SAI International proudly presented the 15th edition of UNWIND, a vibrant cultural celebration that not only embodies SAI’s spirit but also stands as one of India’s largest school-based cultural fests driven by students on Sunday, December 3, 2023. Themed “Unveiling the Wonders Within,” this day-long extravaganza welcomed over 30,000 attendees and was expertly orchestrated by Class XI students from the Commerce & Humanities streams, supported by their mentors.
Chief Guest, Shri Pratap Keshari Deb, Hon’ble Cabinet Minister, Industries, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises & Energy, Government of Odisha inaugurated SAI UNWIND 2023. He expressed his happiness, stating, “I am delighted to be a part of UNWIND 2023, where young minds are nurtured with an entrepreneurial perspective and instilled with leadership skills from an early age. It is truly exciting to witness students organize such a significant event flawlessly.” Speaking about entrepreneurship, Shri Deb went on to state the contributione that UNWIND makes in inculcating 21st century skills and the nuances of modern-day businesses, inspiring the GenZ to be leaders of the future.
Initiated in 2008 by Founder-Chairman, SAI International, Dr. Bijaya Kumar Sahoo, UNWIND has evolved into one of India’s leading student-driven cultural event, exemplifying innovation and creativity. Dr. Silpi Sahoo, the Chairperson of SAI International Education Group, continues to steer this legacy toward greater heights, emphasizing the development of critical thinkers and future leaders.
During her address at UNWIND 2023, Dr. Silpi Sahoo shared, “It’s immensely gratifying to witness my SAIoneers from Commerce and Humanities present such a grand and engaging fest for UNWIND 2023. Dr. Bijaya Kumar Sahoo, our Founder-Chairman, envisioned nurturing critical thinkers and problem solvers, shaping future entrepreneurial citizens of India. His dream was to forge global leaders, critical-thinking innovators poised for impactful careers, ready to reshape the world. Seeing my SAIoneers following the path set by our Founder fills me with immense joy.”
The event boasted over 100 food stalls with global cuisines, 100 engaging game stalls, and a diverse range of experiences including arcade games, e-games, adventure sports, fun rides, cultural performances, a horror house, and an enchanting open-air amphitheater experience.
The Women’s Self-Help Groups (WSHGs) under the aegis of ‘Mission Shakti’, Govt. of Odisha had also put up a lounge at this mega event this year. This endeavour showcased financial independence & women empowerment.
The CSR initiative Dr. Bijaya Kumar Sahoo-100 Library Project benefited from the UNWIND sponsorships. This philanthropic initiative aims to support government and private school students in Cuttack and Bhubaneswar by establishing fully functional libraries and providing teacher training in bookkeeping. Children from Shri Harsha Memorial School for Deaf and Mute also were a part of the mega event.
Holistic Parenting award was instituted to the parents of Class XII CBSE State topper Pratishtha Pal.
The SAIoneers didn’t hold back when it came to showcasing their abilities in plays, dances, or music. Team Unwind 2023 also took part with great enthusiasm, receiving thunderous acclaim from the crowd as they danced merrily in a flash mob.
The well-known band T.R.A.P. hit the stage at UNWIND 2023 amid the enchanted atmosphere of the celebrity event. A wonderful mood was created in the darkness by their enthralling performance, filling the air with a perfect blend of tunes and laughter. Unwind 2023 became a tapestry of innumerable remarkable moments that were all permanently captured in time as the evening went on. This amazing occasion has created a lasting impression that will always be treasured in the hearts and memory of everyone who was fortunate enough to take part in this remarkable celebration.
