Agartala: Agartala witnessed the dawn of a new era in education as the Tripura government inaugurated the Saharsh Utsav at the Rabindra Shatabarshiki Bhawan.
This landmark event, orchestrated in collaboration with the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) and the Labhya Foundation, showcased Tripura’s ambitious stride in embedding Social Emotional Learning (SEL) into its education system through the innovative Saharsh curriculum.
The Utsav drew an impressive gathering of over 1,400 individuals, including eager students, dedicated teachers, insightful education officials, and forward-thinking policymakers.
Chief Minister Manik Saha spearheaded the inauguration, underscoring the pivotal role of emotional intelligence in shaping holistic education. His powerful statement, “Education must start with the heart,” resonated throughout the auditorium. Adding further significance to the occasion, the Chief Minister unveiled preliminary outcomes from a rigorous Randomized Control Trial (RCT) focused on children’s well-being. This study, a collaborative effort between the Labhya Foundation and J-PAL, revealed compelling evidence of enhanced classroom engagement, heightened empathy, and improved emotional resilience among participating students.
The vibrant atmosphere of the Utsav saw Chief Minister Saha engaging directly with students and educators at the specially set up Saharsh stalls, gaining firsthand insights into the program’s impact. Key moments of the event included the unveiling of the Saharsh A3 poster, slated for prominent display in all government schools across the state, and the release of the comprehensive Saharsh Progress Report 2024. The cultural performances by students added a colorful dimension, celebrating the richness of diversity and the power of emotional expression. Recognizing their dedication, certificates were presented to 100 distinguished Saharsh Model School Leaders and State Champions.
The transformative Saharsh initiative is already touching the lives of over four lakh students spanning grades 1 through 8. It seamlessly weaves crucial elements of mindfulness, empathy, self-awareness, and collaborative spirit into the fabric of daily classroom interactions. Building on this momentum, Chief Minister Saha announced the establishment of Saharsh Model Schools of Change, envisioned as beacons of this innovative approach. He also declared the expansion of Bagless Days, an initiative designed to foster experiential learning and make education more engaging. Through these concerted efforts, Tripura is firmly establishing itself as a frontrunner nationwide, championing the integration of children’s emotional well-being with their academic growth and success.
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