Schools and academic institutions across the Andaman Islands reported a surge of student activity over the past week, as campuses hosted a string of learning, civic and cultural programmes aimed at widening exposure beyond the classroom. From the observance of National Book Week to electoral literacy sessions, chess tournaments and Children’s Day celebrations, the initiatives reflected an attempt to combine academic development with life skills and civic awareness at the school level.
National Book Week, observed annually to promote reading habits among young learners, saw participation from schools that organised reading hours, book exhibitions, storytelling sessions and discussions on the value of printed literature. Teachers encouraged students to explore genres outside their syllabus and to use the week as an opportunity to cultivate regular reading routines. Several schools reported strong engagement from students, who used the exhibitions to browse titles across science, fiction, biographies and regional literature. Officials said the aim was to maintain student interest in physical books at a time when digital content is increasingly dominant.
The week also featured a civic-focused programme through the Electoral Literacy Club (ELC), which conducted awareness sessions on voting, democratic values and the importance of informed participation in elections. Resource persons explained the structure of the electoral process, the significance of the voter’s role and the need for responsible civic behaviour. Although targeted at young students who are still years away from voting eligibility, the programme sought to build familiarity with democratic processes at an early age. Teachers said the sessions were designed to break down concepts through examples, simple activities and interactive discussions, helping students understand the link between elections and everyday governance.
Sporting activity also made its presence felt through the Bal Chess Utsav, where students from various schools took part in friendly chess competitions. The event emphasised strategic thinking and patience, with teachers describing chess as an important tool for improving concentration and decision-making among children. Organisers said the tournament was designed to include beginners and experienced players alike, giving all participants an opportunity to test their skills and learn new strategies. While results varied across schools, officials reported enthusiastic participation, noting that chess activities have been gaining popularity among students in recent years.
Adding to the week’s events, the District Institute of Education and Training (DIET) marked Children’s Day with a set of activities intended to provide a relaxed and engaging environment for students. The observance included competitions, cultural performances and interactive games, all aimed at celebrating childhood while encouraging creativity and collaboration. During the event, DIET also launched its new official website, intended to serve as a digital resource for teacher training, educational updates and academic materials. Officials said the platform would help streamline access to information and support coursework for trainee teachers and school staff across the islands.
Teachers across schools noted that the combined set of programmes provided students with a multi-dimensional learning experience, offering exposure to literature, civic responsibility, mental sports and cultural engagement within a short span. Many institutions used the week to reinforce values such as curiosity, discipline, teamwork and critical thinking, which they said are essential for building well-rounded learners.
The concentrated period of activity also signaled a gradual return to high student participation in campus-based events, which schools have been keen to encourage. Administrators said such programmes help break monotony, give students opportunities to explore interests, and provide platforms for talent that may not always be visible in routine classroom settings. They added that student response across events had been positive, with many showing keen interest in extending some activities, particularly reading clubs and chess sessions, beyond the designated week.
More academic and co-curricular events are expected over the coming months, with schools planning a mix of competitions, awareness drives and enrichment programmes to maintain engagement. Officials said the objective is to sustain momentum around holistic education and ensure that school environments remain active, participatory and connected to broader learning themes.
