Summary
Students of Bishop George Mission School, from Nursery to Class XII, welcomed Goddess Durga with a cultural programme on October 7
Music & art
Students of Bishop George Mission School, from Nursery to Class XII, welcomed Goddess Durga with a cultural programme on October 7.
The event featured dance performances and art displays, adding a festive touch to the occasion. Academic director Seema Roychoudhury delivered the welcome address to open the programme. She highlighted the story behind Durga puja and its relevance in in present times.
The youngest performers, from Nursery, KG I and KG II, delighted the audience with dances to Aye Re Chute Aye and Oh My Friend Ganesha. Students dressed as Goddess Durga and her entourage captivated with their dance to the popular song Dhak Baja Kashor Baja. The audience appreciated the confidence that the little ones exhibited.
Classes I and II followed with performances to Ek Dantaye Vakratundaya and Jai Ganesha, complemented by speeches and recitations celebrating the festival. Classes III and IV performed Dekh Mon Kash Bon and danced to Durge Durge, while Class V students lit up the stage with Dhaker Tale and sang Dhak Baje Kashor Baje.
Class VI showcased their talent with dances to Ogo Amar Agomoni and Jaya Jaya Jappa Jaye, while Class VII brought energy with Shishire Shishire and Aigiri Nandini. The programme, which celebrated Durga Puja and Navratri, featured Garba performances by senior students to Dolida and Shubharambh.
The venue was transformed with handmade crafts and decorations, including sarees and innovative materials.
“We are glad our children could showcase their talents as a welcome to Goddess Durga. This festival generates a lot of excitement in every heart and we were successfully able to portray that. The event showcased a lot of talents,” said principal
Joyita Dutta.
Welcome song
Pramila Memorial Advanced School ushered in the festive season with an Agomoni programme held on October 4 on the school grounds.
Classes III to XII took part in the celebration, which featured music, dance and mythological storytelling.
The event opened with a soulful rendition of the Durga Strotra, followed by Agomoni songs Sishire Cheshire Sarod Aakash and Jago Tumi Jago. A highlight of the morning was Class XII’s Ashneel Mondal, who captivated the audience with his recitation of poet Subho Dasgupta's poem Saradiya.
The centrepiece was Ashtamatrika, a dance drama performed by 28 students from various classes. The story depicted the triumph of feminine power over demons Sumbha and Nisumbha through eight incarnations, conveying the message of inner strength in overcoming challenges. The performance seamlessly combined dance and storytelling.
The programme concluded with a lively dance to Ei Lo Giri by students from Classes III, IV, and V.
“As we step into the festive season, our pre-Puja celebration is a moment to pause and honour the vibrant tradition and to reflect on the principles of kindness, compassion and resilience,” said principal Manisha Kumar.
Fall jubilation
St Sebastian’s School celebrated the start of their Puja vacations with an annual concert at the Science City Auditorium on October 3, drawing an audience of over 1,700.
The event, dedicated to music, dance and storytelling, featured performances across age groups and marked the launch of the 24th edition of the school’s e-magazine, Radiance. The day began with an opening prayer and a vibrant welcome dance by senior girls dressed in red.
Principal M.P. Rozario, alongside chief guest and dancer Alokananda Roy, lit the ceremonial lamp and inaugurated the programme.
Rozario said: “Growing up, the auspiciousness of the festive season had always attracted me. Today I am proud to have so many people, both on and off-stage, joining me in ushering the fall season with such enthusiasm and happiness. This is the best time.”
The youngest performers, Nursery students, charmed the audience with Aao Tumhe Chand Pe Le Jaaye. KG I followed with a spirited dance to Dil Hain Chota Sa, while KG II recreated the animal kingdom on stage with Hakuna Matata.
Classes I and II showcased India’s cultural diversity through dance, while Classes III to V transformed the stage into a fairytale with a musical rendition of Thumbelina.
The second half featured a powerful dance drama, Priyotama, performed by students from Classes VI to XII. The production depicted a mother’s struggle raising her daughter alone, blending humour, pathos, dance and compelling dialogues to explore the broader struggles of womankind.
Light and empathy
Indus Valley World School (IVWS), in collaboration with its evening school Neev Chhatrachhaya, hosted a Diwali celebration on the school grounds on October 28 to bridge social divides.
The event featured a cultural programme and fireworks, fostering inclusivity and social responsibility among students.
Performances included participation from both IVWS and Neev Chhatrachhaya, which educates children from underprivileged backgrounds, underscoring the school's commitment to an inclusive learning environment.
The highlight of the evening was a magic show by Aryak Ghosh of Class VIII, whose tricks drew cheers from the audience. The celebrations continued with eco-friendly fireworks.
The Kindergarten students of IVWS performed Ganesh Vandana and the Gayatri Mantra, while UKG's Oishi Roy presented a solo rendition of Main Toh Tujhko Manau Baat. Class VI students performed Chalo Ek Deepak Jalaye and shared sparklers and diyas with their peers from Neev Chhatrachhaya, embodying the spirit of sharing.
“This celebration was more than just a festival; it was a lesson in empathy and social consciousness. By bringing together students from different backgrounds, we hope to nurture a generation that understands that the real meaning of Diwali lies in sharing joy,” said principal Reshma Bhattacharya.
High on energy
Julien Day School, Kalyani, hosted the CISCE National Games and Sports 2024 Table Tennis Tournament for Girls from September 27 to 29.
The competition featured 162 participants from 75 schools across 11 regions, competing in Under-14, Under-17 and Under-19categories.
Regions represented included Andhra Pradesh-Telangana, Bihar-Jharkhand, Maharashtra-Goa, Tamil Nadu-Puducherry, Uttar Pradesh-Uttarakhand, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat-Rajasthan, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh and Bengal-Northeast. Over a hundred matches were held, with four matches played simultaneously on four boards. The event's inauguration was graced by Sarmi Sengupta and Subrata De from the Bengal State Table Tennis Association.
Terence John, director of education and development for Julien Day Group of Schools, delivered the welcome speech, and students of the host school presented a cultural performance.
Guest of honour Sarmi Sengupta encouraged the athletes to pursue excellence and embrace the spirit of competition. The tournament featured both team and singles matches. Tamil Nadu-Puducherry secured first place in the Under-14 team category, Maharashtra-Goa led the Under-17 section and Bengal-Northeast triumphed in the Under-19 category.
“The tournament saw an exhibition of talent from different parts of the country. The children displayed passion, grit and determination to ensure glory for their respective regions. We are proud of them,” said principal Garfield D’Souza.
Kids on a roll
K.E. Carmel School, Amtala, hosted its annual festival for Primary students (LKG to Class II) in September, offering young participants a platform to socialise and showcase their talents.
More than 20 schools joined the event, including Vivekananda Mission School (Joka), National Gems Higher Secondary School (Behala), Shaw Public School, M.P. Birla Foundation School (Behala) and K.E. Carmel School, Sarisha. The festival opened with a prayer and featured a range of activities such as art and craft, animated rhymes, recitations, group songs, storytelling, a fashion show and western and folk dances.
The young participants brought nursery rhymes to life and impressed with lively dance performances, revealing an array of talents across categories.
Judges commended the support of teachers and parents in nurturing the children’s abilities. St Montfort’s School won first place, followed by National Gems Higher Secondary School.
“The event was a celebration of children with their innocence and creativity. Our school looked beautiful with enthusiastic tots taking control,” said principal Fr Paul Thamarachery.
Last updated on 14 Nov 2024
