5,000 students take part in Classmate Day contest

Chennai, Nov 4 (UNI) Over 5000 students from 110 schools took part in Classmate Day here, an event that kicked off Classmate Young author and Artist Contest organised by ITC Greetings, Gifting and Stationary Business.

In a release yesterday, ITC Greetings CEO Chand Das said the event provided a platform for budding writers and artists among students to showcase their talent and an opportunity to develop it through interaction with some of the country's leading literary icons and other known personalities.

The themes for the fourth edition of the contest were given in three genres with two options each. The participants wrote stories on thriller, fantasy and mystery.

In the painting contest, the participants painted around the themes of 'I wish I were' and 'what do I want from my future',he added.

He said the three-stage contest was being held in over 6000 schools in 34 cities across the country with the participation of two lakh students.

Mr Chand said the contest was open to all students from standard IX to Plus two.

Eight winners will be selected from each school and they will compete in the city finals, which would be held in about five weeks from now.

Stories of participants from neighbouring districts will also be evaluated during the finals. Two best stories from all 19 city final centres will then go for assessment to the national jury headed by renowned writer Ruskin Bond.

He said three winners from each school will participate inthe city finals of the event.The best 40 paintings from all over the country will feature in a travelling painting exhibition, which will be held in select metros.

He said the panel of judges will shortlist 16 stories from the 19 cities for the National finals.The classmate young author 2006 will be awarded a seven-day literary tour to Paris with his/her parents or guardian for an educative tour of the city.

All other finalists will win exciting prizes like home PCs, camcorders, digicams etc.

All 16 national finalists will have their stories edited by Mr Ruskin Bond and published by Rupa and Co.

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