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| Contestants perform a folk dance during an inter-house dance competition at Takshila School and (above) students of DAV Public School (Pokhariput) in Bhubaneswar observe Hindi Diwas. Telegraph pictures |
Just dance
Takshila School, Bhubaneswar, organised its first inter-house dance competition on September 19 where students treated their classmates and teachers to a glimpse of the country’s diverse folk dance forms.
From Maharashtra’s Lavani and Rajasthan’s Ghoomar to the Gujarati Garba and Assamese Bihu, the students, clad in dazzling saris and lehenga-cholis, mesmerised the audience. The professionally choreographed dance steps accompanied by the tune of melodious folk music created a vibrant ambience at the school activity hall.
One of the groups excelled in their performance of the state’s tribal dance. Aryabhatt House was adjudged the best for their lively, lilting south Indian folk dance. School director Sikata Das gave away prizes to the winning team and encouraged the students to participate in more such extra-curricular activities.
The function ended with a prize distribution ceremony. The winners in various events such as rhyme, fancy dress, art and sports conducted round the year, were awarded prizes.
Science exams
The Forum for IIT-JEE (Fiitjee), a student-coaching organisation, would conduct a National Science Talent Search Examination (NSTSE) on October 9. Students from classes VIII to XI are eligible for the exam. They can register their names by September 28 on payment of Rs 50 or between September 29 and October 5 by paying an additional Rs 50 as late fee. For online registrations, one can log on to www.fiitjeeonline.in or visit the Bhubaneswar centre.
The NSTSE serves as an assessment tool to help students decide about their career options and whether there is a need to join any relevant coaching or support programme of Fiitjee. Besides individual cash awards, meritorious students would get study scholarships for graduate studies in India, USA or Europe.
Hindi Diwas
DAV Public School (Pokhariput), Bhubaneswar, observed ‘Hindi Diwas’ on September 14 by organising various competitions, such as essay writing, debate, drama and antakshari. Students and teachers used Hindi in their conversation throughout the day. Junior class students came to school in fancy costumes.
The seniors helped them make posters and interesting cut-outs bearing Hindi letters, words and symbols. Principal Sujata stressed on the importance of the national language and urged students to use it to promote and strengthen the country’s unity.
Higher education
Sai International Group started its Plus Three commerce college called Sai International College of Commerce and Economics in Bhubaneswar last week. The objective is to bring about quality improvement in the higher education sector. “Every year, we are losing Rs 70,000 crore as more than 5 lakh students are leaving the country for higher studies. To reverse this trend, we need to introduce high standards into our teaching and learning processes, create centres of excellence, develop digital connectivity, emphasise on research and development, encourage private players in setting up institutes of higher learning and make education more practical and job-oriented,” said Bijay Kumar Sahoo, chairman of Sai International School.
