The fantastic world of science, sports and skits

Birla Divya Jyoti

The science department of Birla Divya Jyoti organised an innovative fair to mark National Science Day on February 28. The event was held in collaboration with Vidyarthi Vigyan Manthan and it offered a vibrant celebration of scientific exploration and innovations.

The chief guest was educationist Anirban Mishra of North Bengal University.

Mahashweta Bhattacharjee, the head of the science department, began by delving into the importance of scientific literacy and critical thinking. Physics teacher Amit Dutta followed it up with a presentation on the ground-breaking work of C.V. Raman.

Principal Shweta Tiwari addressed the gathering, emphasising the importance of curiosity, discovery and innovation in the field of science and technology.

The theme of the event was, "Indigenous Technology for Viksit Bharat." There were many workshops and stalls organised on the side to show the diverse effects of science. A pottery-making workshop was held as a tangible expression of indigenous craftsmanship, providing a hands-on experience for both teachers and students.

The pottery-making session witnessed enthusiastic participation from students, fostering creativity and a sense of connection to traditional artistry.

Students had also set up stalls on organic skincare products, natural soap-making and pickle and squash crafting.

A tie-and-dye workshop offered students yet another creative path to explore.

The teachers were much appreciated for their collective effort that made the science fair a success. The event offered a blend of academic exploration and hands-on activities that helped students understand concepts better as well as fostered a sense of curiosity and excitement in them.

The fair honoured the achievements of the past and also inspired the future generation of scientists and innovators.

"I am thrilled to share the success of our National Science Day celebration on February 28. The meticulously organised event, led by our dedicated science department, featured a discourse on scientific literacy and a presentation on C.V. Raman's contributions. The fair also showcased a pottery-making and tie-and-dye workshops and stalls with organic skincare products and other items. Kudos to our dedicated teachers for an innovative concept that fostered science-related curiosity among students," said the principal.

Don Bosco, Liluah

The dramatic club of Don Bosco, Liluah, staged a one-act play contest for students recently. Students from Classes I to XI formed different teams and presented their performances in between school hours at Savio Hall.

Ten members were selected from each section of Classes VI to XI. They were given 10 minutes to prepare and rehearse before being called on stage to present any play of their choice. Time allotted for the enactment was ten minutes.

All the groups were enthusiastic about the event. They were allowed to use props and face masks and some used toys as well. Many students presented the teachings of Bible in contemporary setting.

The students were judged on their creativity, narration, presentation, choice of script and uniqueness.

“The one-act play presentation was an unprecedented success. This turned out wonderfully, to test the relevance of the Holy Bible in our modern life,” said principal Fr. Sanjay Manovar SDB.

Julien Day School, Calcutta

The 49th annual inter-house athletic meet of Julien Day School, Calcutta, was held last November at Geetanjali Stadium.

The guest of honour at the event was chairman of the group of schools J.G. Broughton and Sharmila Broughton, head of Julien Day School Nursery.

They were presented a bouquet of flowers and welcomed with a dance performance. The chairman inaugurated the event by hoisting the school flag.

The sports meet began with an inter-house march past and the four torch bearers representing the four houses ran around the stadium with the lit torch to spread the spirit of sportsmanship.

The school sports captain Nathan Paul of Class XII took the oath followed by a prayer vice-principal S. Mayne. Thereafter the chairman declared the meet open.

The teachers were as involved in the event as the students themselves.The students enthusiastically took part in the various track events cheered on by their house teachers and mates.

The march past trophy was bagged by Blue House. Athletes also got individual trophies and certificates for various events. The meet ended with a closing march past followed by the winning team, Blue House, receiving the George Broughton Memorial Shield for Sports.

The chairman said he was very happy with the great energy , enthusiasm and sportsmanship shown by the athletes.

"The athletic skills of the students were brilliantly displayed at our annual sports meeting, and it truly was a spectacle for the audience. Engaging in sports and physical activity is important for all-round development and it is highly encouraged by our chairman J.G. Broughton and the Julien Day family," said the principal.

Shri Shikshayatan School

The junior section of Shri Shikshayatan School organised their annual sports day on January 20. The air was filled with enthusiasm.

The guests at the event were basketball player Nima Doma Bhutia and table tennis player Soumi Mondal.

Also present was deputy secretary general of Shikshayatan Foundation Vinod Kumar Agarwal, principal Sangeeta Tandon and headmistress Poushali Mukherjee.

The programme commenced with the welcome address by the headmistress who also felicitated the guests. Principal Sangeeta Tandon also gave a speech, highlighting the importance of sports in the life of an individual.

The main event began with lighting of the torch and a march past by the four houses - Anusuya, Arundhati, Vishakha and Satavisha. The aath was taken by games captain Jinisha Ghosh.

Classes III to V put up a colourful aerobic drill to the song “Baby You”. Classes I and II took part in fun races such as Birthday Bash, Bursting of the Balloons, Princess And The Frog, Safe Drive, Save Life and others.

Students also put up a karate performance.

Students of Classes III to V presented a drill, that was a tribute to Chandrayaan-3.

Many more thematic races followed such as Shuttle Race, Lighting the Torch and Sack Race. The students were joined by children of NGO Inner Wheel for some races.

Vishakha House was declared as the champion.

"The annual sports for junior school is a celebration of team work. Every race was a team game, students cheered their peers and the spirit of sportsmanship prevailed. The whole school burst into joy applauding the winners," said the headmistress.

Mahadevi Birla World Academy

Mahadevi Birla World Academy organised a literary festival for Classes III to V recently. The theme was "Nurture Nature," inspired by Ben Okri’s novel, Every Leaf a Hallelujah.

The activity was meant to teach the young participants that their voices matter and they must fight for a greener world.

Each event was designed to celebrate a deep love for trees. The participating schools at the fest included B.D.M. International, Modern High School for Girls, Birla Bharati and The Heritage School.

All the participating students enumerated climate change issues through dance, music (vocals) Hindi monologue, Bengali recitation (by Kazi Nazrul Islam or Jasimuddin), problem solving in science, maths or general awareness and a flower hunt using signs, among other events. Some were collaborative and others competitive.

The host school bagged the Best School Award which they passed on The BSS School. Birla High School was the first runners up and Indus Valley World School came second.

"Every Leaf a Hallelujah by Ben Okri’s poignantly penned novel asks us to not only celebrate and cherish nature but also reminds us to nurture and nurse to health the trees that hold the earth together. Inspired by Okri’s wonderful message, we at MBWA decided to hold our annual literary festival by teaching children to nurture nature through literature," said vice-principal Nupur Ghosh.

Heritage Academy High School

The teaching and non-teaching staff members of Heritage Academy High School celebrated Saraswati Puja on the school grounds with much fanfare.

The event was attended by the administrator of the school, Sourya Sadhan Bose, teachers and a large number of former students.

There was a lot of excitement as the students and teachers went to bring the idol of Goddess Saraswati to the school premises. They placed the idol on the stage and decorated the puja area. The idol was also decked up with embellishments.

The teachers and members of the student committee also put up decorations and craft items on the walls.

Many local people turned on the school grounds to attend the puja that started around 10am. The students turned up in bright clothes. The pushpanjali was the most awaited event of the day.

Every visitor was given prasad arranged by the school council. There was a feeling of inclusivity and positivity all around. The celebrations also served as a reunion for the ex-students who enjoyed interacting with their former teachers and friends. The students took care of the immersion as well the next day.

"Saraswati Puja celebration at Heritage Academy High School has always promoted an inclusive space. The students have done a commendable job by shouldering all the responsibilities under the guidance of the teachers," said administrator Sourya Sadhan Bose.