Subhechcha Ganguly 
In a groundbreaking move to transform education for Odia-medium students, the Odisha Knowledge Corporation Limited (OKCL) today launched the OKCL Olympiad Movement (OOM) — an initiative that challenges 25,000+ students across the state to “learn by understanding, win by thinking” rather than relying on rote memorization.
The hybrid launch event, held on November 4, 2025, brought together hundreds of educators and students from across Odisha. While OKCL’s District Level Coordinators (DLCs) and staff members attended the physical event at OKCL’s Bhubaneswar headquarters, more than 800 Authorized Learning Centres (ALCs) and numerous school students joined the ceremony virtually, marking one of the largest digital education gatherings in the state.
The event was graced by Dr. Manoranjan Puthal, Managing Director, OKCL, who inaugurated the movement, and Dr. Hadibandhu Pattnaik, an eminent mathematician and educationist, who lauded the initiative. In his inaugural address, Dr. Puthal highlighted that the OKCL Olympiad Movement is a major stride toward reshaping the learning environment in government and Odia-medium schools. “OKCL aims to help students think beyond memorisation. The Olympiad Movement encourages them to understand concepts, apply knowledge, and develop creativity,” he said. He further added that the initiative would bridge learning gaps through OKCL’s e-school content and reach out to more than 25,000 students in the current academic year. He also emphasized that OOM aligns with OKCL’s broader mission to foster 21st-century skills such as critical thinking, collaboration, and digital literacy, thereby preparing students for a knowledge-driven future.
Addressing the participants, Dr. Hadibandhu Pattnaik appreciated OKCL’s innovative efforts in nurturing conceptual learning and analytical thinking among school students. He remarked, “The OKCL Olympiad Movement is not just an examination—it is a journey towards understanding. Such platforms inspire children to question, reason, and innovate. Participation in Olympiads builds analytical ability and self-confidence, which are essential for lifelong learning.” His words reinforced the importance of cultivating curiosity and critical thinking at the foundational level of education.
The OKCL Olympiad Movement is an online state-level competition in Mathematics and Science designed exclusively for students from Classes 4 to 9 studying in Odia-medium schools under the Board of Secondary Education (BSE), Odisha. The one-hour online test assesses students’ understanding, reasoning, and application skills while integrating real-life contexts. Participating students and schools will gain access to free e-content and digital learning resources, ensuring inclusivity across rural and urban areas. In addition, all participants will receive e-certificates and Olympiad badges, while top performers will be honoured with special awards. The programme also acts as a foundation for preparing students for NTSE, as well as national and international Olympiads.
With over 800 ALCs already participating, the Olympiad Movement is fast emerging as a platform that empowers Odia-medium students with equal opportunities in digital learning and competitive exposure. It aims to bridge the urban–rural education divide and foster an environment where learning is joyful, meaningful, and relevant to real life.
OKCL has invited schools, teachers, and parents across Odisha to register their students for the Olympiad and become part of this movement that celebrates thinking, creativity, and understanding. The initiative reflects OKCL’s continued commitment to transforming the state’s education ecosystem through innovation and technology.
Odisha Knowledge Corporation Limited (OKCL) is under the administration of Electronics & Information Technology Department (E&IT), Govt. of Odisha. The organization is dedicated to bridging the digital divide through IT literacy, e-learning, and skill-based education across the state, with flagship programs like OS-CIT and the OKCL Olympiad Movement empowering learners to succeed in a technology-driven world.
