Children were the true heart of the Utsav, bringing the stage alive with soulful dance performances, a spirited judo demonstration, a heartfelt song, and a powerful drama on the meaning of freedom.
History was made in Bhubaneswar as Unmukt Foundation hosted Unmukt Utsav 2025 – Odisha’s first-ever Zero-Waste celebration, centering on the theme “Freedom Through the Lens of a Child.”
The event redefined possibilities for sustainability and education. Highlights included the digital launch of the Annual Report, the release of an eco-friendly Odia Calendar, hand-painted glass bottles with living plants, and a vibrant up-cycled selfie booth – every element consciously designed to leave no waste behind. Not a single scrap went unmanaged, setting a powerful precedent for future events in the state.
In a deeply moving moment, mothers of Unmukt children were felicitated with medals – honoring their journeys of resilience and transformation. For the first time, these mothers, who had long stood in the background, were celebrated at the centre stage. “It is only because of Unmukt that my children and I stand where we are today,” shared one mother, her voice thick with emotion.
Children were the true heart of the Utsav, bringing the stage alive with soulful dance performances, a spirited judo demonstration, a heartfelt song, and a powerful drama on the meaning of freedom. The Art Exhibition of 89 fearless artworks, created by Unmukt’s children, boldly captured emotions of resilience, dreams, and hope. A special highlight was a working robot built by Prabodh, a student of Unmukt, demonstrating the innovation Unmukt nurtures even in resource-constrained environments.
A Quiet Revolution
The event was graced by eminent guests: Jagadananda, Padma Shri Ileana Citaristi, Tarakant Parida, Valentina Valena, Omm Priyadarshi Chhotray, Chandra Sekhar Sethi, and Jyoti Ranjan Das, whose inspiring presence uplifted the spirit of the celebration.
Padma Shri Ileana Citaristi reflected, “Unmukt is fighting courageously to preserve children’s ability to ask, to dream, to imagine – something the world is fast forgetting.” Miss Valentina Valena shared a deeply personal insight: “Even as an international karate player, I still get worried calls from home every time I leave the camp. It makes me wonder – am I truly Unmukt?”
Omm Priyadarshi Chhotaray shared, “I hope the young talents I witnessed today continue to soar, making Odisha and India proud. It fills me with immense joy to see Unmukt Foundation providing them with the opportunity and platform they deserve to be seen and celebrated.”
Shweta Agarwal, Founder and CEO of Unmukt Foundation, spoke from the heart: “There is no bad child. I dream of a future where every Indian child experiences joyful, quality education, is free, and reaches their highest potential. Join us in this movement of hope and transformation.”
The celebration ended on a vibrant note with a live performance by Danav, The Band (An OUTR Band), sending waves of energy through the audience.
Unmukt Utsav 2025 was powered by the partnerships of SOA University, MUVI, Centaur Avantech, and countless Friends of Unmukt. Volunteers, especially from SOA University, played an instrumental role in the event’s flawless execution. Volunteer Vibha from SOA National Institute of Law shared, “My experience with Unmukt was extraordinary. Unmukt Utsav made me realize my potential, and it felt incredible to see all our hard work pay off. The working environment was very friendly and resourceful. I thank Unmukt and especially Shweta Di for giving me this opportunity.”
More than a festival, Unmukt Utsav 2025 was a quiet revolution – a living example of what freedom, resilience, and sustainable celebration can look like when seen through the eyes of a child.
