Paperman Media | Bhubaneswar
Governor Dr Hari Babu Kambhampati on Saturday said education should not merely prepare students to earn a living, but also enable them to live with dignity, responsibility and purpose.
Addressing the 125th anniversary celebration of Buxi Jagabandhu Bidyadhar High School in Khordha, the Governor said the milestone was a celebration of the institution’s long tradition of knowledge, character and service. He said the school had nurtured generations of students and made a significant contribution to the intellectual and social development of Odisha.
Recalling the historical significance of the institution’s name and its location, Kambhampati paid homage to Buxi Jagabandhu and highlighted Khordha’s important place in Odisha’s history, particularly the Paika uprising of 1817. He said the courage and sacrifice of Buxi Jagabandhu continued to inspire generations to stand against injustice and serve the nation.
Drawing a link between this legacy and the role of education, the Governor said the true legacy of a school lay not merely in its buildings or milestones, but in the lives it shaped. Generations of teachers, he said, had helped students develop discipline, confidence, integrity, perseverance, compassion, courage and a sense of responsibility.
Emphasising the importance of these values in shaping young minds, he urged students to “dream boldly, work honestly and respect your teachers and parents”. He said the strength of a nation ultimately rested on the character of its young people.
The Governor also stressed that education must evolve with changing times while remaining rooted in values. Referring to the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, he said it emphasised holistic and experiential learning, critical thinking, vocational exposure, digital literacy, Indian knowledge systems, arts, sports and life skills. He said the shift from rote learning towards curiosity, creativity, competence and character was in tune with the school’s emphasis on NCC, Scouts, sports and moral education.
Congratulating the alumni, teachers, staff, students, school authorities and the district administration on the milestone, Kambhampati expressed hope that the institution would continue to nurture young minds and contribute to Odisha’s development for another 125 years and beyond.
During the celebration, four eminent alumni were felicitated and the school magazine Abakash – 125 was released.
Among others, Khordha MLA Prashant Kumar Jagadev, Former MP Somya Ranjan Patnaik, Major General (Retd.) Ashim Kohli, and organising secretary and headmistress of the school Jyotirmayee Priyadarshini Panda addressed the occasion.
Chief Coordinator of the Alumni Association B K Dash delivered the welcome address.
Prior to the event, the Governor interacted with the students and inaugurated a student exhibition.
