Koriya, Chhattisgarh, India — In an innovative effort to expand learning beyond traditional classrooms, the Koriya District Administration launched the “Beyond the Classroom with the Collector – The Collector’s-15” initiative, providing students with a unique opportunity to interact directly with District Collector Roktima Yadav. The inaugural session, titled “Dreamers-15,” was held on Saturday at the Collector’s Residence, transforming an official government space into a platform for inspiration, mentorship, leadership, and cultural learning.
The initiative aims to help students develop not only academically but also personally by encouraging meaningful conversations, self-reflection, and exposure to public administration, local culture, and community values.
Collector’s Residence Opens to Students for the First Time
For the first time in Koriya district, the Collector’s official residence welcomed students instead of hosting only administrative meetings and government functions.
The atmosphere was filled with enthusiasm, curiosity, and youthful aspirations as students shared their dreams and interacted with senior officials in an informal setting.
District officials said the program reflects the belief that government institutions can play an active role in nurturing the next generation of leaders, not merely administering public services.
Fifteen Exceptional Students Selected
The inaugural “Dreamers-15” batch included 15 carefully selected students from various schools across the district.
Participants represented a wide range of achievements, including:
- Board examination toppers
- Youth Parliament competition winners
- Talented painters and artists
- Singers and performers
- Social media content creators
- Students recognized for leadership and creativity
Selection was based not only on academic excellence but also on innovation, talent, leadership potential, creativity, and a willingness to learn.
The event was attended by Yogendra Shrivas, the newly appointed Chief Executive Officer of the District Panchayat, as the Guest of Honor.
Students Share Their Dreams
Instead of beginning with formal speeches, organizers conducted interactive ice-breaking activities, allowing students to speak openly about their ambitions.
Participants shared a wide variety of career goals, including becoming:
- An international chess champion
- A nationally recognized artist
- The founder of a Japanese gaming studio
- A Chartered Accountant
- A Neurologist
- A Cardiologist
- A modern agricultural entrepreneur continuing a family farming business
One student said that serving his parents while modernizing the family’s agricultural work was his life’s greatest ambition.
Learning Through Family Values
Before attending the session, students were assigned a meaningful activity: spending quality time with their parents and elderly family members to understand their struggles, sacrifices, and dreams.
During the discussion, several students became emotional, saying they had never fully realized how much effort their parents had invested in providing them with a quality education.
Many participants said the experience strengthened their feelings of gratitude, respect, responsibility, and family values.
Promoting Chhattisgarh’s Cultural Heritage
The program also highlighted local art and cultural traditions.
Safiyano Pawle, a renowned folk artist from Chhattisgarh associated with the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, conducted a workshop introducing students to the state’s traditional Godna Art, a centuries-old indigenous tattoo-inspired folk art form.
The session helped students appreciate Chhattisgarh’s rich cultural heritage, traditional craftsmanship, and artistic legacy.
Collector Shares a Meal with Students
Following the interaction, Collector Roktima Yadav joined the students for lunch in a relaxed and friendly environment.
The meal featured a combination of traditional Chhattisgarhi cuisine, including Farra, along with North Indian and South Indian dishes, allowing students to experience India’s culinary diversity while celebrating local food traditions.
Educational Visit to Jhumka Reservoir
To conclude the day, students visited the scenic Jhumka Reservoir, one of Koriya district’s notable tourist attractions.
During the visit, participants learned about:
- Natural beauty and biodiversity
- Tourism opportunities
- Environmental conservation
- Sustainable development
Officials said the excursion reinforced the idea that learning extends far beyond textbooks and classrooms.
Collector’s Vision
Speaking during the program, Collector Roktima Yadav emphasized that every child possesses unique aspirations that deserve encouragement.
She said:
“Every child has a dream. Our goal is not only to hear those dreams but to give students the confidence that they can achieve them. When children communicate openly, understand their family’s sacrifices, connect with their cultural roots, and express their ambitions, true leadership begins. ‘The Collector’s-15’ is not merely a program—it is an ongoing journey of dreams, dialogue, heritage, and personality development.”
At the conclusion of the event, each student received an inspirational keepsake carrying the message:
“Dream big, believe in yourself, work hard continuously, and never fear failure. I believe that one day you will make your family, your district, and your country proud.”
American Education Experts React
Dr. Jennifer Williams, an American education leadership expert from California, praised the initiative as an excellent example of experiential learning.
“Programs that connect students with public leaders outside formal classrooms help develop confidence, leadership, communication skills, and civic responsibility. These experiences often leave a lifelong impact.”
Prof. Michael Anderson, an American youth development researcher based in Boston, Massachusetts, said the program successfully combines academic inspiration with emotional intelligence.
“Encouraging students to reflect on their parents’ sacrifices, engage with local culture, and openly discuss their ambitions creates well-rounded future leaders. This is the kind of holistic education that many education systems around the world are striving to achieve.”
A New Model for Student Development
Education observers believe the “Beyond the Classroom with the Collector – The Collector’s-15” initiative represents a forward-looking model of student engagement, integrating mentorship, public administration, family values, cultural heritage, environmental awareness, and leadership development into a single learning experience.
As the program expands with future batches, it is expected to inspire more young people to pursue their dreams while remaining connected to their communities, traditions, and sense of public responsibility.
