SCHOLARSHIP FOR COURAGE

Snehasree Ghosh of St. Augustine’s Day School, Shyamnagar, lost her father in 2014, when she was in Class IX. Her mother died three months later. But Snehasree refused to give up. She went on to score 88.8 per cent in ICSE. “I am really happy to receive the award and I dedicate it to my parents, my inspiration,” said the winner of the La Maternelle High School Scholarship for Courage.

 

ALL-ROUND EXCELLENCE 

Ujaan Ganguly, a former student of St. James’ School, was proud to step up on stage in his school uniform. “I’m in college now and it was a very emotional moment for me to wear my old school uniform for this event. I would like to express my gratitude towards my teachers who raised us with chalk and talk, my compatriots and my wonderful family. Thank you The Telegraph, for making school life come to such a beautiful end,” said the first-year student of Jadavpur University after receiving The Kalyan Bharti Trust Award for All-Round Excellence.

 

MAINTENANCE & ECO-FRIENDLY INITIATIVES

Winners of The Ambuja Realty Award For Excellence in Maintenance and Eco-Friendly Initiatives, which goes to schools that take good care of their property and try to be as eco-friendly as possible. Winners of the Certificate of Maintenance included Contai Public School, Mount Litera Zee School in Howrah, Gems Akademia International School and South City International School. Certificates of Excellent Maintenance went to DPS Megacity, Loreto Convent, Entally, Loreto House, The Heritage School and others.

 

SCHOOLS THAT CARE

Teachers and students of Loreto Day School, Calcutta, receive The Addlife Caring Minds Award for A School That Cares. The award is given to schools that have an unflinching determination to give. Other recipients of the certificates of honour in this category included Loreto Convent, Asansol; Don Bosco School, Bandel; Ghosaldanga Adibasi Seva Sangha and KE Carmel School, Amtala.

 

THE SURRENDRA PAUL MEMORIAL AWARD FOR COURAGE

More than 15 braveheart students received the award. Sunita Sen, the principal of The BSS School, handed them over to the recipients

Mayank Sipani suffers from acute pain and spasms because of multiple dysfunctions caused by his medical condition, leukomalacia. Speech therapy, botox injections and physiotherapy are part of his daily life. Yet, he actively takes part in all extra-curricular activities, especially quizzes, at school. “I am feeling very encouraged today,” said the Class X student of Asian International School who dreams of becoming a doctor. Mayank thanked his mother for her support. “Today I am just as proud of her as she is of me,” he smiled. His parents, Narendra Kumar and Karuna Sipani (in picture), won The Abhirup Bhadra Memorial Thank You Baba-Ma Award. 

Topobrata Mandal has been suffering from Duchenne muscular dystrophy since 2009. The debilitating condition has limited his movement and turned him into a wheelchair user. “I am very happy to be here,” said the Class XI student of commerce at Welland Gouldsmith School, Patuli. His visibly emotional mother, Pragya, said her usually quiet son has no dearth of friends. “He sometimes needs assistance and his friends are always there for him. My son never lets hurdles get to him,” said the resident of Garia. 

Debopriya Das of East West Model School, Burdwan, suffered from a bout of jaundice three days after birth, leading to health complications. “We brought her to Calcutta for treatment where she was diagnosed with a neurological disorder that has slowed down her motor functions,” said father Nirmal Das. A Class VIII student (in picture with BSS School principal Sunita Sen), Debopriya’s teachers and friends have been her support system. “My daughter is a fighter. This award is a recognition of her tireless struggle,” added Nirmal.

Aryaman Bose of Delhi Public School Ruby Park was just three months old when he was diagnosed with thalassaemia. He also had a bone marrow transplant with his younger brother as the donor. Heavy use of steroids and complications resulted in many side effects. “My son has to deal with several physical problems. He has lost 85 per cent of his hearing ability in the left ear, has trouble breathing and many restrictions. But he is a fighter,” said father Subrata. The Class V student, who loves quizzing, could not conceal his excitement on stage. “Initially, I was a bit nervous but the applause gave me confidence. I dedicate this award to my parents and younger brother,” said the boy.

Text: Chandreyee Ghose and Tanisha Bagchi
Pictures: Arnab Mondal