Hindi Diwas Inter-Branch Competition 2024: A Celebration of Linguistic and Cultural Unity at ICSK
Hindi Diwas Inter-Branch Competition 2024: A Celebration of Linguistic and Cultural Unity at ICSK
The Indian Community School Kuwait (ICSK) held its Hindi Diwas Inter-Branch Competition on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, bringing together students from all branches in a grand celebration of the Hindi language and culture. The event served as a vibrant platform for students to exhibit their linguistic and artistic prowess across a series of competitive categories, including Storytelling, Poetry Recitation, Nukkad Natak (street play), Pictorial Narration, Debate, and Mono Act, with participants from Classes 5 to 10 showcasing their creativity and command over Hindi.
The day commenced with registration at 8:15 am, followed by an inauguration ceremony at 9:00 am, during which Dr. V. Binumon, Principal and Senior Administrator of ICSK Senior, extended a warm welcome to the attendees. The Chief Guest, Shri Baijanath Prasad, Second Secretary (Education, Library, and Culture) from the Indian Embassy in Kuwait, officially inaugurated the event by lighting the traditional lamp, and in his keynote address, he emphasized the rich history of Hindi and its deep-rooted connections with other languages, inspiring the young audience to take pride in their linguistic heritage. The Guest of Honour, Fr. James Tuscano, further motivated the students with a heartfelt speech in Hindi, which added to the cultural atmosphere of the day. A series of cultural performances, including songs, dances, and speeches, further enriched the event, with the inauguration concluding with a vote of thanks from Mr. Nithin V.M., Head of the Hindi Department.
Competitions by Category:
The competition was divided into three categories based on class groups, ensuring a broad spectrum of talent. In Category 1, which featured students from Classes 5 and 6, the Storytelling and Poetry Recitation competitions saw young participants captivating the audience with their expressive gestures and emotive voice modulation. In the Storytelling event, Swasti Raghavendra Rao from Class 6A of the Amman Branch secured the 1st Prize, followed by Rachel Mascarenhas from Class 5F, also from the Amman Branch, in 2nd place, and Yogini Khandu Shirsath from Class 5A of the Khaitan Branch in 3rd place. Similarly, in the Poetry Recitation competition, the 1st Prize was awarded to Lauren Mascarenhas of Class 5C from the Amman Branch, with Sana Khanam from Class 5B of the Khaitan Branch taking the 2nd Prize, and Nadah Iyas from Class 5 Green of ISEK Branch earning the 3rd Prize.
In Category 2, which included students from Classes 7 and 8, the Nukkad Natak and Pictorial Narration competitions allowed participants to address social and cultural issues through engaging and thought-provoking performances. The Nukkad Natak event saw the Senior Branch emerging victorious with the 1st Prize, while the Khaitan Branch and Amman Branch secured the 2nd and 3rd Prizes respectively. In the Pictorial Narration competition, Harnoor Kaur from Class 7B of the Senior Branch claimed the 1st Prize, with Syed Osman Mohammed H. from Class 7F of the Khaitan Branch taking the 2nd Prize, and Nuzha Amjad Ziaul Hasan from Class 7D of the Amman Branch securing the 3rd Prize.
Finally, in Category 3, which featured students from Classes 9 and 10, the Debate and Mono Act competitions challenged participants to merge creativity with critical thinking. The Debate competition saw the Senior Branch clinching the 1st Prize, followed by the Amman Branch in 2nd place and the Khaitan Branch in 3rd place. In the Mono Act event, Rashi Pandya from Class 10E of the Amman Branch was awarded the 1st Prize, while Fatimah AlZahra Mujawar from Class 9D, also of the Amman Branch, earned the 2nd Prize, and Dishleen Kaur from Class 9C of the Senior Branch secured the 3rd Prize.
Each event was judged by an experienced panel that assessed participants based on content, creativity, presentation, and time management, ensuring a fair and educational experience for all involved. The day concluded with the announcement of winners and the distribution of trophies and medals by Mrs. Susan Rajesh, Vice Principal of ICSK Senior, marking the end of a successful celebration of Hindi Diwas that not only fostered a sense of pride in the Hindi language but also provided students with an invaluable platform for creative expression.
