St Xavier’s Institution, Panihati

St Xavier’s Institution, Panihati, celebrated Saraswati Puja with students giving pushpanjali virtually. The traditional rituals were performed with utmost sanctity. Unlike every year, the school premises was devoid of students and parents coming together to take part in the puja. “Although this year the pandemic obstructed the entry of over 11,000 students, guardians and other invitees to the school compound to witness the puja, we at least managed to offer pushpanjali on a virtual platform. Moreover, children have adapted to the new ways of learning very quickly and are making us proud,” said headmistress Anju Banerjee. Principal Lipika Ghosh said: “When I go to a marketplace, I see that people are out on the streets as if there is no fear of Covid-19. So, I wonder why they are so afraid to send their children to school. It seems as if the virus lives in schools and nowhere else. I hope the parents understand this and agree to send their kids to school. And it goes without saying that although we did celebrate Saraswati Puja, every festivity in school is incomplete without the presence of students.”

Bidya Bharati Girls’ High School

Bidya Bharati Girls’ High School observed Saraswati Puja on a virtual platform because of the pandemic. The kids’ performances had been compiled into a video clip, and then was shared with all teachers and students. The primary theme was Devi Saraswati in the old, middle and modern eras. There were speeches, Saraswati Vandana and a chorus song, presented by the students of classes V, VI and X. The participants explained the vedic system of Saraswati Puja. The programme also showcased various paintings of the idol from the time of Mughal miniature art to Mysore paintings and so on. “Goddess Saraswati symbolises knowledge. She blesses her children with wisdom. Students must respect their teachers, who guide them to acquire knowledge,” said headmistress Sharmistha Banerjee.

Abhinav Bharati High School

Abhinav Bharati High School celebrated Saraswati Puja with only a few students of classes X and XII because of the pandemic. Members of the school’s managing committee, faculty and staff members were there. The celebrations continued under safety standards. No cut fruits were distributed. “We just gave a few students, who did turn up, food packets post puja. The celebrations had to be low-key this time given the pandemic. The Class XII students were disappointed to miss out all the fun in their final year. But they did look resplendent and positive as they came decked up for the festivities,” said principal Sraboni Samanta.

Heritage Academy High School

Present and former students and faculty members of Heritage Academy High School came together to celebrate Saraswati Puja, following the Covid-19 protocols. The students were allowed to enter the school between 9am and 1pm. “Every year our school organises Saraswati Puja, but this year, owing to the pandemic, the festivities were restricted. However, it was welcome that the puja could be organised in a wonderful way, following all the necessary protocols,” said Sourya Sadhan Bose, the administrator.

Fun-Learn Day Boarding School

Students and teachers of Fun-Learn Day Boarding School welcomed spring through Saraswati vandana on a digital platform. They invoked the goddess of learning, music and arts through renditions of soulful folk songs from different parts of the country. The children donned yellow costumes and ornaments of marigold flowers to set the mood and colour of spring. They sang folk songs in Bhojpuri, Gujarati, Bengali and Rajasthani mellifluously. “Children are influenced by songs from motion pictures. So, we made it a rule that they should only sing the original folk songs. This was an education for them as they were introduced to the wealth of our Indian folk culture,” said school founder Udita Chakraborty.