Birla High School, Mukundapur

Birla High School, Mukundapur, celebrated Saraswati Puja online. The puja was streamed live on the school’s official Facebook page. Students and staff members, who could not be physically present, took part in the rituals online as well. Bhog was organised for the teaching and non-teaching members in the school. “The students were missing, but live streaming connected them with the celebrations. Parents had appreciated the initiative, and their positive feedback boosted the faculty’s morale. Hopefully, situations would become favourable enough to open the gates of the school for the kids,” said headmistress Hira Prasad. Principal Minnie Sengupta said: “Saraswati Puja without the students was a lonely experience. After all, we missed the gleeful laughter and happy faces.”

Aditya Academy

Teachers and staff members of the Dum Dum branch of Aditya Academy organised Saraswati Puja for the first time. The school and the pandal area were decorated with flowers, bright papers and candles. The guests included Aditya Group managing director Roshni Aditya and education director of Aditya Group of Schools

Sabita Saha. Prasad was distributed among all. “The puja was special as it was held for the first time in our Dum Dum branch. A cultural programme, in which the teachers took part, followed the rituals. Everybody had a great time, despite the current situation,” said Saha.

Indus Valley World School

Indus Valley World School celebrated Saraswati Puja, keeping the festive spirit intact. Principal Reshma Bhattacharya performed the puja in presence of the school director and some teachers. Although the students were at home, they presented music and dance performances online. It was shared with everyone on the school’s YouTube channel and Facebook page. There were songs and dances dedicated to the goddess of knowledge. Teachers, too, presented a cultural programme where they sang and danced on songs. “We have given undivided attention to both curricular and extracurricular activities and through Saraswati Puja students showcased their talent in the field of performing arts, albeit virtually. This year’s experience was definitely different, because we could not have the students on the school premises. But the spirit was there,” said the principal.

B.D.M. International

B.D.M International celebrated Saraswati Puja on the school premises with teachers. They also organised an online programme, displaying a compilation of videos of student performances. The puja rituals in the school were streamed live on Facebook, and the students even offered pushpanjali, virtually. The online programme commenced with a rendition of the Saraswati Vandana by the school choir, followed by a compilation of videos of student performances and classroom activities. The secondary and senior secondary students presented song and dance performances for the day. “As change is inevitable, and evolution mandatory, we sought blessings from the goddess of knowledge, virtually this year, to give us profound wisdom and the power of acceptance. I have missed my dear students a lot, however, I hope to celebrate Saraswati Puja with them next year. I wish them and their families a healthy year ahead,” said principal Vijaya Chaudhuri.