The students of the southland proved that the future of East Indian culture was in good hands as they demonstrated different aspects of the Hindu heritage. Students from various schools, including St Joseph's Convent, San Fernando; Holy Faith Convent, Penal; Naparima College; Naparima Girls' High School; Rio Claro West Secondary and the Waterloo Secondary, all took part in the 31st annual Secondary Schools Sanskritik Sangam competition, with the theme, O Children of Noble and Ancient Culture, held on March 6 at Naparima College, San Fernando.
The students competed in a variety of subject areas, including a Ramayan quiz, a Mahabharat quiz, Hinduism quiz, choral speaking, public speaking and story telling. Taking top honours in the Ramayan quiz were the students of St Joseph's Convent, San Fernando. Second and third place went to Waterloo Secondary School and Holy Faith Convent, Couva, respectively. In the Mahabharat quiz, Naparima Girls' High School and St Joseph's Convent placed first and second, while the Hinduism quiz saw the St Joseph's and Holy Faith Convents taking the first two spots. St Joseph's Convent once again entered the winners' circle, placing first ahead of the Naparima Girls in the choral speaking (Hindu Seva Sangh Trophy) category.
Students from Naparima Girls' High School performing at the Sanskritik Sangam.
The students of Naparima College placed third in all three categories. The final category to be judged, story telling, was won by the Waterloo Secondary while Naparima College and Naparima Girls' High School placed second and third respectively. This category was one of the most colourful segments of the competition and saw the students re-enacting different aspects of the East Indian heritage. The competition ended in a guest performance by a group from the Rio Claro West Secondary school.
However, their entertaining performance was cut short by teachers of the Naparima College who objected to the students' use of aerosol cans and cigarette lighters to produce large naked flames. Speaking after the event, many of the students and teachers were impressed with the level of competition displayed by the various schools and expressed hope for an even better competition next year.