Odisha Launches 807 Robotics Labs and Odia Scholarships at Suravi-2026
Bhubaneswar: Marking a major milestone in educational transformation, the Odisha government inaugurated the three-day state-level children’s festival, Suravi-2026, and announced a series of initiatives aimed at strengthening technology-driven learning and promoting the Odia language.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi inaugurated the festival in Bhubaneswar and launched 807 robotics laboratories across government schools at an investment of ₹164.33 crore.
The laboratories are equipped with robotics kits, computers, artificial intelligence tools, machine-learning resources, and 3D-printing facilities to prepare students for emerging technological careers.
Addressing students and teachers, the Chief Minister emphasised the importance of skill development, innovation, and responsible use of technology.
He urged students to focus on acquiring practical skills and remain vigilant against misinformation in the digital age.
The government also introduced the NIPUN App, a digital platform designed to strengthen foundational literacy and numeracy through improved classroom monitoring and competency assessment.
In a significant move to promote the state’s linguistic heritage, the Chief Minister announced the Mukhyamantri Odia Bhasha Brutti scholarship scheme.
Under the initiative, 7,350 meritorious students who excelled in Odia in the High School Certificate examination will receive annual scholarships of ₹7,500.
The event also witnessed the presentation of the Mukhyamantri Siksha Puraskar, with 375 individuals and institutions being recognised for their contributions to the education sector.
Nabarangpur, Cuttack and Kalahandi districts emerged among the top-performing districts under the scheme.
The theme of Suravi-2026, “Samruddha Bhasha, Samruddha Odisha”, highlights the government’s commitment to balancing technological advancement with cultural and linguistic preservation.
More than 2,500 students, teachers and education officials from across the state participated in the festival.
Education Minister Nityananda Gond said the event provides a platform for students to showcase their talents through debates, quizzes, creative writing, cultural programmes and other co-curricular activities, contributing to their holistic development.
The initiatives announced during Suravi-2026 are expected to accelerate Odisha’s vision of creating a future-ready education ecosystem while preserving the state’s rich linguistic and cultural identity.
