Raipur. The purpose of education is not just to score good marks in exams, but to develop moral values, scientific thinking, social sensitivity, and a sense of nationalism in children. Education is the strongest foundation for building a cultured society, a strong nation, and a developed Chhattisgarh. The state government is committed to ensuring that no child in the state is deprived of their dreams due to lack of resources or opportunities. By providing quality education, modern infrastructure, technical resources, and equal opportunities, the state's new generation is being prepared for future challenges. Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai said this while addressing the state-level School Entrance Festival 2026-27 held today at Swami Atmanand Government Excellent English Medium School, Jamgaon (M), located in Patan development block of Durg district. 

At the beginning of the Shala Praveshotsav programme, Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai warmly welcomed the little children taking admission in the school for the first time by applying tilak and offering them sweets. While blessing the children with affection, he said that they should study diligently, dream big and bring glory to their family, society, state and country with their knowledge, talent and values. He said that the smile of the children and the dreams in their eyes are the foundation of a bright future of a developed Chhattisgarh.

Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai distributed free textbooks, uniforms, and school bags to selected students of classes 1, 6, and 9. He also provided bicycles to ninth-grade girl students, urging them to continue their pursuit of higher education. Honoring students who excelled in the National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Examination 2025-26, Chief Minister Shri Sai stated that talent is not limited to any field or situation; all that is needed is the right opportunity and proper guidance.
In his address, Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai stated that the state government is not limited to merely improving the education system, but is also modernizing and inclusive, tailored to future needs. Through smart classes, timely distribution of free books and uniforms, supplementary nutritious meals, regular parent-teacher meetings, invitation feasts, and various innovations based on Indian culture, an environment for the all-round development of children is being created in the state's schools. 
He stated that the state government has made historic reforms in the education system through rationalization. Today, no school in the state is without a teacher. Continuous efforts are being made to provide quality education to remote and forested areas. Education hubs are being developed in areas like Jagargunda in Bastar, so that children there can also access educational facilities similar to those in larger cities. He stated that 15 medical colleges currently operate in the state, 24 Nalanda campuses have been developed, and a 200-seat hostel facility has been provided for students studying in Delhi.
Chief Minister Shri Sai made four important announcements related to education and sports infrastructure for Durg district. He announced the construction of a modern composite office building to replace the offices of the Joint Director of Education, District Education Officer, and Block Education Officer of the Education Department. He also announced the construction of a fully equipped modern auditorium, a football field and athletics track for sports talent, and 100-seater boys' and girls' hostels for students preparing for competitive exams like NEET and JEE in Durg city. He stated that these decisions will provide a better environment for the growth of talent in both education and sports.
Chief Minister Mr. Sai visited the school's astronomy laboratory and praised the models related to space science and astronomy prepared by the students. He said that scientific thinking and innovation will be the hallmarks of future India and the state government is continuously working to increase children's interest in science and technology.
On this occasion, Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai and School Education Minister Shri Gajendra Yadav, under the "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam" campaign, planted jackfruit, sindoori, and maulshree saplings on the school campus, spreading the message of environmental protection. The Chief Minister also participated in a feast with school children, engaging in cordial conversations about their studies, interests, and future aspirations.
Students who excelled at the state-level National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Examination were also honored at the event. Chief Minister Shri Sai honored Ms. Payal Rajni, who secured first place in the state, Naitik Amte, who secured seventh place, and Ms. Shraddha Indoria, who secured tenth place, and wished them a bright future.
Addressing the event, School Education Minister Shri Gajendra Yadav said that the state government is giving top priority to quality education and is gradually expanding computer education in schools. Innovations such as the construction of over 8,000 new toilets for girls, special campaigns to enhance language and mathematical proficiency, and connecting students with Indian culture and the lives of great men are giving the education system a new direction. He said that the government's goal is to ensure that in the coming years, on the lines of private schools, all students will have access to books and uniforms on the very first day of the academic session. Present
on the occasion were Durg Rural MLA Shri Lalit Chandrakar, Saja MLA Shri Ishwar Sahu, Chairman of the Chhattisgarh Khadi and Village Industries Board Shri Rakesh Pandey, Chairman of the Oil Mill Development Board Shri Jitendra Sahu, School Education Secretary Dr. Kamalpreet Singh, Durg Division Commissioner Shri Satyanarayan Rathore, Inspector General of Police Shri Abhishek Shandilya, Commissioner of Comprehensive Education Smt. Kiran Kaushal, Collector Shri Abhijeet Singh, public representatives, officials, parents, and a large number of students.