The Closing Ceremony of the 4th National EMRS Sports Meet 2025 was held 15^th November at the Birsa Munda Athletics Stadium, Rourkela, where Shri Ajeet Kumar Srivastava, IRAS, Commissioner, National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS), delivered a motivational and forward-looking address in the presence of the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Odisha, senior dignitaries, officials, mentors, and student athletes from across the country.

Address by the Commissioner, NESTS

Welcoming the dignitaries and participants, the Commissioner noted that the Meet, held across Sundargarh, Rourkela, and Rajgangpur over the past five days, brought together over 5500 students from 22 States and 1 Union Territory. He described the event as a celebration not only of sports but of “identity, excellence, unity and aspiration,” remarking that “our tribal children are not waiting for the future—they are becoming the future.”

EMRS: A Silent Transformation in Tribal Education

The Commissioner highlighted the rapid progress of Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS), calling it a “silent revolution” that is transforming the educational landscape for tribal communities.

Key points emphasized:

• EMRS, launched in 1997–98, aims to eliminate educational gaps and offer high-quality residential education from Classes 6 to 12 with equal representation for boys and girls.
• As of 2025, the Government of India has sanctioned 728 EMRS, targeting at least one school in every block with significant tribal population.
• 477 EMRS are currently functional, serving nearly 1.4 lakh students across India.
• Under NESTS, financial allocations—including ₹1.47 lakh per student annually and an additional support expenditure of ₹34,971 per student—are being effectively utilized to enhance academic, sports and co-curricular outcomes.

Odisha: Leading the EMRS Movement

Acknowledging the contribution of the host state, the Commissioner stated that:

• Odisha has the highest number of sanctioned EMRS (114 schools) in the country.
• The state currently operates 47 functional EMRS across 17 districts, with an enrolment of over 12,306 students.
• Odisha successfully hosted the 5th National EMRS Cultural Fest (2024) and has once again delivered an exemplary national event with efficiency and warmth.

Achievements of the 4th National EMRS Sports Meet

The Commissioner shared that competitions were organized in 22 sporting disciplines across 8 venues, supported by more than 7000 individuals including teachers, officials, volunteers, and support staff. He praised the resilience, discipline, and sportsmanship displayed by the student athletes, noting that many hold the potential to represent India at national and global platforms in the future.

Expressions of Gratitude

The Commissioner extended gratitude to:

• Hon’ble Chief Minister, Government of Odisha
• Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India
• Government of Odisha, ST & SC Development Department
• District Administration, Sundargarh
• Rourkela Steel Plant, Odisha Tourism Development Corporation
• Sports authorities, I&PR Department, Health, Transport, Police and all associated departments
• Event management teams, UNDP, volunteers and support staff
• Teachers, escort teams and sports mentors for their dedicated effort in preparing and guiding students

Message to EMRS Students

In a heartfelt message to the students, the Commissioner said:

“Each of you is a story of potential. Your journey from your village to these stadiums is a victory in itself. You are breaking stereotypes and proving that India’s tribal youth will shape an inclusive and powerful future. You are not just participating—you are making history.”

Closing Remarks

Declaring the Sports Meet closed, the Commissioner affirmed that the EMRS movement has evolved into a powerful, visible, and confident force of change. He congratulated all participating states, athletes, schools, coaches, and parents, and encouraged them to carry forward the spirit of unity, excellence, and aspiration.

He concluded with a commitment that NESTS will continue working to strengthen pathways for tribal youth, ensuring greater opportunities in academics, sports, leadership, and nation-building.

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RN/

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