Bhubaneswar: The state govt on Tuesday launched ‘Aarohan’, an initiative aimed at strengthening early childhood education and supporting brain development, on Maha Bishuba Sankranti and Odia New Year.Deputy chief minister Pravati Parida, who holds the women and child development portfolio, formally inaugurated the program on the ICWS campus here. Parida interacted with children and handed them out ‘Aarohan’ kits, as they prepared to transition to the next stage of learning, ‘Bal Vatika’ from anganwadi centres.Addressing parents and children, Parida emphasized that the first six years of life are critical for brain development. She said the government is prioritizing early childhood care as part of Poshan Pakhya-2026 and stressed that families and communities must play an active role alongside the government in nurturing children.Commissioner-cum-secretary of the department Mrunalini Darswal highlighted the importance of coordinated efforts by anganwadi workers and officials to improve the quality of services and ensure holistic child development.Additional secretary and director-in-charge Swoyam Prabha Mohanty, additional secretaries Itishree Das and NC Jyoti Ranjan, along with other senior officials and partner organizations, took part in the event besides anganwadi workers and parents from across the region.