Nov 16, 2025: The Closing Ceremony of the 4th National EMRS Sports Meet 2025 took place on 15th November at the Birsa Munda Athletics Stadium, Rourkela. Shri Ajeet Kumar Srivastava, IRAS, Commissioner of the National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS), delivered an inspiring and forward-looking address in the presence of the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Odisha, senior dignitaries, officials, mentors, and young athletes from across India.
Celebrating Identity, Excellence, Unity and Aspiration
Welcoming delegates and participants, the Commissioner highlighted that the Sports Meet was held across Sundargarh, Rourkela, and Rajgangpur over five days and brought together over 5,500 students from 22 States and 1 Union Territory.
He described the event as a festival of “identity, excellence, unity and aspiration.”
In his powerful message, he said, “Our tribal children are not waiting for the future—they are becoming the future.”
EMRS: A Silent Revolution in Tribal Education
Shri Srivastava emphasized the extraordinary progress of Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS), calling the initiative a silent revolution reshaping education for tribal communities.
Key Highlights
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EMRS was launched in 1997–98 to bridge educational gaps and offer high-quality residential schooling for Classes 6 to 12, with equal representation for boys and girls.
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By 2025, the Government of India has sanctioned 728 EMRS, ensuring at least one school in every tribal-dominated block.
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477 EMRS are now functional, serving nearly 1.4 lakh tribal students nationwide.
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Under NESTS, financial support—including ₹1.47 lakh per student annually and an additional ₹34,971 per student—is being used effectively to enhance academics, sports, and co-curricular performance.
Odisha: A Leader in the EMRS Movement
The Commissioner acknowledged Odisha’s remarkable leadership in the EMRS mission:
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Odisha hosts the highest number of sanctioned EMRS schools (114).
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The state currently operates 47 functional EMRS across 17 districts with an enrolment of 12,306 students.
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Odisha efficiently hosted the 5th National EMRS Cultural Fest in 2024 and once again delivered a well-organized and warmly hosted national sports event.
Achievements of the 4th National EMRS Sports Meet
Competitions were held in 22 sporting disciplines across 8 venues, supported by more than 7000 teachers, mentors, officials, volunteers, and staff.
The Commissioner praised the young athletes for displaying discipline, resilience, teamwork, and sportsmanship.
He noted that many EMRS athletes hold the potential to compete at national and international levels.
Words of Appreciation
The Commissioner expressed sincere gratitude to:
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Hon’ble Chief Minister, Government of Odisha
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Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India
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Government of Odisha, ST & SC Development Department
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District Administration, Sundargarh
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Rourkela Steel Plant, Odisha Tourism Development Corporation
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Sports authorities, I&PR Department, Health, Transport and Police Departments
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UNDP teams, volunteers, escort staff, teachers, and sports mentors
He acknowledged their unwavering commitment in ensuring the success of the event.
Inspiring Message to Students
Addressing the young athletes, 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 the Sports Meet
Declaring the event closed, the Commissioner reaffirmed that the EMRS movement has grown into a visible, confident, and transformative force.
He congratulated all states, athletes, coaches, and parents and encouraged them to uphold the spirit of unity, excellence, and aspiration.
He assured that NESTS will continue strengthening pathways in academics, sports, leadership, and nation-building for tribal youth.
