The  DHiE Fest 2007 grand finale, which started two weeks ago, ended on Thursday, and the last day of the fest saw overwhelming response from particiapnts, audience and teachers – it was a housefull at the RV Dental College’s auditorium, where the last day of the two-week long event was held! Around 70 schools came on the final day.

Assistant General Manager of the parent company of Deccan Herald S V Srinivasan thanked the judges of the various events for their accurate evaluation of the contestants. “The grand finale is the culmination of competitive events that started two weeks ago with the zonal level contests,” he said. “The best among the best teams will win today,” he added.

Vice-President of The Printers (Mysore) D B Dutta was also present on the occasion. Moreover, actor Vijay was the chief guest, and when he appeared on the stage, the students cheered. “I like that actor from the movie Duniya,” said a boy sitting in the front.

Apart from the regular events – painting, dance, creative writing – the new additions on the final day were face-painting, story-telling and interestingly, quiz for teachers. The teachers were asked to form groups of two and were handed a questionaire, while the kids watched them with pleasure. “Now we are taking the students’ place,” said Shaswati Das, a of BBUL Jain Vidyalaya.

“I appreciate that we are also taking part in the contest literally now, apart from the students. But these questions are really though,” said Girija, a teacher of Innisfree House School. Both of them later won the quiz contest.

Just before noon, the students were immersed in either dancing, painting, story-telling or writing short creative essays. Most of the students said the paiting contest on the last day was really enjoyable because the topic was challenging.

“We were asked to draw a harbour, and you know it’s difficult to draw one because blending buildings with an ocean in the background requires knowledge of strokes and colours,” said Sneha, a student of BBUL Jain Vidyalaya. “I’m confident I will get the first prize,” said a student of DPS, South, sitting nearby.

The topic for face paiting was “mythology”. Teams of students sat in corners in the open field outside and painted faces. “I look like a warrior now,” a student with paint on her face said, barely able to smile due to the drying colours. 

The dance students also performed their best on Friday. Most of them said they would win; there was no consensus. Such was the confidence they had. “We did a fusion dance theme, which is neither modern nor traditional. We are different, hence we may win,” said Sanjana, a dance student of Madonna School. Also, story-telling and creative writing students had an enjoyable time. They were given topics such as mouse, backyard, barn, house, etc. According to students, these topics may seem very basic, but if one has to describe them in one minute, it becomes very hard.

“I like speaking, so I took part in story-telling,” said harini of JSS High School. “I can become a politician,” she joked.

The volunteers from St Joseph Indian High School also got certificates for their contribution in the fest. “We also learned many things from these kids,” said Dakshina Murthy, a computer applications student. DM Hegde and Ganesh Bhagwat of the Vivekayuga Foundation also worked round the clock to organise the fest for DHiE. “We are glad to be helping in such huge events students,” said DM Hegde, President of the foundation.

The sponsors for the fest were the Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation, Unibic Biscuits, Kissan Agro, Britannia and Camlin.