Nellore: A total of 260 meritorious students from across SPSR Nellore district were felicitated at the Shining Stars Awards-2026 ceremony on Monday, with speakers stressing the importance of hard work, discipline and determination in achieving success.

Organised by the education department at Sri Kasturba Kalakshetram, the programme honoured 224 Class X toppers and 36 Intermediate students for their academic performance. Each Class X topper received a medal, a certificate of appreciation and a cash award of `20,000.

Addressing the gathering, district collector Himanshu Shukla said talent alone was not enough to achieve success and that dedication, commitment and discipline were essential for reaching greater heights.

Recalling his own academic journey, the collector said he had stood on a similar stage as an Intermediate topper more than two decades ago. He advised students to remain focused on their goals, avoid distractions from social media platforms and maintain discipline in their studies.

He also appreciated the role of parents, particularly mothers, in shaping students’ success and said the government was strengthening the education sector through improved infrastructure, quality learning and student welfare initiatives.

Shukla said every student possessed unique talent and urged teachers and parents to identify and nurture their potential. He also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to educational reforms under the leadership of Education Minister Nara Lokesh.

Zilla parishad chairperson Anam Arunamma and Nellore Mayor Devarakonda Sujatha congratulated the award winners and encouraged them to continue pursuing excellence through hard work and discipline.