Vijayawada: The National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS) on Wednesday organised the sixth edition of the National EMRS Cultural and Literary Fest and Kala Utsav 'UDBHAV 2025' at KL University in Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh to celebrate tribal culture and promote holistic development of students.

The event was formally inaugurated by Union Minister for Tribal Affairs Jual Oram in the presence of Andhra Pradesh Minister for Tribal Welfare and Women and Child Welfare Gummidi Sandhya Rani. The fest is being hosted by the Andhra Pradesh Tribal Welfare Residential Educational Institutions Society (APTWREIS).

Officials said the event underlines the Centre's commitment to empowering tribal youth and showcasing the rich cultural diversity of India's tribal communities. More than 2,000 students from Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRSs) across the country are participating in the multi-day programme.

UDBHAV 2025 features 48 competitive events across cultural, literary and visual art categories, including vocal and instrumental music, dance, theatre, visual arts and literary contests. The platform provides students with national exposure and opportunities to display their creative talents.

Winners of the fest will qualify to participate in the national-level Kala Utsav scheduled to be held at the Yashwantrao Chavan Academy of Development Administration (YASHADA) in Pune, where EMRS students will compete with teams from across the country.

Officials said the EMRS cultural fest plays a vital role in bridging the gap between tribal and mainstream communities by ensuring equal opportunities and nurturing excellence in artistic and literary fields.

NESTS said UDBHAV 2025 aligns with the Prime Minister's vision of inclusive growth and aims to strengthen the cultural identity, social confidence and creative potential of tribal students.