Odisha launches ‘Aarohan’ program to boost early childhood education

The Odisha government has launched a new early childhood education initiative titled ‘Aarohan’ to strengthen foundational learning and support children transitioning from Anganwadi centers to Bal Vatika 3.

The program, introduced by the Department of Women and Child Development, focuses on improving early learning outcomes and ensuring continuity in pre-primary education across the state.

Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida formally launched the initiative at the ICWS campus in Bhubaneswar on the occasion of Maha Bishuba Sankranti and the Odia New Year.

As part of the event, she applied tikka to children and distributed Aarohan kits to mark the beginning of their next learning phase.

She emphasized that the first six years of life are critical for brain development and highlighted the government’s focus on early childhood education under Poshan Pakhya 2026.

She also called on parents to actively participate, noting that families and society play an important role in shaping children’s future.

The initiative carries the tagline “Ujwala Bhabisyat Pain Pade Agaku” (Step Forward for a Bright Future), reflecting a collective approach to child development.

Commissioner cum Secretary Dr Mrunalini Darswal stressed the need for stronger coordination among Anganwadi workers and officials to improve grassroots systems and promote holistic child development.

Senior officials, including Additional Secretaries Swoyam Prabha Mohanty, Itishree Das, and N C Jyoti Ranjan, attended the launch, along with representatives from partner organizations.