It was a holiday but attendance at the school was massive. In fact, even parents had turned up. The primary section of Sri Aurobindo Institute of Education (SAIE) was hosting its annual art and craft exhibition and everyone had come over to see their work on display.
“My favourite activity in school is drawing and painting,” said Shreyanshu Saha of upper kindergarten. He was walking around the quadrangle of the BK Block school showing brother Priyanshu, a nursery student, all the artwork. They were rather intrigued by some images of ice cream cones where students had pasted coloured cotton balls to depict scoops of different flavours.
“This annual exhibition showcases artwork done all year, encompassing festivals and special days. It’s our chance to show parents how talented their wards are,” said teacher-in-charge Rimpa Nandy. “Students of nursery to Class I have contributed to this exhibition.”
So there were Christmas cards with cotton-bearded Santas, elaborate rakhis, Indian flags made of ice cream sticks as well as pro-greenery and save-the-tiger artwork.
Live counters
Class I students had made a globe, and Anurag Halder was explaining time zones to visitors. “When it is day in Delhi, it is night in America. Look…,” he turned the globe and explained, glancing at class teacher Susmita Nandi for approval.
Those who found seats at the vegetable-painting table were so engrossed with their art they barely talked or even looked up.
“Aratrika loves craft and whatever she learns in school she wants to do at home,” said mother Rinku Dey. “But this is her first time painting with bitter gourds, potatoes and capsicums. I bet I’ll have to arrange all this for her at home tonight.”
The teacher in charge of this table, Shampa Naha, had got cut-outs to make cards for 500 guests. “The kids are just giving it their finishing touches and we are handing them out. Sri Aurobindo always said that nothing can be taught. Children are born with potential but we have to ignite their interest,” she said.
There was also a section where students dressed as various professionals in a bid to pay tribute to them. Pratyush Barman, who dressed as a postman, wanted to be a soldier in real life, a role essayed by Dhruv Roy. “But I am sneezing away today so maybe I should visit the doctor (played by Tanishka Dey) or nurse (played by Avni Shree),” said the Class I student.
“We had also asked families of students to send in their craft work and we have received very creative entries for this,” said Nandy.
This section had homemade flower vases, paper rockets, hilly terrains made out of egg cartons, tricoloured bottles etc. “I love art and my brother often sees me and tries to replicate it. This is the best way for him to learn,” said Priti Mondal, a college student and sister of Niladri Mondal who had made a pen stand.
