Come November, The Telegraph School Awards for Excellence by The Telegraph Education Foundation will be held in Siliguri for the first time.
These awards are non-competitive in spirit and instituted to recognise the exceptional passion, grit and determination of individuals and institutions in the face of challenges.
This is the first time that the north Bengal edition of The Telegraph School Awards for Excellence will be held as a separate event outside Calcutta.
“For the upcoming event, The Telegraph Education Foundation organised a briefing for school authorities on Thursday in Siliguri. The details of the award categories were elaborated at the session. Around 53 principals and representatives of various schools from across north Bengal attended the event,” said Amitabha Datta, the chairman of The Telegraph Education Foundation.
Among the categories is an award for excellence in maintenance and eco-friendly initiatives. It will be presented to a school that takes good care of its premises and is environment friendly.
The award for excellence in academics goes to a school that has produced outstanding results in public or board examinations in the academic year ending March 2023, Datta said.
The award for excellence in social service will be presented to a school that is deeply committed to making a difference in society.
There are awards for excellence in extra-curricular activities, school of the year, academic excellence by a student, outstanding talent in the arts, outstanding talent in sports and courage. There is also a lifetime achievement award for a teacher.
The foundation offers one-time scholarships for students in need of financial assistance. Over the past few years, the foundation has disbursed scholarships worth over Rs 45 lakh per year to students across the state.
Nandini Nandi, the principal of Techno India Group World School, Siliguri, said the introduction of The Telegraph School Awards for Excellence will boost students of this region.
“It would be a very encouraging event for the students of our school and other institutions of north Bengal. We have students to match all categories mentioned for the award,” she said.
Father Xavier from North Point School, Darjeeling, also appreciated the initiative.
“We are very happy that the school awards have finally reached north Bengal. It will motivate students for studies and extracurricular activities,” he said.