Kolkata: The annual prize day held recently at Mahadevi Birla Shishu Vihar, stood as a testament and recognition of diligence, determination and perseverance. Students, teachers, alumni and supportive parents were recognised that every effort paved way to grander success in life.The ceremony commenced with the lighting of the lamp by the guest of honour, Pradip Chopra, chairman of PS Group and iLead. The programme began on an auspicious note with the soulful rendition of Ganesh Vandana.The ISC toppers of the school, Sharanya Datta Pal, Zahara Myria Rahman and Rishika Jha, were felicitated with the prestigious Sarala and Basant Birla Award – named after the founder patrons. This was followed by recognition of all ISC stream toppers, ICSE toppers and centums. All academic toppers from grades III to IX and XI were rewarded for their exemplary performance. Awards were also conferred on students who distinguished themselves in music, dance, oratory, sports and creative writing round the year. Five students with perfect attendance were acknowledged.Alumna Subhasree Dutta was felicitated for bringing laurels to her alma mater. Three parents – Somnath Sinhamahapatra, Namrata and Jitendra Todi were honoured for their unwavering support. Teachers Debartha Pal and Chandrani Mukherjee were also felicitated for authoring books and their contribution to academics.A major highlight was the captivating musical –‘ Threads of Freedom’ which paid homage to our nation’s rich handloom heritage and its pivotal role in the Indian freedom struggle movement. The audience was mesmerised by the mellifluous music, powerful recitation, and graceful dances based on the provincial Bengali dance forms like ‘raibeshe’ and ‘dhali’. The musical culminated in a powerful rendering of ‘Vande Mataram’. A stellar fashion show, added a contemporary dimension to the presentation. The vibrant ‘gamcha’ was conceived and designed as modern couture and was the spotlight of the day.The cultural presentation highlighted how indigenous handlooms rebuilt the economy and restored confidence. Manohar Rakshit, a seventh-generation weaver from Bishnupur, Bankura, recognised for preserving the heritage of ‘Baluchari’ sarees.The event ended by Divyangshi Karnani and Avani Pasari winning the Chairman’s Award; Godavari winning the best house and Ishita Mandal winning the All Rounder of the Year Award and singing of the National Anthem.The chief guest of the day, Agnimitra Paul, minister of urban development and municipal affairs, govt of West Bengal, was unable to attend the programme at the last minute. However, her congratulatory note infused the students and teachers with enthusiasm.Addressing the gathering, the guest of honour, reflected on the enduring legacy of the visionary patrons, late GD Birla and Late Aditya Kumar Birla, whose untiring efforts to nurture talents and strengthen our nation has paved the way for hundreds of individuals to achieve excellence.
