School toppers honoured, students explore technology, culture, nutrition and conservation

Honour and applause

Excellence got awarded at the St Xavier's Institution, Panihati, as the school felicitated 42 board toppers as part of its 60th anniversary celebrations on September 11.

Minister of urban development and municipal affairs Agnimitra Paul was the chief guest. Also present were secretary of the managing committee Dyutiman Banerjee, director Jyoti Prasad Banerjee, principal Lipika Ghosh along with parents, teachers and students.

The programme opened with a classical dance, followed by a rendition of the Shanti mantra, Vande Mataram and the national anthem. The students danced to Kadam kadam badhaye ja and Ek akela hindustani.

A skit followed, an adaptation of Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay’s Anandamath, depicting the struggle for freedom in British India. It was staged by the students of Class X and XI.

The director of the institution addressed the students, urging them not to remain confined to academics, but to pursue different interests.

Anushka Ghosh, who scored 100 per cent in ISC this year, received a special mention.

The top-rankers were presented with certificates and mementoes.

"Throughout the day, we celebrated the success of our students. I look forward to the same kind of results in the following 10 years. This kind of programme is arranged not just to felicitate the rank-holders, but to encourage others," said the school secretary.

"When people see excellence, they learn to dream. It encourages them to think, If they can do it, I can too. Events that celebrate students’ achievements can therefore inspire the entire school community to aim higher," said the principal.

Tech skills

Mechanisms clicked into place, wheels rolled forward and young minds took control as students of Lakshmipat Singhania Academy (LSA) tested their engineering skills against teams at Kshitij 2026, the annual techno-management festival of Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kharagpur.

For the students, the experience was more than a competition. From constructing robots to piloting them through the challenges, each stage called for creativity, patience, adaptability and teamwork. The competitions required them to apply engineering principles in practical situations and make decisions under pressure. The highlight came in Droid Blitz, the flagship robotics event, where LSA achieved a clean sweep. The students secured the first, second and third positions. A total of 44 students from the academy participated in Kshitij 2026.

"We believe the National Education Policy finds its meaning when school students enter the realm of higher education. Kshitij is one such platform that invites young dreamers to the IIT Kharagpur campus, inspiring them to aim high," said principal Jaya Misra.

Food for thought

What should a balanced meal look like?

Can a homemade pizza be a better choice?

What makes a snack nutritious?

Questions sparked a conversation on healthy eating habits as students from Classes III to V of Sri Sri Academy attended a session by dietetics and clinical nutritionist Zina Dutia on August 24.

Ragi dosa, Maggi, dumplings and sourdough were mentioned as the right food choices. The session ended with an interaction with students on their everyday food choices. Dutia introduced the students to the fundamentals of nutrition, explaining three broad groups of food — energy-giving foods, body-building foods and protective foods — and the role of carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins and minerals in the body.

She spoke about balanced meals and the importance of choosing good sources of carbohydrates, proteins and fats. Dutia also discussed India’s growing burden of diabetes and linked the issue to diet.

Fresh, minimally processed foods were described as real food, while heavily processed products such as packaged chips and manufactured snacks were criticised for their limited nutritional value despite the taste. Dutia also spoke about the visible effects of poor dietary habits on the body and skin, particularly during adolescence. The nutritional value of ghee, beetroot, carrots and green juice was discussed.

Students asked questions about various food items. They also discussed homemade pizzas and burgers packed with vegetables, air-fried food and wheat-based pasta as healthier choices.

Dutia busted common food myths. Vegetarian alternatives were also brought up, such as legumes as a sourceof protein.

“Healthy eating isn’t about restrictions; it’s about helping children understand and respect their food choices. I was proud to see our students engage with the session thoughtfully, connecting their food decisions to energy, concentration, growth and well-being,” said principal Gargi Banerjee.

Freedom week

Is the youth of today more patriotic than the previous generations? Students of Classes XI and XII began the Independence Week celebrations at Seth Soorajmull Jalan Balika Vidyalaya with a debate on August 10.

The next day, the discussion moved from the auditorium to craft tables. Students of Classes VI and VII sat with paper in tricolour shades — making fans, miniature flags and Ashok Chakra badges. For Iram Fatma of Class VII, the craft was less about making an object and more about finding a way to express what the country meant to her.

Students of Classes IX and X took part in a Sare Jahan Se Achcha-themed ramp walk on August 12, organised as a house event.

On August 13, students of Classes VIII and IX took part in the Bharat Bhagya Vidhata quiz. The experience added to the students treasure trove of knowledge from geography to heritage along with lessons in teamwork and confidence.

The week also included a Class X assembly where students sang, danced and took an oath.

"During Independence Week, our students brought history alive with art and craft, comparing 1947 to 2047. They shone in the Bharata Bhagya Vidhata quiz competition. The fashion show burst with colour and creativity. The debate inspired reflection on freedom. Together, these events nurtured creativity, curiosity, and pride. I am really lucky to nurture our future generations," said principal Nupur Banerjee.

Raas and Krishna

For Griffins International School, it was not an ordinary day. Marigold garlands, rangolis, traditional motifs and a ground full of students in traditional attire met the eye on September 3. The event was a Janmashtami celebration.

It started with a felicitation. Principal Pradeep Kumar Samal welcomed chief guest Sankeertan Anand Prabhu, a spiritual teacher at Iskcon, with a floral plant.

Junior students (Classes I to V) opened the cultural programme with a skit on the birth of Krishna.

The dignitaries lit the ceremonial lamp and took turns swinging the cradle while children from the junior section sang.

The focus then shifted to Radha and Krishna and raas. Students of I to V performed to traditional bhajans. Students played the flute, turning the school auditorium into Vrindavan.

Dahi handi featured a match between girls and boys of Classes IX to XII. Senior girls went first. Human pyramid, balance, strength, bated breath — and then crack and a roar. The pot broke and so did the idea that handi is a boys-only ritual.

The boys followed with equal vigour as clapping and chanting filled the air.

"The dahi handi was one of the highlights of the programme, with the girls’ team putting up an impressive performance. The students’ talent, enthusiasm, teamwork and dedication came through in the programme," said headmistress Sonali Mahananda.

Added principal Pradeep Kumar Samal: "The celebration featured a skit on Krishna's birth, Radha-Krishna dance, flute performance, Krishna Raas and dahi handi, presented by students across different grades. The programme brought together devotion, culture, creativity and the festive spirit ofJanmashtami."

Better late than never

Education is not accessible to everyone — the realisation stayed with Laebah Ahmed of Class IX after she and her classmates organised an assembly on adult literacy at Shri Shikshayatan School on September 10.

The event marked World Literacy Day and the aim was to highlight the fact that learning has no age.

The assembly used a skit, speeches and music to examine the struggles of adults who miss out on education and the opportunities literacy can open for them.

The presentation was an eye-opener for students as they realised how education can be a privilege not everyone can afford.

The message came through a skit about an uneducated grandmother who becomes an embarrassment for her grandchild. The turning point comes when the grandchild realises that education has no expiry date and that sometimes all a person needs is an opportunity to learn and someone willing to help.

The play also brings up the issue of sensitivity.

The students introduced ULLAS (Understanding of Lifelong Learning for All in Society), a Centre-sponsored programme that imparts functional literacy and life skills to adults aged 15 and above.

The assembly concluded with the rendition of Try everything, a song about having an indomitable spirit to start afresh.

"The morning assembly on adult literacy was a meaningful experience. It reminded us that literacy is not merely the ability to read and write, but a means of empowerment, dignity and progress," said principal Sangeeta Tandon.

Mind games

A good chess move can speak without making a sound. Students of Classes V to XII at Julien Day School, Howrah, put that idea to the test by competing in the much-awaited annual inter-class chesscompetition.

The event marked International Chess Day.

The tournament was divided into four class brackets. It tested the young players tactical thinking, concentration and the ability to remain composed under pressure.

For Diganta Roy of Class XI, the tournament ended with the top spot in the Classes XI-XII category. “Winning on International Chess Day is an absolute honour. The matches were tough, but staying calm under pressure was key. I learnt a lot from other participants as well,” he said.

Ankit Halder of Class VI emerged victorious in the Classes V-VI category. He admitted that he was nervous at first but found his rhythm once the clock started. “I just focused on my moves. I’m super happy to win for my class! Concentration is the key,” he said.

The closely fought matches saw Ankit, Abesh Ganguly (Classes VII-VIII category), Ankush Jana (Classes IX-X) and Diganta finish first.

For Adrija Saha of Class VI, who finished third, the tournament offered lessons beyond the final standings. “Standing on the podium was exciting! Chess is all about learning from your mistakes, and this tournament was a great experience and a learning journey to remember,” she said.

The school management applauded the participants for their participation and sporting spirit.

"The purpose of organising the inter-class chess competition was not just to celebrate International Chess Day but also to encourage students’ deepened focus with extended periods of silent contemplation and concentration," said principal Maryann Thorpe Smith.

Wheels of faith

The sound of khol and cymbals echoed through the corridors of the Indian Museum as children danced to a kirtan, chanting “Jai Jagannath” and pulling their brightly decorated miniature raths.

The fragrance of marigolds, colourful flags and the sound of devotional music turned the museum premises into a festive space as students of Birla Bharati celebrated Rath Yatra.

Students of Classes III to V took part in a special rath decoration workshop organised by the Indian Museum. The workshop introduced the young learners to the festival through a hands-on art activity while learning about its cultural and spiritualsignificance.

The venue soon became an exhibition space, with the students using flowers, ribbons, beads, glitter and paper cuttings to decorate their wooden chariots. Some adorned their raths with marigolds and roses, while others added paper designs and bright flags. Each chariot reflected the ideas and creativity of its young creator.

The students also learnt about the traditions associated with Rath Yatra and how the festival is celebrated across Odisha and in other parts of India.

The celebration continued with a kirtan and a procession around the museum premises as the students pulled their decorated raths.

They shared materials, helped one another with designs and cheered as their chariots made their way through the venue.

"Our traditions become meaningful when children experience them with creativity and joy. Such experiences help nurture values of devotion, respect for traditions and cultural pride in young minds," said vice-principal Sumana Mukherjee.

"The rath decoration activity at the Indian Museum was extremely magical. Our children decorated their raths with devotion and joy, and danced to the beats of the mridanga. It was a wonderful blend of culture, creativity and fun learning," said principal Madhumita Seal.

Masks with a message

Children in striped tiger masks went around the neighbourhood, yellow and black crayons were chosen in the classrooms and placards with messages hit the streets as Julien Day School, Kolkata, marked InternationalTiger Day.

The school organised a creative awareness initiative focusing on the importance of protecting the big cats and their natural habitats. Students from various classes used art and performance to spread the conservation message.

The celebrations began at the Nursery building, where the younger children coloured pictures of tigers.

Meanwhile, the senior students prepared to take the message outdoors. They designed colourful banners and placards carrying messages about tiger preservation and crafted tiger masks for their campaign.

Wearing the masks and armed with handmade banners, they set out on a tiger preservation walk through the neighbourhood. Accompanied by their teachers, the students tried to arouse eco-consciousness among a wider community.

Students of Classes V to VII presented a programme for the younger children. Informative speeches on tiger preservation were followed by a dance performance, a song and interesting facts about tigers.

For the little ones, seeing their older schoolmates dressed in colourful tiger masks was a highlight of the day. The programme concluded with a speech by principal Siddhartha Dey and a vote of thanks.

"We believe awareness is the first step towards conservation. Our students’ celebration of International Tiger Day — from creative artwork by our little ones to the awareness walk and engaging performances by our senior students — beautifully blended learning with responsibility. To protect the tiger is to protect our forests and our future," said the principal.