They say the pen is mightier than the sword, and nothing stokes the fire like the liberty to exercise it. So when almost 100 students from schools in and around the city gathered to prove that true, a mundane Friday morning turned motivational.
The launch of Young Metro Force, a team of cub reporters from 50-odd city schools, including South Point High School, Calcutta International School, Gokhale Memorial Girls' School, Lakshmipat Singhania Academy, Apeejay School, Park Street, and more, saw students of classes IX to XII gather at Rotary Sadan to get a grasp on the basics of journalism. From covering events in their own schools to writing on topics of their choice, the students have a wide range of responsibilities to shoulder.
If a few were sceptical about their role, all anxieties were put to rest by Sukanya Roy and Ishani Ray, who passed out of their schools this year and have been contributing regularly to Young Metro. Nothing like a few wise words from someone who has been there, done that.
The students were given a brief introduction to a career in journalism. Is it just about a report on an incident? How can a reporter keep himself steady during disasters? While filing a report, how can one write to make it more interesting? These questions and more kept the speaker on her toes and gave the audience an insight into the enthusiasm with which these students embarked on the journey.
Esha Debnath of Apeejay School, Park Street, was excited to join Young Metro Force. "It was a very interactive session. We learnt a lot about a career in journalism and the challenges journalists have to face. I am eagerly looking forward to do some reporting," said the Class XI student.
"It is a great opportunity for budding journalists. I particularly enjoyed interacting with some veterans in the field who enthusiastically answered our questions and imparted valuable advice. It is empowering to be part of a publication that values the voice of the youth. I look forward to making memories," said Shreya Ganguly, Class XI, Calcutta International School.
But it was not all work for the first batch of Young Metro Force. The morning began with a presentation by the SYLVAN group on nature and wildlife that introduced the teenagers to a world of instincts. The session also urged them to work towards the conservation of nature to improve our ways of living. A second presentation, done beautifully through anecdotes from around the world and from Steve Jobs' life, gave the students an insight into the passion required for anything that one wishes to pursue. "Stay hungry, stay foolish" reverberated throughout the auditorium.
The programme ended with a music quiz conducted by 91.9 Friends FM that saw both students and teachers participating with enthusiasm.
Additional reporting by Rumela Sinha and Tanisha Bagchi
TOGETHER WE STAND
Togetherness is the only way to achieve success and happiness — Vivekananda Mission School sent out a relevant message through music and dance at its 37th annual prize distribution ceremony. Around 80 students were awarded for excellence in both academics and extra-curricular activities in the last academic session. Principal Sarmistha Banerjee said: “Since 1978 our school has been mentoring thousands of young minds and transforming them into seekers of knowledge. It’s been a tough but rewarding experience.” Picture by Sayantan Ghosh
