Palakkad hosts 57th Kerala State School Sasthrolsavam; Minister makes big announcement

PALAKKAD: Education Minister V. Sivankutty said that from next year onwards, a golden cup will be awarded to the district that scores the most points at the School Sasthrolsavam (science fair). He was inaugurating the 57th Kerala State School Sasthrolsavam organised by the Department of General Education at Government Moyan Girls Higher Secondary School, Palakkad.

"Students and parents currently have to spend a lot of money to buy materials for participating in the Sasthrolsavam. The government will consider increasing the cash prize given to winners from next year. Various kinds of songs are usually sung before starting curricular and extracurricular events held in schools under the government and private managements. Instead of this, society should discuss having one common song that upholds secularism, scientific thinking, and constitutional values," the minister said.

"Science fair plays a major role in developing students' thinking ability, creativity, talents, scientific awareness, and social responsibility. This year, competitions are being held according to the new manual, and these changes will make the events more efficient and provide opportunities for new inventions," he added.

Minister M.B. Rajesh presided over the function. Minister Sivankutty released the souvenir of the State School Sasthrolsavam. K. Adithya, a student of T.R.K.H.S.S., who designed the cover picture, was honoured at the event. Rishikesh, a student of NSS KPT School, Ottapalam, who represented the state in the National Science Seminar and won first place, was also felicitated.

MLAs Rahul Mamkootathil, K.D. Prasannan, A. Prabhakaran, N. Shamsuddin, and P. Mammikutty; District Collector M.S. Madhavikutty; Director of General Education N.S.K. Umesh; ADPI of the education department C.A. Santosh and others spoke at the event held at Government Moyan Model Higher Secondary School, Palakkad. MLA K. Shanthakumari, SCERT Director R.K. Jayaprakash, SSK State Project Director A.R. Supriya, KITE CEO K. Anvar Sadath, Deputy Director of Education Saleena Beevi, District Education Officer Asif Aliyar, representatives of teachers’ organisations, teachers, and students also attended.