Principal Secretary SED Suresh Gupta flagged off 12 CWSN students for 23rd AICYF.

GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL

SHYAM SOOD

**AICYF is India’s only international children’s festival for children with special needs.
**23rd Anjali International Children and Youth Festival (AICYF) will be held in Bhubaneswar.

RAJOURI NOV 12:-Principal Secretary School Education Department (SED), Suresh Gupta on Tuesday (November 12) flagged off a group of 12 talented students with special needs (CWSN) from Teacher Bhawan Jammu to Bhubaneswar (Odisha) where they will represent UT of J&K and took part in the 23rd Anjali International Children and Youth Festival (AICYF).
“This marks an important milestone in the ongoing efforts of the department to promote inclusivity and provide platforms for children with special needs to showcase their talents on national and international stages,” said an official.
Anjali is India’s first and only international children’s festival which aims to bridge gaps for making the society more inclusive and restore fun-filled childhood by showcasing the potential of children with disabilities to mainstream society.
The group of CWSN students will be accompanied by Special Educators during the event.
“AICYF is one of the most significant cultural and artistic events for children and youth which provides a platform for students from across the country and beyond to showcase their talents, promote inclusivity and build a spirit of unity,” said Suresh Gupta.
“This year, the event brings together young minds with a variety of abilities, offering them opportunities to engage in cultural exchanges, artistic performances, and collaborative activities,” he said.
Signature events like ‘Dialogues in Disability’ and ‘Festivals of Joy’ are crafted to build empathy and mutual understanding, bridging cultural and social divides.
Principal Secretary Suresh Gupta conveyed the blessings and best wishes to the children on behalf of Minister of School Education Ms. Sakina Masood Itoo who.
had expressed pride in the students’ accomplishments and emphasized the importance of inclusivity in education and society.
Principal Secretary lauded the efforts of Samagra Shiksha in ensuring that every child, regardless of their abilities, has access to opportunities for growth and expression.
“More than 19000 CWSN are enrolled in government/private Schools, including 20 Special Schools, in UT of J&K. The students, who have been trained and mentored under Samagra Shiksha, are representing UT of J&K at the festival with a vibrant display of cultural performances, artistic expressions, and sportsmanship,” said Suresh Gupta,
Principal Secretary SED.
“This participation marks a significant step in empowering Children with Special Needs (CWSN) and ensuring their inclusive participation in national and international events” he added.
The Principal Secretary SED was accompanied by Director School Education Jammu, Ashok Sharma;Project Director Samagra Shiksha, Rakesh Magotra; and other officers of School Education Department during the flag off ceremony.