Education steps beyond textbooks, Parishad students will take flight with confidence through ‘Bal Utsav

A budget of Rs 186.60 lakh released for organizing the ‘Pragati Swabhiman Aur Safalta Ki Aur 2.0’ Bal Utsav

The event will be organized in three phases at district, division, and state levels

‘Bal Utsav’ will recognize children’s dreams and set a new direction for Uttar Pradesh’s educational future

We are linking education with children’s self-respect, life skills, and personality development: Sandeep Singh

Bal Utsav is an opportunity for children to express themselves, develop leadership skills, and move forward with confidence: Monika Rani

Lucknow, January 2026 : In Uttar Pradesh, Parishad education will no longer be limited to syllabus and examinations. It is continuously moving forward toward strengthening children’s self-respect, life skills, and personality development. Giving concrete shape to this vision under the leadership and guidance of Basic Education Minister Sandeep Singh, the Basic Education Department is organizing 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 organized under the Project Approval Board 2025–26 through the state-level MMMER component. Education is now no longer being 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 centers 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 program, 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.

Basic Education Minister Sandeep Singh said that through the initiative 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 toward shaping confident citizens through Parishad education.

The Pragati Swabhiman Aur Safalta Ki Aur 2.0’ Bal Utsav will be organized at three levels—district, division, and state so that every talented child gets equal opportunity. At the district level, the Bal Utsav is being organized between 27 and 31 January 2026, in which students of Parishad primary, upper primary, and composite schools are showcasing their talents through various activities. After this, selected talents will be given a broader platform at the divisional level between February 6 and 12th. Students who perform excellently at the district and divisional levels will get the opportunity to participate in the state-level program to be held in Lucknow, where the best child talents of the state will be seen together on one platform.

Students who will perform excellent at the district and divisional levels will be honored with certificates, mementos, and commendation letters. Along with this, teachers and associates who have made notable contributions in the field of girls’ education and education for children with special needs will also be honored, giving new inspiration to 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 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.