Bhubaneswar: Children should dream and continuously strive to fulfill their dreams. They must engage in self-reflection and analysis to make the right decisions. Parents should not impose their desires on their children but instead have open discussions and allow them to choose their future based on their interests. This was the call made by Odisha Legislative Assembly Speaker Surama Padhy while attending the ‘Sambad Matric Champs’ program as the chief guest at the Railway Auditorium.
In a program chaired by Soumya Ranjan Patnaik, Chairman and Managing Director of Eastern Media Limited, Mrs. Padhy further said that all qualities needed to be good citizens lie within children because the country’s future depends on them. She added that after achieving excellence, meritorious students should dedicate themselves to serving the nation. She also expressed sincere thanks to ‘Sambad’ for organizing the ‘Matric Champs’ program.
As the keynote speaker, Bhubaneswar DCP Jagmohan Meena advised students that the next two years after the matriculation exam are extremely crucial. He stressed that scoring high marks alone is not enough. Students should develop themselves not only intellectually but also as socially responsible individuals. They must be able to face the challenges posed by social media. Social media should not control us; rather, we must learn to control it. To remain happy, one must learn to live without relying on social media. He also warned students to be alert against cybercrime.
Chairman Mr. Patnaik stated that bringing together meritorious students from three districts under one roof is a historic occasion. Parents should not burden children with their own unfulfilled dreams. Instead, students should be worshippers of excellence and choose their career paths based on their interests. However, while doing so, they must remain dedicated to their mother, motherland, and mother tongue. He urged the youth to use modern technologies like mobile phones to build a drug-free Odisha, and to create an environment that is healthy, humble, fearless, and free from addiction.
Tanaya Patnaik, Editor of ‘Sambad’ and ‘Kanak News’, said students are the builders of the nation’s future and must use their capabilities to serve the country. She appealed to the youth to remain united and uphold the country’s freedom at a time when tensions persist along national borders and brave soldiers are protecting the nation without regard for their own lives. She also emphasized that the future generation must become aware of climate change and take steps to combat its effects.
Monica Nair Patnaik, Director of ‘Sambad’, added that there are no limits to knowledge acquisition. Students should identify their talents and make thoughtful decisions about their future. ‘Sambad’ Bureau Chief Chaudhury Amitabh Das gave the welcome address and also conducted the award distribution ceremony. Senior journalist Keshab Pani delivered the vote of thanks.
During the event, 361 meritorious students who scored 540 marks or more (A-1 grade) in the ongoing matriculation exam from Bhubaneswar, Khordha, Puri, and Nayagarh districts were honored along with their respective teachers by the dignitaries.