Celebrating ‘Kindergarten Graduation Day’ is evolving as a new trend for most schools in Bhubaneswar. After Delhi Public School (Kalinga), it was the turn of capital-based Kidzz Bloomingdale to see off their youngest students before they stepped into “official” school life. In a fun-filled ceremony last Saturday, 34 kindergarten students of the school received diplomas with parents and teachers celebrating the achievements of the little ones, who wore graduation robes and caps. To make the occasion extra special, the school authorities had organised a “Kids’ Day Out” event in which the kids presented song and dance performances. They put forth the message of “unity in diversity” and won the audience’s heart. As part of a “Love Green, Love Life” campaign, school principal Sabita Patnaik presented rose saplings to the guests, including educationist Manorama Mohapatra and writer-cum-philanthropist Rashmirekha Rath. Telegraph picture

Utkal Divas

Educational institutes across Bhubaneswar observed Utkal Divas on Sunday with great fervour to commemorate the 76th foundation day of Odisha.

Sai International School, Bhubaneswar, conducted a special assembly in which students dressed up as the state’s freedom fighters such as Madhusudan Das, Gopabandhu Das, Maharaja Ramachandra Bhanjadeo, Maharaja Krushna Chandra Gajapati, Fakir Mohan Senapati, Gangadhar Meher, Gourishankar Ray and Ramadevi.

The celebration began with a rendition of Bande Utkala Janani and was followed by a brilliant presentation of the history of Odisha through a powerpoint show.

The highlight of the day, however, was a skit on the life and achievements of Madhusudan Das, the first graduate from the state, which was performed by students.

Teachers presented speeches both in English and Odia to make the students aware of the importance of the day.

Principal Arun Prakash advised the students to remember their roots and honour the culture and tradition of their homeland and of others.

(From top) Students of Sai International School, Bhubaneswar, dressed as Odia freedom fighters and leaders on the occasion of Utkal Divas on April 1, children stage a skit on the life and achievements of Odia freedom fighter Madhusudan Das and Sarthak Mallick of Bhubaneswar, who has qualified for the mega audition round of a popular dance reality show to be held in Mumbai next week. Telegraph pictures

Dancing star

Sarthak Mallick just cannot stop thanking his lucky stars. The 11-year-old is among 100 young dancers in the country to have qualified for the mega audition round of popular television show, Dance India Dance Li’l Masters - Season 2 in Mumbai.

After having to skip the preliminary auditions in Bhubaneswar due to exams, Sarthak appeared for the screening rounds representing Mumbai zone and impressed the panel of judges, which included choreographers Geeta Kapoor, Marji Pestonji and Rajeev Surti.

Sarthak, a Class VII student of ODM Public School, Bhubaneswar, has been receiving professional training in modern dance for the last three years. He is now working hard to feature among the final-16 of the dance contest.

“I would leave for Mumbai on April 10 for the final selection rounds. I am very passionate about dance and, hopefully, you will see me as one of the contestants very soon,” said the little dancer, who has won several prizes in state-level competitions. Sarthak is also a good singer and debater.

SHILPI SAMPAD