Cuttack, Aug 23: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Saturday attended the 175th Annual Awards Ceremony of Ravenshaw Collegiate School, Cuttack, where he praised the institution as a “factory of leadership” and urged society to take collective responsibility for student nutrition and holistic development.

The Minister was honoured with the “Shiksha Jyoti Samman” by the school authorities on the occasion.

Addressing the gathering, the Minister emphasized the importance of education in the mother tongue and proper nourishment for students. Drawing a historical parallel, he recalled how Cuttack once protected itself from floods using wooden reinforcements and called on citizens to now protect children from malnutrition by ensuring access to nutritious food.

Also Read: Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan Hails BharatNetra As Gateway To Global Careers For Odisha’s Youth

Pradhan highlighted the school’s legacy, calling it not just a historic high school but a sacred institution that has shaped iconic leaders like Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and Utkal Gourav Madhusudan Das. He also reminisced about his personal connection with the school and its role in nurturing leadership.

The Minister announced that under the National Education Policy 2020, steps will be taken to regularize schematic primary teachers and revitalize heritage schools in Odisha. He stressed that students should aspire not only to be job seekers but also job creators.

Also Read: Dharmendra Pradhan Urges Odisha Youths To Become Entrepreneurs At Ravenshaw Convocation

During the event, Pradhan inaugurated the alumni association’s website and awarded meritorious students and distinguished alumni. He also visited the Science Fair organized on the occasion of National Space Day and appreciated the student-made exhibits.

The ceremony was graced by several dignitaries including MPs Bhartruhari Mahtab and Rudra Narayan Pani, MLA Sofia Firdous, and Padma Shri awardee Dr. Shyamamani Devi.