Port Blair, Dec 19: The Islanders Social Movement for Awareness and Training (ISMAT), a women’s initiative, working among women and children, recently organized an inter-school discussion-cum-competition in six schools in South Andaman, for students in Classes 6th to 8th. The topic for the interaction was “Reclaiming your Childhood”. The discussion was led by Mr. Abhijit Agarwal, Past President Rotary Club of Port Blair, Motivational Speaker and Quiz Master. The six participating schools were schools – Ummat Public School, Khalsa Public School, Kendriya Vidyalaya-I, Govt. Model Senior Sec. School, Sagritara School and Crescent Public School.
The discussion evoked the sense that onslaught of technology and race for academic excellence, has led to an erosion of quality of childhood, which remains increasingly neglected and uncared for. Students were motivated to connect with reality and get away from early onset of adulthood. Students enthusiastically participated presenting their views on childhood, ambition and goals leading to a frank and vibrant discussion.
The workshop culminated in a competition on 19th December, 2018, which comprised of three rounds. The first round was a writing competition, followed by an extempore and the third round was a drawing competition. Mr. Abhijit Agarwal and Mr. Zameer Khan, Asst. Director, MES both had interactions with the students. The judges for the competition included Prof. Thelavati, JNRM, Smt. Neeta Agarwal, Past President, Inner Wheel Club and Smt. Ayasha Rahman, Child Counsellor. The students that were judged as outperformers included Master Shian and Master Amir from Ummat Public School, Miss. Bhagyalakshmi and Miss Ramya from Sagritara School and Master Mohit from Model Senior Secondary School.
Chief Guest for the occasion, Deputy Director of Education, Dr. Dheeraj Kumar, addressed the gathering emphasizing to the students, the need to be good human beings. Subsequently the Chief Guest awarded the winners with trophies, while the remaining students were given participatory certificates by Smt. Ratna Kanan, Ex Chairperson, Social Welfare Board. Smt. Shenaz Jadwet, President, ISMAT welcomed the gathering while Smt. Shirin Jadwet, Secretary, ISMAT, proposed the vote of thanks.