Chennai: Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi has advised that other teachers should refrain from taking over the sports classes of students, allowing them to fully benefit from their dedicated physical education sessions.

The award ceremony for the winners of the state-level art festival, centered on the theme “Environmental Protection is Everyone's Responsibility,” was held yesterday in Kotturpuram, Chennai, organized by the School Education Department. Madhumathi, State Project Director of Integrated School Education, welcomed the participants.

Speaking at the event, Minister Mahesh highlighted that the art festival was designed in a way that allowed students to ask questions about environmental protection. As part of the program, ten students will be taken to Delhi to question the Central Government about pending funds.

In his address during the award distribution, Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi commended the academic and sporting excellence of Tamil Nadu's students. He emphasized that 46 lakh students from across the state participated in the art festival, and reiterated the importance of safeguarding sports classes for students. He suggested that other subject classes be rescheduled, if possible, to further strengthen the state's sports achievements.

A total of 466 students from classes one to twelve were awarded the Kalaiyarasan and Kalaiyarasi awards for their excellence. The event was attended by School Education Department Secretary Madhumathi, Ministers Subramanian, Sekarbabu, Chennai Mayor Priya, and several others.