A Vision for Growth: Education and Connectivity Take Center Stage
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan launched a wave of development projects worth ₹133.65 crore in Kamakhyanagar, Dhenkanal district, on Friday, setting the stage for a transformative leap in education, infrastructure, and connectivity in central Odisha. With a strong focus on aligning with National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, these initiatives mark a strategic investment in the future of a region steeped in heritage and ambition.
Building the Foundations: New Schools, Better Roads
At the heart of the initiative is the inauguration of a temporary Kendriya Vidyalaya (KV) campus at Kamakhyanagar Women’s College, which will begin classes for Grades 1 to 5 this academic session, benefiting 240 students initially. To ensure permanence, Pradhan also laid the foundation stone for a ₹30 crore permanent KV campus at Jantaribol—a major step in expanding quality central education in the region.
Complementing the educational strides, Pradhan inaugurated a ₹10.65 crore railway overbridge on the Kamakhyanagar bypass along NH-53, a long-awaited project set to ease traffic congestion and boost regional logistics.
In a broader state-backed push, 22 projects worth ₹93 crore were unveiled, covering critical sectors such as roads, education, and public amenities—all of which are vital to improving living standards and facilitating economic growth in the region.
Mission and Objectives: Bridging Past and Future
The initiative reflects a collaborative model between the Centre and Odisha government, designed to uplift Kamakhyanagar—an area proud of its revolutionary history, including freedom fighters like Baji Rout and Sarangadhar Das. “This land of brave hearts is entering a phase of development that matches its historical significance,” said Pradhan, underlining the mission to blend cultural legacy with modern opportunity.
The introduction of Kendriya Vidyalayas in aspirational districts forms part of a national strategy to deliver equitable education access, especially in underrepresented and underserved areas. Through such efforts, the government aims to build a strong foundation for social mobility, skills development, and future-ready citizens.
NEP 2020 in Action: Education in Mother Tongue
Pradhan emphasized the National Education Policy’s focus on early learning in regional languages, stating that CBSE has already implemented mother tongue instruction at the primary level. The move is seen as crucial in nurturing critical thinking, cultural pride, and leadership skills from a young age.
He also highlighted Odisha’s “Shishu Bati” initiative, where over 45,000 pre-primary classrooms have been made child-friendly, reinforcing the commitment to holistic early education. “Language is not just a tool; it’s a seed for visionaries like Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam and Baji Rout,” Pradhan noted.
Odisha Steps into a New Era
With this investment, Kamakhyanagar is poised for a transformative journey, one that combines world-class education, improved mobility, and enhanced civic infrastructure. These efforts are not isolated; they are part of a larger blueprint for Odisha’s development, aiming to elevate regional aspirations into national accomplishments.
As the foundations are laid—both literally and metaphorically—Odisha steps forward not just as a state with a proud past, but as one with a promising, empowered future.
(With agency inputs)
