Sandipani attracts students back to world of books

NAGPUR: In contemporary age where children have numerous options like computer gaming, browsing and of course the idiot box 'television', Sandipani school took the initiative in bringing students back to the enduring world of books.
Read 'N' Grow, a novel endeavour, was organized by Sandipani at both its branches on Tuesday. There were more than 5,000 kids from approximately 45 schools who participated with great enthusiasm and gusto.
"The concept of the event is to make kids realize the importance of books and inculcate reading habits in the digital generation. Read 'N' Grow started in 2001 as an intra-school competition and later on welcomed participants from other institutions," said Priya Bhatnagar, school teacher.
Sonali Tumbole, a teacher, opined that reading skills need to be developed as part of personality in a child. She added, "The ultimate aim of this competition is to attract kids to books. It gives us a great sense of pride to host such an event. Setting the path is very important and this is our way of contributing to the progress of the society."
The children are divided into five different categories according to their age group. Each category has a particular author.
This year there were books by Rabindranath Tagore, Sudha Murthy, RK Narayan and Vishnu Sharma. The 11th year's programme started by staging two plays, 'Swami and his friends' and 'The Blue Jackal' at Hazaripahad and Civil Lines branches respectively. With a tint of nervousness before the novel-based exam, participants were pleased to recall the stories in the form of skits which turned out to be very entertaining and enlightened the mood of the gathering.
"I loved the mascot Kabuliwala from Tagore's book who kept on heaving dry fruits at us," said Mansi Sayare, a participant at Hazaripahad.
"The spirit of the competition is enjoyable and engaging. Actually, children are drifting away from books and this is a very alluring way of generating interest," said Richa Chelani, a parent. Aarti Lakhani, guardian of a participant, said "I have witnessed quiz contests but this event is one of its kind, it being based on fascinating novels is more than enough to evoke children to read."
"It's motivating when you see eight year olds coming and participating in a reading competition and having enthusiasm to replicate the hard work they put in. This gives us immense inspiration and makes us realize that we are indeed doing a good job," said Malka Faizuddin, headmistress.
President of Sandipani Rajshree Jichkar told TOI, "It was surprising as well as motivating seeing that a school from Warora in Chandrapur district voluntarily turned up to take part in Read 'N' Grow. After getting such a popularity in the city, Sandipani will take this event to entire Vidarbha next year."