The energy of the school kids knew no bounds as they geared up to prove their skills at the Horlicks Wizkid 2008 held in the City last week. The country’s largest inter-school fiesta was held in 19 cities across the country with over 175,000 students from 1300 schools taking part.
The competition, which turned five this year witnessed immense participation from students around the City as well. Over 10,000 students from 125 schools from Bangalore participated with great enthusiasm in the event.
More than 30 events were held and these were divided into four categories namely: Main Stage, Creative Zone, Challenge Zone and Masti Zone. While Main Stage consisted of events like Fusion Dance and Wiz Quiz, Creative Zone comprised Essay Writing and Face Painting. Laughter Champions, Wiz RJ of the Year and Elocution came in the third category while 30 Secs to Fame and Crossword fell under Masti Zone.
The students were seen having a gala time as they immersed themselves in the world of art, music, dance and drama. “It is a very well-organised event,” said Priyanka, a participant of the face-painting competition from St Francis Xavier.
Said Syed Sultan Ahmed, MD and compere of the competition, “The idea behind this event is to give an opportunity to all kinds of talent. Most of the schools focus on intellectual events like debates and quizzes but what happens to a budding chef, writer or an artist? In fact, we have thousands of students who come to encourage their friends. According to us that’s a talent in itself.” He expressed delight at the abundance of talent in the youth.
One interesting feature of the competition this year is that it has gone international and will have students from Nepal, Pakistan and Bangladesh taking part in the national finals.
Apart from the two finalists from each city, a third finalist will be chosen on the basis of his or her project on child’s right. The youth can even take part in the online competition and get a wildcard entry into the finals. The grand finale will be held in November.
Deepa Natarajan
