A vibrant line-up of events under the Education Department is set to mark the end of September across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, ranging from sports to literacy drives and cultural competitions. Together, the activities are aimed at encouraging student participation beyond classrooms, strengthening creativity, and promoting physical as well as intellectual growth.
The North Bay Road Marathon 4.0 will kick off the series on September 27 at 3 pm. Organized by the Deputy Education Officer, Wimberlygunj, the marathon is open to both the general public and school students from the Wimberlygunj Educational Zone. The route spans the scenic stretch from Chunnabatta near Ram Mandir to North Bay and back. Categories include a 10 km run for men and school boys, and a 5 km run for women and school girls. The event is free to enter, with registrations scheduled at the venue from 2 pm on the day. Cash prizes have been announced for winners across categories, reinforcing the Department’s focus on promoting a culture of fitness alongside academics.
Adding to the schedule is the Monsoon Book Reading Festival 2.0, which will run from September 28 to October 26 at the State Library in Sri Vijaya Puram. Timed between 10 am and 1 pm daily, the festival targets children between the ages of six and eighteen years. Activities lined up include skit competitions, word-building games, quizzes, fancy dress, and conversational practice in English. The initiative aims to promote creativity and literacy skills among island children while introducing them to reading in an interactive and enjoyable format. Registrations will be accepted at the State Library.
As part of Hindi Fortnight 2025, the Department of Official Language has taken a cultural turn with elocution and eloquence competitions. Students from classes 9 and 10 of secondary schools in the Sri Vijaya Puram headquarters area participated in an elocution contest themed ‘Digital yug mein Hindi ki shakti’ at the Hindi Typing Training Center. The event drew wide participation, reflecting both enthusiasm and linguistic confidence. The second round, targeting students of classes 11 and 12, will be held on September 24 at 10 am, exploring the theme “वैश्वीकरण और हिन्दी की संभावनाएँ”. These activities underscore the effort to sustain relevance of Hindi in a changing era dominated by technology and globalization.
Complementing academic and linguistic events, the District Level National Role Play and Folk Dance Competition 2025-26 for South Andaman concluded on September 23 at the Girls GSSS Auditorium in Sri Vijaya Puram. Students from across the district showcased their creativity and cultural awareness through performances. PM SHRI GSSS R K Pur and GSSS Model Aberdeen emerged as winners, highlighting the spirit of healthy competition. The contests provided a platform for students to explore their artistic abilities, while encouraging them to connect with heritage and traditions.
The sequence of events being organized reflects a multidimensional approach to education in the Islands. By blending physical activity, reading, language, and culture, the Department is widening opportunities for students to engage in extracurricular pursuits that enhance holistic growth. Officials have emphasized that such initiatives help in promoting confidence, public speaking, creativity, and teamwork, while also preparing students for larger state and national-level competitions. For the broader community, these activities provide avenues to witness the capabilities of the younger generation.
With marathoners setting pace along the coastline, children gearing up for a month-long tryst with books, young speakers competing in Hindi, and cultural performers shining on stage, the month of September is set to be a lively one for schools and the wider community in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The diverse calendar captures the spirit of the Education Department’s mission to build all-rounded citizens, balancing learning with cultural and sporting experiences.
