Back on stage with new skills and life lessons

Garden High School

They were back on stage after three years with excitement written large on their faces. Students of Garden High School presented a cultural programme on the occasion of the school's annual prize day that saw achievers, both academic and extra-curricular, getting prizes at the Science City auditorium on July 14.

More than four months of hard work later the students were ready to perform before a full house. "We are delighted to be back as a community. This evening shows our collective resilience. We are here to celebrate the achievement of the students, honour their hard work and also inspire other students," said principal Rajashri Biswas in her inaugural speech. Also present at the event were Satikanta Guha Foundation CEO T.K. Gopalan and the school's founder-rector Indranath Guha.

To emphasise their triumphant return post-pandemic, the students began the cultural programme with a graceful dance to Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra. Dressed in blue, the semi-classical dance was meant to usher in longevity and mental and physical health.

Next it was time for some humour. The students went on to present a play on Sukumar Roy's Lakkhaner Shoktishel, complete with its tongue-and-cheek humour. The audience enjoyed the performance immensely.

Prizes were given away to Class and subject toppers (for Class VIII to XII) as well as the board performers — Aaranyak Ray (ICSE, 2023), Aishwarik Dey (ICSE, 2022) and Proshomit Kumar Mitra (ISC, 2022) — among others.

This year, the school also gave away 10 special awards for students who have excelled both in academics and extra-curricular activities. Chinar (green) house won the best house award to thunderous applause.

The programme ended with the school choir performing a medley of songs.

The event was more special for the present batch of Class XII students. "I was a regular at school concerts but thanks to the pandemic it all stopped. I was so happy that I could perform on stage again in my last year. My friends and I were both anxious and excited. The rehearsals brought back so many happy memories," said Sheersha Banerjee, before taking to the stage for the final dance.

"Putting everything together for such a large audience was a huge learning experience for me that will stay with me," added head boy Samraat Samiksh Sen of Class XII.

The principal also went backstage to motivate the students. "It's been so long since they last performed on such a grand scale. The enthusiasm was sky high," she said.

Douglas Memorial Higher Secondary School

The annual prize day of Douglas Memorial Higher Secondary School was held in two slots at Sukanta Sadan auditorium on July 1. The chief guest for the Primary section was The Heritage School principal Seema Sapru and for the Secondary section, it was educator Hilda Peacock. Principal Sonia Gidla felicitated the two dignitaries.

An opening prayer was delivered by the school administrator Ashwin Kumar Medidi.

A song and dance performance followed that the audience appreciated much.

There were prizes for students in three categories — academic brilliance, board toppers and creative achievers.

Class and section toppers were given certificates of merit and honour, along with medals. Exceptional performers in dance, music, painting, sports and other co-curricular activities were celebrated and awarded as well.

The Special Category Awards were given to students who were exceptionally gifted. These awards recognised students who displayed extraordinary talent, grit and good conduct.

A few teachers were also recognised for their dedication and long association with the institution. Parents also got awards for their constant support and cooperation.

The event ended with vote of thanks and the rendition of the national anthem. "The annual prize day is one of the most important events of the school calendar. Teachers and students look forward to this day with great anticipation. There are awards aplenty for both. Even parents get awarded. This year two students got special awards for their courage and one for good conduct," said the principal.

Sushila Birla Girls’ School

The Nursery kids of Sushila Birla Girls’ School celebrated Doctors’ Day by paying tribute to medical professionals through art, role play and by learning about first aid.

The event began with some lessons on personal hygiene given by Dr. Garima Jain, a parent and also a Bachelor of Ayurveda medicine and surgery.

The highlight of the celebration was a role play session where the little ones enthusiastically dressed up as doctors and took care of their “sick” friends and teachers, using toy medical kits.

The school nurse from the infirmary demonstrated the proper use of a first aid box. Children took part in an activity, Dress the Wound, showcasing some valuable lessons about basic first aid.

The students also took part in an art exercise where they coloured first aid boxes and embellished them with cotton and band-aids. The teachers cut out the coloured boxes that the students took home.

The event saw enthusiastic participation from all students and teachers, creating an atmosphere of joy and appreciation.

"Celebrating Doctors' Day in school is an excellent way to educate our young learners about the vital role doctors play in our lives and to instill a deep sense of gratitude and respect for the medical professionals," said headmistress Vidisha Panja.

Bidya Bharati School, Mominpore

Students of Classes II to IV, Bidya Bharati School, Mominpore, presented a yoga display and some creative formations to celebrate International Yoga Day on June 21.

The half-an-hour programme was staged in the school auditorium before parents and teachers.

Selected children performed, under the guidance of their yoga teachers, spreading the message of the importance of mindfulness and physical well-being that the asanas inculcate.

The young participants demonstrated various yoga poses with grace, showcasing their flexibility and concentration in the process.

The event was meant to highlight the significance of yoga as well as instil a sense of unity and harmony among the young learners.

The training in school has inspired many students to practise yoga regularly and incorporate its discipline in their daily lives.

“We teach yoga right from KG II. From Class I students have regular yoga sessions. The performers did a good job on World Yoga Day. They were all very enthusiastic. The parents also cooperated a lot. They got the children to school for regular practice during the summer vacations,” said the school's teacher-in-charge Sumana Nag.