Kannur: This year's Onam celebrations promise to be more colourful for school students across Kerala, thanks to a heartfelt request from two Plus One girls that resonated with the state's Education Minister.

During a visit to Kannur on Monday to inaugurate the new building of Munderi Government Higher Secondary School, Minister V Sivankutty was approached by K Devananda and CK Jumana, two Plus One students, with a modest yet meaningful request: Permission for students to wear coloured clothes instead of school uniforms during Onam celebrations.

Despite a packed schedule and the urgency of heading to the DDE office to address concerns raised by teachers, the minister paused to listen attentively to the girls. He placed a reassuring hand on one student’s shoulder and assured them he would consider the request.

True to his word, the minister made the announcement the very next day during the State School Kalolsavam reception committee formation meeting in Thrissur. He declared that school uniforms would not be mandatory on celebration days, allowing students the freedom to wear festive attire.

“Let the little children fly around and enjoy themselves like colourful butterflies,” the minister said, capturing the joyful spirit of the upcoming festival.

“I felt so happy when I heard the announcement,” said Devananda.

“Initially, I had approached the minister with fear, intending to raise a concern about the Plus One improvement exam being scheduled alongside the Plus Two public exam. But when he spoke to me kindly, my fear melted away. That’s when I gathered the courage to ask about wearing coloured clothes for Onam,” she recalled.