18 Under 18 Awards will motivate young students to do better, say heads of schools

Heads of institutions from Kolkata and beyond cheered on from the audience as young achievers went up on stage at GD Birla Sabhagar on March 22 to collect their trophies at the first edition of Edugraph 18 Under 18. The one-of-its-kind platform from The Telegraph Online has been conceived to promote young talents from eastern India.

Among those who were all praises for the young champs were John Bagul, principal, of South City International School, and Ranjana Ray, principal, Bridge International School, Kolkata. “I have always felt that catching them young is the right philosophy. For Edugraph to come up with this platform during the pandemic is quite an achievement. And we are very happy to meet one another after so long,” said Bagul. “All the students have surprised me with their extraordinary talents, especially the younger ones. I hope the encouragement students got today will take them a long way,” added Ray.

Binata Kundu, headmistress, Uttarpara Girls High School, had a proud moment as one of her students had made it to the top 18. “It is a wonderful platform for young kids to showcase their talents. It is great to see how these kids are ahead of time and achieving so much at such a young age. The Edugraph 18 under 18 Awards will surely be a motivation for them,” said Kundu.

Niloy Mandal, principal, Techno India Group Public School, Falakata, described the 18 Under 18 Awards as a “well-planned initiative”. “The programme was excellent and I had a wonderful time after a long time. It was nice to see children being recognised for their talents. I am looking forward to next year,” said Mandal.

Ananya Dutta, the vice-principal of Vivekananda Mission School, Joka, feels platforms like the Edugraph 18 Under 18 offer much-needed exposure to children. “I am sure the winners will be greatly motivated and inspired in life,” said Dutta.

“The 18 Under 18 is a great platform. Ours is an NGO school and children come from underprivileged backgrounds. It is a great initiative and I would thank Edugraph for it,” said Samarjit Guha, director of homes, Future Hope.

Fr. Agi Paul, vice-principal, Holy Cross School, Agartala, found the initiative extremely helpful for the student community. “We would love to be a part of it next year as well,” said Paul. “I am sure students will be encouraged to achieve newer heights in their endeavours. My school and I would love to be a part of such endeavours by Edugraph in future,” Suparna Roychoudhury, principal, Hollotoli School, Dimapur.