Over 40 Lakh Students Return to Schools in Kerala After Summer Vacation

Alappuzha: Over 40 lakh students returned to schools across Kerala on Monday as educational institutions reopened following a two-month-long summer vacation.

Despite heavy rains in several districts over the past week due to the southwest monsoon, the state witnessed relatively pleasant weather on Monday morning, allowing for a smooth reopening.
Schools in both urban and rural areas buzzed with excitement as children, dressed in new uniforms and carrying fresh books and bags, marked the beginning of the new academic year. Teachers warmly welcomed students, decorating school premises with balloons, festoons, and coconut leaves. In many institutions, traditional drum performances and percussion ensembles were organized by school authorities and parent-teacher associations to greet newcomers.
According to initial estimates, over two lakh children have enrolled in the first standard in government and aided schools across Kerala. Final figures are expected to be released soon, official sources said.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan formally inaugurated the new academic year through the state’s annual “Praveshanotsavam 2025–26” ceremony, held at the Kalavoor Higher Secondary School in Alappuzha. During the culturally vibrant event, he also launched the state-level distribution of study materials by lighting a traditional lamp.
In his inaugural address, the Chief Minister emphasized that education should go beyond the transmission of knowledge, encouraging wisdom and discernment. “We must cultivate critical thinking. Secular values and democratic consciousness should be deeply rooted in children’s minds. That is the true aim of education,” he said.
He also urged teachers to continuously update themselves with new knowledge and methodologies. “Schools should work collectively to create an atmosphere of curiosity and inquiry, helping students overcome their fears and concerns,” he added.
Highlighting the government's educational reforms, Vijayan spoke about several comprehensive changes introduced this academic year. These include revised school timings for high schools and the introduction of value-based education. The event was attended by General Education Minister V. Sivankutty, Fisheries Minister Saji Cheriyan, and other public representatives.