chaudhary, attended the event as the chief guest. On this occasion, he performed the ground-breaking ceremony for the Block Education Officer's office building, which will be constructed at a cost of 50 lakh rupees. He also warmly welcomed the newly admitted students by applying tilak and distributed textbooks, uniforms, and other necessary educational materials.
Addressing the program, Finance Minister Mr. O.P. Chaudhary said that the first step in school marks the beginning of a child's bright future. Education is not just the biggest power to change an individual's life but also the direction and condition of the entire society. Recounting his own struggle-filled life, he said that despite limited resources, he journeyed to the Indian Administrative Service through clear goals, a disciplined life, and continuous hard work. He urged students to set life goals from now on and to work diligently and with dedication in that direction. He stated that merely studying is not enough; it is essential to decide which field to pursue in life. He added that the doors of prestigious national-level educational institutions are now open for students of the state, and it is the important responsibility of teachers to convey information about such opportunities to students. He assured that students selected for national institutions would receive all possible support.
Minister Mr. Chaudhary said that the state government is sending talented students from Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes to Delhi for preparation for various competitive examinations, including the IAS, bearing all their study and accommodation expenses. He stated that financial hardship can never be a barrier in the path of talent.
Minister Mr. Chaudhary emphasized the paramount importance of the quality of education and interacted with teachers and students. During this, teachers whose children are studying in government schools were also honored on stage. He called upon principals and teachers to develop such excellent government schools where parents themselves are eager to admit their children. He said that the state government is continuously working to expand basic facilities in the field of education. In this regard, a nursing college and Nalanda complex are also being constructed in Pusura. He inspired students to dream big and continuously strive to make those dreams a reality.
Collector Mr. Mayank Chaturvedi said that the objective of Shala Praveshotsav is not just to ensure the admission of new students but to make the school a joyful and inspiring place for children. He urged parents to designate a separate study space for their children at home and to discuss the new things they learned at school with them daily. He said this would develop interest and a sense of belonging towards studies in children.
*Honor for Meritorious Students, a Visually Impaired Girl, and Retired Teachers*
In the program, more than 50 meritorious students who scored above 90 percent in the Class 10th and 12th board examinations were honored. Special honor was given to Kamini Yadav, a completely visually impaired student, for scoring 86 percent. Additionally, retired teachers of the school were also honored.
On this occasion, bicycles were distributed to girl students, and textbooks, uniforms, and other educational materials were given to newly admitted students. A feast was also organized as part of the program. The large participation of public representatives, teachers, parents, and students gave the Shala Praveshotsav the form of a public festival.
The program was attended by Janpad Panchayat President Mrs. Hemlata Chauhan, Nagar Panchayat President Mrs. Mani Mohit Satpathy, Zila Panchayat members Mr. Brajesh Gupta, Mrs. Bhagyawati Dolanarayan Nayak and Mrs. Lakshmi Jeevan Patel, Nagar Panchayat Pusura Vice President Mr. Umesh Sav, Janpad Panchayat Pusura Vice President Mrs. Kheermati Chauhan, former MLA Mr. Vijay Agrawal, along with public representatives, officials, employees, the school principal, teachers, parents, and a large number of students.