Music, maestro and landmark journey of 75 years

Narayana School, New Town

Students from various branches of Narayana schools get a chance to perform and learn from professionals. That is the purpose of a music lab that was inaugurated at Narayana School, New Town, on January 12.

The inauguration was marked with a special guest, composer-musician Ehsaan Noorani of Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy trio, who dropped in at the New Town institution to perform and encourage other students with dreams of performing in future.

The event began with students performing before a large audience. Finally, Noorani came up on stage amid much cheering.

The latter inaugurated Narayana Music Labs, in association with Torrins. He signed some musical kits in the lab and finally returned to the big stage.

The teachers of the home school felicitated the guests and lit the inaugural lamp. Balloons were flown in the air as a symbol of celebration.

The musical extravaganza started with Torsha Sarkar, the first performer from Narayana School, Sonarpur. Torsha began by saying how nervous she was before performing popular numbers such as Meri Maa, Mitwa. When she left the stage a huge applause followed.

Soumya Dhal from Narayana School, Andul, was up next. With only two days of practice, the band of Narayana School, Park Circus, delivered a power-packed performance that was much appreciated.

Finally, it was time for the maestro to perform. Noorani, accompanied by Savio and his team of musicians, wowed everyone with their performance for the next 30 minutes.

Dil Chahta hai, Rock on, Mitwa and several other songs were performed one after another. Torsha, who had performed earlier, was called upon the stage to sing along with Noorani and the band for a song.

"Music is a lovely learning process. Keep learning and listening to other people and yourself. Even for me, it's a constant learning experience," said Noorani to the students after his performance.

"This music school will be a great opportunity for the students. Co-curricular activities are really important in today's age and time, and this music school will definitely help a lot of students follow their dreams. The students performed really well today. Ehsaan Noorani's presence will definitely inspire a lot of students," said Priyanka Mukherjee, state academic head of Narayana Schools.

South Pioneer Academy

Students of South Pioneer Academy took part in their annual sports on December 14.

The participants showcased their best sportsman spirit. The event commenced with Ganesh Vandana, followed by a march past and drills showing team spirit.

Various track and field events were held such as Cap Race, Flat Race and many others. The audience was an equally enthusiastic lot, cheering all the participants alike.

There were events for parents and teachers too. Almost every student got a chance to take part, thus fostering teamwork among the students.

The day ended with the award ceremony where outstanding athletes were recognised for their achievements. Medals were given to the students, reinforcing the spirit of friendly competition.

Principal D.K. Pal encouraged the students and egged them on for future achievements. "Sports increases discipline and teamwork. It develops a zeal for success in all aspects of life," he said.

G.D. Goenka Public School, Dakshineswar

G.D. Goenka Public School, Dakshineswar, held its sports meet at the NKDA Football Stadium in New Town on December 23.

The guests included IPS officer Manoj Verma, additional director-general of police in the state Debashish Sen, chairman of HIDCO, Group Captain Subhagata Joardar and Grandmaster Dibyendu Barua.

The event began with a march past by the students of the four houses — Radhakrishnan, Vivekananda, Tagore and Teresa.

This was followed by an oath-taking ceremony. The school flag was hoisted and the school anthem sung.

The meet was declared open after the in-house athletes took torch flame round the field. Colourful balloons were released in the air as a symbol of peace and joy.

Students of Classes III to IX and XI took part in various races such as flat, hurdle, relay, Chak de India, Caterpillar and Butterfly, Roll Up, Riddle and Ball and Bucket. There was also a fun tug-of-war.

There were many drills on the cards such as Zumba and Kalaripayattu. The students also took part in vocal music presentations.

Members of the four houses gave each other a tough time, but ultimately, Vivekananda House emerged the winner. They also got the march past award.

Parents and staff members took part in some races as well.

"Our school celebrated its annual sports day on December 23. Nearly 2,000 students from Classes III to IX and XI participated in the event. Parents and teachers actively took part in making the programme a success. Students showcased their talent in various events, including march past, mass sports drill, races and martial arts. It was a huge success and everybody cheered for the students," said principal Sujata Chatterjee.

Bishop George Mission School

Students of Bishop George Mission School celebrated their annual concert on January 14 at the Eastern Zonal Cultural Centre (EZCC) auditorium. The students and teachers participated in the event with greater zeal since its affiliation to the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) last September.

“Our school is an ever-developing institute with the aim of developing excellence and Enigma 2024 celebrates our achievements,” said principal Joyita Dutta, welcoming all the guests.

They included Arun Dasgupta, principal of Bhavans Gangabux Kanoria Vidyamandir, Rev. Sukhendu Biswas, senior priest of Diocese of Calcutta, rector Niraj Jaiswal and actor Abir Chatterjee.

The show began with honouring the teachers as a gesture of gratitude towards their hard work.

The Junior section students performed the welcome songs, Humko man ki shakti dena and Joy to the world.

Next up was another performance by the Nursery students showcasing the unconditional love of mothers. The audience was left mesmerised by a rainbow-themed dance and the rhymes recited by the toddlers.

Medals were given to the students of all the classes who performed well academically. The Class X board joint toppers - Ankita Kumari and Puskar Pandey - and Class XII toppers - Prachi Bhosale, Supriya Tiwari and Hritaja Saha - all got awards.

An audio-visual clip showcased the artwork done by the children of the school.

The highlight of the programme was a fashion show presented by the senior students with social messages on child abuse, human trafficking and domestic violence. The audience cheered the loudest when the students of Classes I to V performed a play honouring the sacrifices of the freedom fighters.

Among many other performances were zumba and a folk dance presented by Classes VI and VIII, a dance to Hanuman Chalisa and a karate performance by Classes IX to XII.

"Enigma '24 is the feather in our crown. This is possible only because of the support from the students, teachers, parents and the entire crew of our school. We are trying hard to achieve greater heights academically as well as culturally to make the entire thing more grand and successful," said rector Niraj Jaiswal.

Don Bosco School, Liluah

The nature club of Don Bosco School, Liluah, oragnised a pet show-cum-competition, Paws and Beaks, at its Sheehy Wing assembly Hall recently.

Students got to interact and admire various kinds of birds, rabbits of various colours, guinea pigs, puppies of different breeds, turtles and fish in containers, hamsters and ducks. The participants had to make arrangements for their pets’ food, bowl, water containers and a platform to keep the cages.

The judging was done before recess and the prizes were distributed in five categories — Avian, Canine, Chelonian, Ducks and Drakes, Pisces and Rabbits.

The Pre-primary children particularly enjoyed the show. The pet owners also showcased a few tricks that they had taught their animals.

Volunteers from the club were present to help out the pet owners. The pet show was open to all, including senior students and staff members after recess.

A crowd gathered around the turtles and tortoises brought by several participants. Debojit Haldar of Class VIII, the first prize winner, had got four different breeds of fish — Guppy, Tetra, Goldfish and Angel. Drikshant Das of Class IX had brought in two exotic ducks. However, a Pomeranian dog called Pixie belonging to Alex Edward of Class VI stole the show.

“It was probably the best-organised event that portrayed various species all under one roof. The adorable pets were admired by all. The efforts of the students as well as the teachers could clearly be seen," said principal Fr Manoj Jose SDB.

Students of Shri Shikshayatan School presented a cultural programme on the occasion of their platinum jubilee celebrations.

The teaching and non-teaching staff members were awarded for their dedicated service on the special day at the school's auditorium on January 6.

The performances were on the theme — Gratitude.

The programme started with an introduction by the student emcees on how the institution was set up in 1954 with only two children.

Principal Sangeeta Tandon, chief guest Hari Krishna Chaudhary and other dignitaries lit the inaugural lamp. Students of the senior school performed a prayer dance and song on Lord Ganesh, which ended with a pyramid formation.

Students of the junior section showcased the life of Lord Krishna. The school also launched their calendar for 2024 on — Indigenous Games and Sports in India.

Teachers and administrative staff members were awarded for putting in 25 years of service, 100 per cent attendance in 2023, innovation in teaching and other categories.

"The theme for the past year was based on "Gratitude" and the theme for the next year will be on "Resilience". The entire cultural programme was based on the theme of gratitude. It was a beautiful programme, said the principal.