Ranchi, Aug. 18: Prominent personalities of the country — past and present — were the talk of the town when children came up in their attire for a fancy dress competition here today.

Around six schools of the state capital took part in the programme at International Library and Cultural Centre (ILCC).

The children dressed up as prominent political and historical figures for the programme. From Indira Gandhi, Rani Laxmibai, Bhagat Singh, Bal Gangadhar Tilak to Mamata Banerjee, different personalities and different ages were represented at the competition.

Alisha Das of St Anthony’s School bagged the first prize for her portrayal of Mamata Banerjee. Arindam Pal from Surendranath Centenary School was awarded the second prize for portraying Bal Gangadhar Tilak.

Anita Jas, also from Surendranath Centenary School, came third for portraying Rani Laxmibai. The number of participants was lower than expected because of the ongoing first term examinations in various schools.

ILCC plans to organise a number of events for children in the coming months.

“We recently organised a debate competition for children from classes IX to XII. The fancy dress competition organised today was for children from classes VI to VIII. We are trying organise events for children from classes I to V,” said the ILCC cultural secretary, Nonika Kher.