They gave up on giving up

Over 120 students, representing about 68 schools from different parts of north Bengal, proved the aptness of the above tagline at the Adamas University Kolkata presents The Telegraph School Awards for Excellence 2024 North Bengal as they walked the ramp on the final day of the programme at Dinabandhu Manch in Siliguri on Tuesday.

“This initiative is a movement to help undaunting spirit. The movement is growing and we would like to touch more people,” Amitabha Datta, chairman, The Telegraph Education Foundation (TTEF), said while speaking about the north Bengal edition of the award.

The first event of the ceremony — the rendition of Saraswati Bandana by Sikha and Devi Chhetri, two young visually impaired students —excited the audience and was a precursor to the brave stories that unfolded during the day.

The second edition of The Telegraph school awards saw a quantum leap of participants from 35 schools in the first edition last year to 68 schools in 2024. “The 10-member jury had a difficult time drawing up the final list of winners as every story of grit and determination was as compelling,” said Datta.

Sikha Roy (left) and Devi Chhetri of Prerana Educational Centre, Siliguri, render Saraswati Bandana at the programme on Tuesday.

The organisers, however, stressed that the award was not about competition but about learning and inspiring each other.

The high point of the event also was a passionate reflection of the dichotomy that exists in India,

“I live in India that is quick to judge, slow to course correct, quick to compare and slow to consider and resolve but thankfully, I do live in India that cares, that shares, that reaches out. I am blessed that I live in India that is concerned, considerate and compassionate,” Barry O Brien, founder convener of the award ceremony and a trustee of the TTEF, told an audience that was observing a pin-drop silence.

Sumit Sarkar, 18, a student of Kranti Devijhora Higher Secondary School, bagged The Punam Chand Mittal Memorial Scholarship. The student who will sit for the higher secondary examination next year was a benefit of a compassionate society.

Sumit has faced mobility challenges since birth and his father Nilkama Sarkar who works as a daily labourer had bought him a tricycle many years ago.

“The tricycle broke down five years ago but the family has not been able to buy one for him. Despite difficulties, he is passionate about his study and this has brought him this far, allowing him to sit for the higher secondary examination,” said Sumit’s mother Basanti.

When Brien was asked if there were any helping hands in the audience to sponsor a tricycle for Sumit, Rita Sengupta, who runs the Prerana Educational Centre, immediately offered help. The gesture defined the emotions behind the ceremony.

Over the past two days, over 120 students received certificates of merit, honours and scholarships. This included 32 students, who received one-time financial assistance of ₹12,000 each.

The TTEF is organising the second edition of the north Bengal school awards with support from the International Institute of Hotel Management (IIHM), The Bhawanipur Educational Society College, JIS Group and PCM Group. The event is co-sponsored by SiP Abacus.

Hillol Chakraborty from Tilabari village in Jalpaiguri district received the TTEF Honour for an educationist. For students of Tilabari, Hillol’s home is no less than a pilgrimage site. “Though not a teacher in any school
or college, he has been tirelessly teaching since 1989, receiving only a modest compensation,” said a resident of Tilabari.

The DR AP O’Brien Memorial Lifetime Achievement Award for a Teacher was handed over to Ajoy Chowdhury of Mahbert High School, Siliguri, Sukram Tamang of Margaret’s Hope High School, Kurseong, and Susmita Sanyal of GD Goenka Public School, Siliguri.

Five students, who made it to the national and international arena, were declared winners of The SiP Abacus Award for Outstanding Talent in Sports. Individual excellence awards in academics and other co-curricular activities were also handed over.

The day’s biggest trophy, The Telegraph School of the Year, was jointly bagged by Sovanagar High School, Malda, and Birla Divya Jyoti, Siliguri.