Kicked off with the purpose to provide a platform to students of government-run schools in Jharkhand for their aptitude in co-curricular activities, Bal Samagam, in the words of schoolchildren themselves, has not only nailed this objective but rekindled their interest in school life altogether.
“Previously, the attendance of a class with strength of 50 students used to dwindle around merely 20 to 25 students. The absentees roamed around for the day instead of coming to school. Since Bal Samagam was initiated in our school last year, all the students now attend classes without fail,” said Anupa Kerketta, who had represented St Anthonish Middle School, Kanjiya in 100 metre race and long jump under Bal Samagam.
Taking part in competitive sports and events has definitely been a shot in the arm for students’ confidence and their careers, they believe. “Competing and interacting with children of our own age from different places has helped us to open up. We now have a much more confident outlook towards our actions and future,” said Yogender Singh, a young athlete from St Joseph Middle School, Ranka.
The certificates won by competing in various events will act as stepping stones for us in moving ahead towards pursuing higher studies and preferred career options in future, Anupa said with a determined smile.
“Not everyone is good at studies; they might be immensely talented in sports. Co-curricular activities are organised regularly in private schools but not in government schools. So even if a government school student can perform well in sports they do not have the opportunity. Events like Bal Samagam has acted as a platform for us,” expressed Pushpa Kumari of Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalay (KGBV), Bundu.
Pushpa is one of the 30 students from the nation selected for a trip to Japan under the Sakura Exchange Programme. She got the chance for developing the cost-effective Balamrit baby food using indigenously available ingredients.
The teachers also concur with their students on the effect of Bal Samagam. “The biggest change we have observed is that the students are now interested in both academics and extra-curricular activities. As the programme is continued, more students will be encouraged to showcase their talents and we will be ready to help them in this endeavour,” assured Sashi Bara from KGBV, Sonahatu.
Ideated by State Government in January last year, Bal Samagam featured an assortment of athletic and literary events and science exhibition for primary and middle government school students, so that they can get opportunities at par with the top notch cradles to present and hone their abilities in these fields.
Competing on Block-level first, the students made a name for themselves on District and then State levels in the event they chose. The closing ceremony of Bal Samagam 2016 on Friday saw the convergence of talents from the supposedly backward parts of the State who excelled in their fields.