Bhubaneswar: The valedictory and prize distribution ceremony of the State-Level Children’s Cultural Festival ‘Mahak-2026’, organised under the aegis of the Odisha State Child Protection Society (OSCPS), Department of Women and Child Development, Government of Odisha, was held at the Practice Ground of Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar. Kandhamal district was adjudged the State-level Champion, while Puri district secured the Runners-up position for their outstanding performances in various competitions organised as part of the festival.
Babu Singh, MLA, Ekamra-Bhubaneswar, attended the occasion as the Chief Guest and felicitated the winners. Smt. Guha Poonam Tapas Kumar, Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Handlooms, Textiles and Handicrafts Department, joined as the Guest of Honour and addressed the children.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Mrinalini Darswal, Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Department of Women and Child Development, emphasised that platforms for nurturing children’s creativity and talents would always remain open. She encouraged every child to confidently showcase their inherent abilities and called upon all stakeholders to extend their support in creating opportunities for children’s holistic development.
At the outset, Monisha Banerjee, Director, ICDS and Social Welfare, Department of Women and Child Development, delivered the welcome address.
On the occasion, five former inmates of Child Care Institutions (CCIs) were specially felicitated for their exceptional achievements in various fields. The winners of different state-level competitions organised under Mahak-2026 were also felicitated by the Chief Guest and other dignitaries.
The festival provided a vibrant platform for children to showcase their talents, creativity and cultural abilities, while encouraging confidence, participation and self-expression. The programme concluded on a celebratory note, marking the successful culmination of Mahak-2026.
