“A mind needs books like a sword needs a whetstone if it is to keep its edges.” The second day of The Bibliophile Week 2023-24 commenced with a profound emphasis on the indispensable need for and the significance of fostering a reading culture among children. Today’s assembly shed light on the pivotal role of reading in moulding cognitive, emotional, and social development. Through a captivating skit, the kids skilfully conveyed the message that reading goes beyond basic literacy, acting as a catalyst for exploration, imagination, and knowledge acquisition.
The assembly deeply resonated with the audience as visually striking slides highlighted the numerous benefits of embracing books as companions on the journey of personal growth. An atmosphere of anticipation filled the room as students caught glimpses of book covers, sparking their curiosity to delve into the stories within. Encouraged to immerse themselves in these literary treasures during their leisure time at the library, students were poised to embark on a journey of discovery and enlightenment.
The day gained momentum with the thrilling handwriting competition conducted for Grades 1 and 2 and an inter-house Story Narration Competition for Grades 3-5.
In the inter-house Story narration competition two representatives from each house showcased their oratory skills. Through eloquent storytelling, contestants captivated their audience, immersing them in captivating realms of imagination. The theme of the competition, centred around true friendship, served to reinforce the notion that reading not only enriches linguistic skills but also nurtures empathy, critical thinking, and creativity.
We saw a blend of self-composed narratives and adapted tales. Prithu from Grade 3A, Aaral from Grade 3A, Kaavyansh Singh from Grade 3B, and Tanvika Pandey from Grade 5B captivated the audience with their self-authored tales, each showcasing remarkable talent. Yet, amid the impressive performances, only one could emerge victorious.
Representing Godavari House, Atharva Mishra from Grade 5E and Prithu from Grade 3A clinched the top spot. Ganga House, led by Kaashvi Pandey from Grade 5 and Aaral from Grade 3A, secured the second position. Aayati Srivastava from Grade 4D earned accolades as the best speaker, while Atharva Mishra was lauded for his exceptional oratory skills.
In essence, the Bibliophile Week stands as a testament to the enduring power of stories to shape hearts and minds. It is a celebration of the timeless bond between reader and text, and a reaffirmation of the belief that in the pages of a book, one can discover not just knowledge, but also wisdom, solace, and endless possibility.
