New academic year: Kerala CM inaugurates Praveshanolsavam, stresses parent-teacher ties

Thiruvananthapuram: Chief minister V.D. Satheesan on Monday (June 1) inaugurated the state-level Praveshanolsavam (entry festival) marking the start of the new academic year in Thiruvananthapuram. The state-level programme, held to welcome children stepping into schools for the first time, took place at the Government Model Girls Higher Secondary School in Pattom, Thiruvananthapuram.

He noted that during his 12 years of schooling and college education, no one from his home ever came to enquire about him at school. He recalled that even when he engaged in mischief during his student days, teachers would sometimes ask for a guardian to be called, but he managed the situations himself. He added that his parents came to school only once, at the time of his admission into pre-degree college.

Satheesan said mothers have played a significant role in the educational progress of Kerala. He pointed out that around 80 per cent of those attending PTA meetings are women, which, he said, reflects their strong interest in their children’s academic development. He stressed that a healthy relationship between teachers and parents is important. According to him, such cooperation helps in identifying the specific abilities of children at an early stage.

He cited an example involving the son of historian M.G.S. Narayanan, who, while studying in a school in London, had his mathematical ability identified by teachers there. The reference was used to underline the importance of recognising each child’s unique talents early.

Satheesan also said the present era is one of rapid knowledge expansion, where information becomes outdated quickly. He noted that artificial intelligence, or AI, is developing faster than human intelligence in certain respects. He described how earlier inventions such as knives, guns and bombs required human assistance to operate, whereas AI represents a form of invention capable of functioning independently, marking a first in human history.

He urged students to nurture curiosity and a habit of reading and learning, saying that the pursuit of knowledge through reading and other means is central to life.

Across the state, schools organised welcoming programmes (Praveshanolsavam) for new students. The General Education Department has directed schools and districts to conduct interaction sessions to help young children adjust to school life. Students, teachers and parents are also expected to take a cybersecurity pledge on the opening day.