Mon Jun 02 07:59:08 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the provided text, followed by a news article based on that summary:

**Summary:**

After a two-month summer vacation, over 4 million children in Kerala, India, returned to school on June 2, 2025. Schools across the state held “Praveshanotsavam” celebrations to welcome students back, decorating schools and organizing events. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan inaugurated the official reopening of schools in Alappuzha, launching the distribution of study materials and emphasizing the importance of critical thinking, secular values, and democratic consciousness in education. The state government is implementing several changes in the new academic year, including new schedules for high schools and value-based education.

**News Article:**

**Kerala Welcomes Back Over 4 Million Students as New Academic Year Begins**

**Alappuzha, India – June 2, 2025** – Festivities were in full swing across Kerala today as over 4 million students returned to school after a two-month summer break. The state-wide “Praveshanotsavam” celebrations marked the official start of the 2025-2026 academic year, with schools decked out in decorations and teachers eager to welcome students back.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan inaugurated the academic year at a function in Alappuzha, launching the distribution of study materials and highlighting the government’s focus on fostering critical thinking and secular values in the educational system. “We should approach everything with critical intelligence. Secular thinking and democratic consciousness should be instilled in the minds of children. That should be the objective of education,” Mr. Vijayan stated during his address.

Despite heavy rains in previous weeks, the weather cooperated for most of the state, allowing for enthusiastic celebrations. Schools organized welcoming events, many featuring live music and festive decorations. Over 200,000 children are estimated to have joined Class 1 this year, though official figures are still being compiled.

The new academic year will see several changes implemented by the state government, including new schedules for high schools and an increased emphasis on value-based education. General Education Minister V. Sivankutty and Fisheries Minister Saji Cherian were also present at the inaugural event. The government aims to create an atmosphere of curiosity and inquisitiveness in all schools, ensuring a positive and engaging learning experience for students.

Read More