Students of Shri Shikshayatan School connected with those of Bannockburn High School, Stirling, Scotland in a virtual session on May 5, discussing culture on either side. The event was part of a Connecting Classrooms Through Global Learning programme, initiated by the British Council.
The topic for discussion this time was Indian and Scottish culture and festivals.
Students from Scotland began with a presentation on their folk dance, Strip the willow. They listed the rituals associated with Burns Night that marks the birth anniversary of poet Robert Burns.
Then the Great Highland bagpipe was introduced to the girls in Calcutta. The Scottish students said how their native instrument, an analogue to the Irish warpipes, has acquired widespread recognition thanks to its usage in the British military and in pipe bands throughout the world.
They spoke about Saint Andrew’s Day, also known as the Feast of Saint Andrew when the country’s independence was declared. The students mentioned their national dress kilt in the presentation as well as the bonfire night celebrated on November 5.
References to the national dish, haggis and some highland games made the presentation delightful.
The 11 participants from Classes IX to XI of Shri Shikshayatan School covered India’s food, festivals, languages, popular dances and music from different parts of the country.
They spoke at length about both classical and folk dance forms. A lot of local food was introduced to their friends across the border.
The girls also elaborated on festivals such as Rath Yatra, Hornbill, Bihu and others.
Tales of Bengal, its cuisine, local and street food, its heritage Durga Puja and the dhunuchi dance, that is an intrinsic part of the festival, left the Scottish enraptured. The students also spoke about Rabindranath Tagore at length.
Principal Sangeeta Tandon said: “Connecting Classroom is an international exchange programme between Shri Shikshayatan School and Bannockburn High School in Scotland. We have been carrying on with this exchange for the last three years. Since the pandemic, it has largely been an online exchange of ideas on social issues, recipes and culture. However, our outreach co-ordinator, Krishnakali Dasgupta, has visited their school, and we hope the students and teachers on either side will get to meet each other in person soon.”
Purushottam Bhagchandka Academic School
Students of Classes I to XII enjoyed a week of fun activities at a summer camp organised by Purushottam Bhagchandka Academic School (P.B. Academic) on the school grounds from May 15 to 19.
The camp provided a platform to the students to hone their talent and also with some much-needed recreation.
The activities included art and craft, clay-modelling, abacus and dance among others.
The students learnt how to let loose their creativity in the art and craft and clay-modelling workshops. Abacus taught them how to love numbers. Those attending the abacus session came out with better counting skills and concentration power.
The main attraction of the camp was the “gym” and the western dance workshops. The students learnt a variety of contemporary and hip-hop dance forms in these classes, having a lot of fun in the process.
The camp was a success and enriched the students substantially. On the last day, they were awarded certificates and treated to some delicious snacks.
"Every year, our school organises a summer camp that has fun-filled activities for a week. I am delighted to note that despite this unpleasant weather many students participated enthusiastically and benefited from the summer camp," said principal Madhuparna Andrews.
M.C. Kejriwal Vidyapeeth
M.C. Kejriwal Vidyapeeth celebrated its 27th Foundation Day by honouring some of its achievers and showcasing a cultural programme.
The chief guest at the programme was Azar Zia, additional district magistrate (development), Howrah. The guest of honour was Sayan Bhattacharya, education officer of the Indian Museum.
Other guests were Kishan Kumar Kejriwal, chairman of M.C. Kejriwal Vidyapeeth, MCKV Group of Institutions, Neelkantha Gupta, director of MCKV, principal Mallika Mukherjee, trustee Abhay Kejriwal and headmaster Biswajit Majumdar.
The chairman lauded the efforts of the board candidates this year. The prize distribution ceremony of the board toppers of 2023 followed. There was thunderous applause for Siddharth Kumar Dugar, who scored 99.5 per cent in ISC 2023 from the commerce stream, ranking second in the country.
There were awards for young achievers of Classes I to IX and XI and teachers who have put in 10 and 15 years in the institution. Beta House bagged the Cock House Trophy. In between, the children staged an instrumental music presentation. A dance presentation on a spider's life was showcased. The students also presented a skit on the pitfalls of a high-pressure life.
"Our foundation day is of immense significance for us. We honour our founders on that day. It also provides an opportunity to recognise the efforts of our teachers and students," said the principal.
B.D.M. International
This year’s board toppers of B.D.M. International were awarded in a ceremony at the school’s Gemstone Auditorium on May 19.
The event began with Saraswati Vandana.
Principal Madhumita Sengupta addressed the audience that included the achievers' parents as well. She thanked the parents for their continuous support and praised the students, who had accepted the challenges of online education during the pandemic.
The chief guest was Shahanshah Mirza, green activist and senior GST officer in the Union finance ministry. He congratulated the students and requested the parents not to put extra stress on their wards, so that they can maintain their sound mental health.
S.L. Gupta, the CEO, congratulated the toppers of AISSE and AISSCE-2023. He said the results were a reflection of the collective efforts and dedication of the teachers, students and parents.
More than 150 students of Classes X and XII attended the event.
The toppers of all the categories went up on stage to a huge round of applause. The school toppers, stream toppers and those who scored 95 per cent and above got watches and cash prizes. Students securing a perfect 100 at AISSE and AISSCE in different subjects were given pen trophies.
“Over 150 students were awarded for their performance. There were so many, who had scored 100 in different subjects. I am so proud of this lot. They had to adjust to a pandemic and online classes. They came out as winners despite all the challenges. Their parents deserve as much credit for giving them continuous mental support. I am glad that so many of my students can now chase their dreams and study the subjects of their choice,” said the principal.
Don Bosco School, Liluah
Students of Don Bosco School, Liluah (DBL), celebrated Rabindra Jayanti with great enthusiasm.
A two-hour cultural programme was held on the school grounds on May 11. It was organised by the in-house music club.
A series of performances were staged on the works of Tagore. Students danced to Borisho dhora majhe shantir o bari and Anondoloke mongolaloke. There was a video presentation on the life of Tagore covering his vast contributions.
The school choir presented a medley of Tagore songs and the original numbers that they were inspired from. They included Purano Sei Diner Kotha and Auld Lang Syne, Kotobaro bhebechinu aapona bhuliya and Drink to me only with thine eyes.
A recitation of the poem Dushhomoy was performed along with strains of flute and tabla beats. The students also presented a dance rendition to Bharat bhagya bidhata.
"The students of DBL showcased Tagore's multi-faceted works in a captivating programme. The performances were a feast for the eyes and souls," said principal Fr. Manoj Jose SDB.