On a vibrant Friday in Kalaburagi, over 500 students from 30 schools converged at the PDA Engineering College auditorium, each one buzzing with the potential to change the world. They were there not just to compete, but to express, challenge, and grow. DHIE Expressions 2024, the inter-school fest hosted by the Deccan Herald in Education (DHiE), was a gathering where curiosity met creativity, and ideas took flight. As pencils sketched and pens flowed, the auditorium transformed into a large canvas of youthful ambition and innovation. This event was more than a competition; it was an inspiring journey into the heart of learning, showing every participant that their dreams have wings.Shashil Namoshi, MLC and Chairman of the Hyderabad Education Society, inaugurated the event with words of wisdom: “Children should have the habit of asking questions. Only then will their level of understanding increase and creativity emerge,” he said. He also applauded the continuous efforts and the competitive spirit nurtured by Deccan Herald and Prajavani. ."Effort should be continuous. Only through continuous effort can success be achieved," Namoshi added, highlighting the event’s role in fostering a reading and questioning culture among students.Shivanand Khajurgi, Chairman of Disha PU College of Science, who presided over the event, emphasized the importance of genuine learning over easy searches: “Creativity cannot be developed through Google search. Knowledge expands only through reading. Therefore, students should cultivate the habit and interest in reading. Winning or losing is not important. Participating in the competition is what matters. Hence, all the students who have taken part here are winners,” he noted, underscoring the true value of participation over victory.The event featured a range of competitions designed to challenge and inspire the young participants. The junior category drawing competition for students from 5th to 7th grades included themes like ‘Indian festivals’, ‘Religious centres of India’, and ‘My family picnic’. Older students from 8th to 10th grades tackled more complex themes in the senior category, such as ‘Animals in distress due to forest fires’, ‘Modern India’, and ‘Energy conservation’..The creative writing competition for the same age group offered topics that were equally engaging and thought-provoking, including ‘The impact of social media on youth’ and ‘The importance of sports in the physical and mental development of children,’ allowing students to express their viewpoints and expand their understanding of these significant issues.Judges from the academic and artistic communities, including Professors Hanamant Rao Mantatti and Shashikant Mashalkar, brought their expertise to the table, evaluating the artwork, while the writing entries were carefully judged by lecturers Shrishail Malge, Kashibai Sahu, and Mallikarjun Anandkar.Additional enriching sessions peppered throughout the day included insightful discussions on career guidance post-SSLC by Savita S Hanchinahal of the Shiva Education Society and a detailed talk on preparing for UPSC exams from the school level by Principal Kirankumar Kulkarni.The event, which saw participation from schools such as Kayaka Foundation School, Appa Public School, and Aradhana English Medium School, among others, was not just a platform for competition but also a confluence of ideas, aspirations, and future possibilities, marking it as a significant stepping stone towards greater understanding and innovation in education..PRIZE WINNERSDrawing Competition (Junior Category)First Prize: Krishna P Baroti, Appa Public SchoolSecond Prize: Shriganga S Kudi, Chandrakant Patil Central SchoolThird Prize: Aditya Patil, Amit Patil Central School Consolation Prizes:Vibharani V Ghatge, ACT-NV International SchoolSanjana S Verma, Shri Shetty Sangappa Memorial SchoolSinchana Mallikarjun, Poornagyan SchoolLamiya Mahanaj, Orbis International SchoolNamya P A, M L Lee School.Drawing Competition (Senior Category)First Prize: Harshitakumari, ACT-NV International SchoolSecond Prize: Srishti D Biranji, Chandrakant Patil Central SchoolThird Prize: Ritika R Kattimani, SBR Public School Consolation Prizes: Vidyashree S, Vivekananda Vidyaniketan School Sarvesh S Thavaramath, DAV Public School Wadi Sawan Chavan, Gurukul Vidyamandir Pragati Ramesh, Vishwadham Techno School Sedam Priyank Hippargi, Mount Literar G School.Creative Writing CompetitionFirst Prize: Pratiksha Shanabag, Appa Public SchoolSecond Prize: Lakshmi Vinod Patil, Chandrakant Patil SchoolThird Prize: Chinmay Kamalapur, Appa Public School Consolation Prizes:Mahalakshmi Vinod Patil, Chandrakant Patil SchoolPooja, Vishwadham Techno School SedamShreya G D, Chandrakant Patil SchoolChetana Chandrakant, Poornagnan English Medium SchoolAditya Aravind, Chandrakant Patil School.We're thrilled to have participated in the DHiE event! I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the organisers for providing our students with this enriching experience. At SBR Residential Public School, we foster a culture of excellence, and events like these propel our students to shine. Under my guidance, our students prepared diligently, and their outstanding performance earned them prizes in both competitions. I'm incredibly proud of their achievements. Thank you again for this opportunity.- Shambulinga, Headmaster, SBR Residential Public School.We're delighted to associate with this noble initiative. I appreciate the organizers' efforts in promoting student development. As the Founder Chairman of Shiva PU College, Kalaburagi, I'm committed to nurturing young talent. Our institution is happy to support this event as a food sponsor. The organization and coordination have been impressive. I assure our continued support for student-centric programs and look forward to collaborating on future initiatives.- Dr Hanchinmani, Founder-Chairman, Shiva PU College, Kalaburagi
