Balvatika Navarambh Utsav: Little hands mark the beginning of learning on sand

The initiative began at a primary school in Ramchaura, Sarojininagar Block, Lucknow

Officially launched by Additional Chief Secretary Parth Sarathi Sen Sharma and Director General of School Education Monica Rani

58 children received gift hampers; ACS distributed textbooks to 25 children

Sufiyan, Deepali, Nandini, Arya Vishwakarma, and Ishani received gift hampers on stage; Naksh, Shivanshi, Avantika, Shifa, Arya Shukla, and a total of 25 children received textbooks

Joint efforts are essential to support every child’s growth in line with their parents’ aspirations: ACS

The goal is to nurture children’s overall development, curiosity, and creativity from an early stage: Monica Rani

Lucknow, March 2026 : When little hands trace their first letters on sand, it’s more than just writing it marks the start of a promising future. At the ‘Balvatika Navarambh Utsav,’ Additional Chief Secretary for Basic and Secondary Education, Parth Sarathi Sen Sharma, encouraged young children to write letters and numbers on sand. The children eagerly joined in, with some forming letters and others numbers, bringing their first learning experiences to life in an engaging and joyful way.

In Uttar Pradesh, the ‘Balvatika Navarambh Utsav’ has emerged as an innovative and effective initiative to strengthen early childhood education. Under the leadership and guidance of Basic Education Minister Sandeep Singh, the festival was organized with enthusiasm across all Balvatika (co-located Anganwadi centers) schools in the state. Its formal launch in Lucknow took place at the primary school in Ramchaura, Sarojininagar Block. Through activities such as sand writing, play-based learning, and engaging teaching methods, children were introduced to early education in an enjoyable way. Children in the 3–4 years age group, in particular, experienced learning through play by writing on sand, which helped develop their natural curiosity and interest in learning.

During the event, Additional Chief Secretary Parth Sarathi Sen Sharma said that every parent hopes their child will achieve more than they have. Therefore, efforts must align with these aspirations. He emphasized that success will come when Anganwadi workers, ASHA workers, teachers, and mothers work together. He highlighted that the age group of 3 to 6 years is the most critical learning phase in a child’s life. The purpose of the ‘Navarambh Utsav’ is to connect every child to school from an early stage so they can continue their education regularly and transition smoothly into higher classes.

He added that the government’s priority is to bring every child from 3 to 18 years into the mainstream of education. Schools are also organizing engaging activities to attract children so that they feel motivated to attend and enjoy the learning process.

Director General of School Education Monica Rani stated that through play-based teaching, self-learning, and active learning methods, children’s overall development, curiosity, and creativity are being strengthened from the beginning. These approaches also help build confidence and decision-making ability in children.

Gift Hampers Distributed to Children;

Textbooks Provided During the program, 58 children were given gift hampers. Additional Chief Secretary Parth Sarathi Sen Sharma personally handed gifts to children including Sufiyan, Deepali, Nandini, Arya Vishwakarma, and Ishani, encouraging them. The hampers included slates, chalk, crayons, wax colours, chocolates, juice, fruits, and snacks, bringing smiles to the children’s faces. The event also marked the formal launch of textbook distribution for the academic session 2026–27, jointly inaugurated by Parth Sarathi Sen Sharma and Monica Rani. On this occasion, a total of 25 children, including Naksh, Shivanshi, Avantika, Shifa, and Arya Shukla, received textbooks, ensuring a positive start to their academic year.

Focus on Making Enrollment Simple and Motivating

Under the Navarambh Utsav, special emphasis was placed on increasing enrollment of children aged 3 to 6 years and making admission to Class 1 easier and more encouraging for children who have completed 6 years of age. Schools are ensuring holistic development through print-rich environments, learning corners, and diverse teaching materials.

Community Participation Became a Strength

The event also saw active participation from parents, public representatives, and the local community, strengthening a positive environment for early childhood education. This festival not only symbolized a strong beginning of children’s educational journeys but also provided a new direction for coordination between schools and the community.