The Rotary Club of Kalimpong organised an Inter-School Vande Mataram Singing Competition at Army Public School, Kalimpong on 27th Aug, 2026. They were assisted by the Interact Club of the school.
This idea was mooted by Rotarian Shova Pradhan, Chairperson of the Literacy Committee and also the Principal of Army Public School, Kalimpong.
Twelve Govt. aided schools from Kalimpong town and as far as Algarah, Pedong and Kagay participated in the programme. The Chief Guest was Shri Zulfikar Ali Siddique, Sub-Inspector of Schools, Kalimpong.
In his welcome address, President Rotarian Pravin Pradhan expressed that this programme was organised to instil in the present generation of students the message and importance of this national song, as they are aware of only the A. R. Rahman version of Vande Mataram.
The Chief Guest appreciated the Rotary Club for organising such a patriotic programme by involving students from rural schools as well. He also praised the teachers for their efforts in training the students and providing them a bigger platform.
The judges for the competition were Ms. Sheela Ranapaheli, Ms. Prashami Dhungana and Mr. Ajay Darjee.
The programme was both enjoyable and a great learning experience. Students of St. Philomena’s Girls’ Higher Secondary School were adjudged winners, students of SUMI were 1st runners-up and students of St. George’s H.S. School, Pedong were 2nd runners-up. A consolation prize was given to the students of Algarah H.S. School.
