Union Minister for Tribal Affairs Jual Oram inaugurated the 6th National Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) Cultural and Literary Fest and Kala Utsav ‘Udbhav-2025’ in Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh, today. The three-day national festival, starting today, is being jointly organised by the Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs and the Andhra Pradesh Department of Tribal Welfare.
Addressing the gathering, Union Minister Jual Oram stressed that EMRS institutions focus not only on academics but also on the overall development of tribal students. He said that Eklavya schools aim to nurture excellence in sports, culture, debate, dance, drama and various other fields, ensuring holistic growth. He added that the Union Government is taking several measures to enhance tribal welfare and is working to develop EMRS institutions on par with Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas, Kendriya Vidyalayas and Sainik Schools. He also noted that EMRS students are performing commendably in national sports competitions.
The Union Minister underlined that the festival is designed to bring out the creativity of tribal children and offer them a unique platform to display their talents. He expressed gratitude to the Andhra Pradesh Government for hosting the national event. As part of ‘Udbhav-2025’, competitions are being held across 12 stages in 35 categories, including drama, vocal and instrumental music, folk and devotional songs, dance, light music, quiz and traditional tribal art forms. More than 1,800 students from over 22 states are participating in the festival, which is open to students from Classes 6 to 12. Andhra Pradesh Tribal Welfare Minister G. Sandhya Rani, senior officials, public representatives and students from various states were present at the inaugural ceremony.
