UDBHAV 2025: National EMRS Cultural Fest Begins at KL University

UDBHAV 2025 Underway in Andhra Pradesh

The 6th National EMRS Cultural & Literary Fest and Kala Utsav – UDBHAV 2025 opened on 3 December at KL University in Andhra Pradesh. The National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS) is organising the event, which brings together students from Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) across the country.

The festival aims to provide a platform for tribal students to showcase their talents in cultural and literary fields. Participants have arrived from multiple states, and the university campus is buzzing with rehearsals and preparations.

What to Expect at the Fest

The event features a range of competitions, including folk dances, music, drama, painting, essay writing, and poetry recitation. Students will also take part in debates and quizzes, with themes centred on tribal heritage and contemporary issues.

Judges from various cultural and academic backgrounds are evaluating the performances. NESTS officials said the fest encourages students to preserve their traditional art forms while gaining exposure to a national platform.

Focus on Tribal Talent

EMRS schools are residential institutions set up by the government to provide quality education to Scheduled Tribe students. UDBHAV is one of the flagship events to identify and nurture their creative potential.

Past editions have seen winners go on to participate in state and national-level cultural programmes. This year's turnout is expected to be one of the largest, with hundreds of students competing over several days.

Organisational Details

KL University is hosting the event for the first time. The university has made arrangements for accommodation, food, and transport for all participants. Security and medical facilities are in place.

NESTS has not yet disclosed the full schedule of performances. However, the opening day included an inaugural ceremony attended by officials from the Ministry of Tribal Affairs and university administrators.

The festival will run for multiple days, with winners to be announced at a closing ceremony. Officials said the event promotes national integration by bringing tribal students from different regions together.

What to watch: The list of winners and standout performances will be released after the closing ceremony, along with plans for the next edition of UDBHAV.