A REPORT
The ITIHAAS Young Writers’ Forum was launched in year 2010 with the objective of providing the students a platform to document and exhibit our disappearing oral traditions and local history.
This year the theme was ‘Shatak Ko Salaam’ (a salute to hundred). The response was overwhelming with participation from over 131 schools who worked in teams under the able supervision of their mentors in respective categories.
Cheshta Classes IV and V
Utsaah Classes VI and VII
Jumbish Classes VIII and IX
Udgaar Classes X and XI
July 22, 2011
Teen Murti Auditorium
For the ANVESHAN Felicitation Ceremony, twenty eight finalist schools were invited and the awards for the meritorious entries were given away by the Chief Guest Mrs. Gursharan Kaur (Wife of the Prime Minister of India
Dr. Gautam Sengupta (Director General, ASI) presided over the event as Guest of Honour. He spoke to the children, answered their questions and shared his views on issues like cultural prejudice and the need to value heritage.
Also present at the occasion was Prof. Mridula Mukherjee (Director, Nehru Memorial Museum and Library) who in her address emphasized on importance of organizations who are making our collective heritage accessible to the youth in a creative way.
The programme began with activities for the participants. While categories Cheshta and Utsaah hunted for treasures hidden all over the legendary Teen Murti Bhawan, Jumbish and Udgaar painted their views on ‘Me And My Heritage’ on tiles. All of them, despite being from schools from all over the country, became friends as they discovered what they shared in common- love for heritage and traditions.
Mr. Rajdeep Pathak (Programme Executive, GSDS) was the compare for the event. After making an introductory speech on ANVESHAN 2011, he announced the winners.
Sarthak Malhotra, a student of class XI who has been walking with ITIHAAS for the last five years spoke about his experience with ITIHAAS.
Some participants also shared their journey of working with peers and mentors on their projects.
Smita Vats (Founder Director, ITIHAAS) made a brief presentation on ITIHAAS’s work to the audience.
Prashant Gautam, another student turned ITIHAAS volunteer gave the vote of thanks.
While reading the projects submitted by the children, the judges knew that they were in a difficult position as all the projects were so well done and deserved recognition. Each work showed ingenuity in creativity, thorough research and keenness for the hidden story.
We are grateful to the NMML for supporting the programme.
©itihaas2011
