Jeevitotsavam to nurture talents of higher secondary students: CM

A programme Jeevitotsavam has been drawn up to nurture the creative talents and personality of higher secondary students who are in their adolescence, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has said.

At a press conference on Wednesday, the Chief Minister said activities that were devised as practical and transformative challenges would be held over 21 days. At the end of the programme, a State integration carnival named ‘Jeevitotsavam 2025’ will be organised.

On the problem of substance abuse, Mr. Vijayan said like students and teachers, parents too should be made aware of the ill-effects of drugs and other substances. Modules that included parents too in training programmes had been prepared. Detailed guidelines had been given to schools on how to remain alert to the problem of substance abuse and the functioning of ‘janajagratha samithis.’

The problem of drugs had been included in school textbooks as part of the revised curriculum. Along with this, adolescent education too had been given a thrust. The State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) had brought out specific textbooks to encourage healthy lifestyle among children.

Teachers were being given training on how to recognise drug abuse and violence among children. The trainings would continue to equip teachers to provide preliminary counselling.

Anti-narcotic clubs were functioning in schools with the support of the Excise department to organise awareness programmes against drug use and monitor students. In select schools, ‘jagratha’ brigades with 30 to 50 students had been formed to coordinate various activities. Peer groups were also being roped in to address drug-related problems.

Teachers had been given strict instructions to report instances of substance abuse correctly. Complaints received should be examined under the leadership of the head teacher once a week and steps taken. They had also been familiarised with physical activity such as zumba to ensure students’ physical health, the Chief Minister said.

Published - June 18, 2025 08:34 pm IST