Education steps beyond textbooks as UP Parishad students take flight with confidence through ‘Bal Utsav’

Parishad education will no longer be limited to syllabus and examinations in Uttar Pradesh.

It is continuously moving forward towards strengthening children’s self-respect, life skills, and personality development.

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Giving concrete shape to this vision under the leadership and guidance of state Basic Education Minister Sandeep Singh, the Basic Education Department is organising the ‘Pragati Swabhiman Aur Safalta Ki Aur 2.0’ Bal Utsav with an approved budget of Rs 186.60 lakh. Through this initiative, children from the district to the state level will get a platform to showcase their talents and move ahead with confidence.

This Bal Utsav is being organised under the Project Approval Board 2025–26 through the state-level MMMER component. Education is no longer confined only to academic achievements; efforts are being made to develop children’s communication skills, creative thinking, leadership qualities, and a positive outlook. It is significant that through this initiative, schools will emerge not merely as centres of study, but as laboratories of personality development.

Objectives of the initiative:

To strengthen the feeling of self-respect and self-esteem among children.

During the programme, children will share their experiences, dreams, and thoughts, which will help them develop the confidence to express themselves fearlessly.

Activities related to teamwork, problem-solving, and creative expression will prepare children for future challenges.

“Through this initiative, the government we are taking education beyond books and linking it with children’s self-respect, life skills, and personality development. This initiative is an important step towards shaping confident citizens through Parishad education,” Basic Education Minister Sandeep Singh said.

The Pragati Swabhiman Aur Safalta Ki Aur 2.0’ Bal Utsav will be organised at three levels — district, division, and state — to ensure that every talented child gets equal opportunity. At the district level, the Bal Utsav is being organised between 27 and 31 January 2026, with students from Parishad primary, upper primary, and composite schools showcasing their talents through various activities. After this, selected participants will be given a broader platform at the divisional level between February 6 and 12. Students who excel at the district and divisional levels will qualify for the state-level programme to be held in Lucknow, where the state’s best child talents will be seen together on one platform.

Students who perform excellently at the district and divisional levels will be honoured with certificates, mementos, and commendation letters. In addition, teachers and associates who have made notable contributions to girls’ education and the education of children with special needs will also be honoured, providing fresh inspiration for positive efforts in the field of education.

The selection of students participating in this event will be carried out through a transparent and phased process. Nodal teams formed at the district and block levels, master trainers, and certified teachers will play an important role in identifying and guiding children. Selected children will also be provided with online guidance and practice sessions as required.

Director General, School Education, Monika Rani said that the Bal Utsav will provide children with an opportunity to express themselves, develop leadership skills, and move forward with confidence. The entire process is transparent so that every talent gets an equal platform. She said that the active participation of KGBV students will be a special identity of this Bal Utsav. Their presentations will convey the message that daughters are becoming self-reliant through education and taking on leadership roles. The spirit of girls’ education and equal opportunity will be deeply embedded in the essence of this event.