Bhubaneswar: The 25th International Anjali Children and Youth Festival, marking its Golden Jubilee Year, was inaugurated at the Adivasi Exhibition Ground here Wednesday. Organised annually by the voluntary organisation Swabhiman under the leadership of Sruti Mohapatra, the festival aims to empower and inspire confidence among children with disabilities. The five-day festival (November 12–16) has drawn thousands of children and youth from all 30 districts of Odisha and 18 other Indian states, including Ladakh, Lakshadweep, and Jammu & Kashmir.
Participants from Sri Lanka have also joined the celebrations. In the evening, Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida graced the event as the chief guest along with eminent personalities, including Padma Shri Priyambada Mohanty Hejmadi, Padma Shri Sudarsan Pattnaik (renowned sand artist), CYSD founder member Jagadananda, and long-time volunteer Gayatri Kar. In her address, Parida hailed Mohapatra as a true source of inspiration for bringing together over 700 differently-abled children into one extended family. She remarked, “Swabhiman is not just an organisation—it’s a family. Organising such a large-scale event purely through volunteer efforts is truly commendable.” The dignitaries congratulated the organisers on completing 25 remarkable years of the festival and applauded their unwavering dedication and spirit of inclusion. Speaking on the occasion, Mohapatra reflected on the festival’s 25-year journey of perseverance and achievement, sharing how a modest initiative had blossomed into a large and compassionate family through years of collective support and dedication. At the event, the “Anjali Award for Bravery” was conferred on Suresh Chaudhury, while the “Anjali Student Scholarship” was presented to Sulekha Barai.
The dignitaries also unveiled the Anjali Camp Bulletin, marking the milestone celebration. This year’s theme, “Mythology, Folklore, and Legends,” celebrates timeless tales of gods, heroes, and supernatural events from diverse cultures and traditions, reflecting humanity’s shared heritage and values. The festival features a vibrant array of workshops and competitions in areas like dance, music, art, crafts, theatre, photography, storytelling, and yoga—providing a platform for children of all abilities to showcase their talents and inspire new perspectives in society.
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