Cuttack, Aug 23: On the occasion of National Space Day, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan laid the foundation stone for the much-awaited second permanent campus of Kendriya Vidyalaya-2 at Nuapada, Madhupatna in Cuttack.

The new campus, estimated to cost ₹40 crore, is expected to be completed within two years.

Addressing the gathering, Union Minister Pradhan extended festive greetings to the residents of Nuapada, calling the foundation a “Ganesh Puja gift” to the local community.

He highlighted that the project had faced delays due to lack of cooperation from previous governments, but with the efforts of local representatives and the BJP-led administration, the construction is now underway.

The new campus will offer classes from Kindergarten to Grade 12, with modern classrooms and supporting infrastructure designed to accommodate up to 1,000 students — more than double the current strength of 400. The school aims to provide quality education to children in the region and fulfill the growing educational needs of the area.

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The Union Education Minister emphasized the importance of learning in the mother tongue, stating that Odia students can become global achievers only when they understand subjects deeply through their native language.

He cited national icons like Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam and Utkal Gourav Madhusudan Das, who studied in their mother tongue and brought pride to the nation.

He expressed hope that the new Kendriya Vidyalaya campus would play a pivotal role in building a “Developed Odisha by 2036” and a “Developed India by 2047.” The Minister urged the school to take a leading role in this vision.

The event was attended by Cuttack MP Bhartruhari Mahtab, Cuttack Sadar MLA Prakash Chandra Behera, and other dignitaries. Union Minister Pradhan also interacted with students, discussing the significance of National Space Day and the broader goals of national development.