Sri Vijaya Puram, June 6: In a move aimed at fostering artistic expression among school students, the Department of Education in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands has announced the launch of ‘TARANG’, a solo singing and dance competition that will serve as a talent showcase for performers across the union territory.
The contest is open to students from Class I through XII and will be conducted in three groups: Juniors (Classes I-V), Middle (Classes VI-VIII), and Seniors (Classes IX-XII). Auditions for both singing and dancing are scheduled for June 10 at Government Girls Senior Secondary School in Sri Vijaya Puram. Singing auditions will take place from 8 AM to 12 PM, followed by dance auditions from 2 PM to 5 PM.
The grand finale will be held on June 17 at the same venue, with finalists selected based on their performance, originality, and stage presence. The Education Department has extended an open invitation to all eligible students, encouraging them to register and prepare thoroughly for the opportunity.
TARANG is being promoted not just as a contest but as a broader initiative to build student confidence, creativity, and cultural engagement. With structured academics dominating much of the school calendar, officials said events like TARANG offer students a platform to explore non-academic strengths and connect with peers through shared artistic interests.
The competition is also part of a wider campaign to integrate performing arts into mainstream education policy on the islands. Organisers hope that by showcasing the hidden talents of young students, the programme will spark long-term interest in music and dance, areas often sidelined in formal education frameworks.
Education officials are managing all aspects of the event, from audition logistics to performance management and evaluation. Students may contact 9933241252 or 9679578759 for more details.
As anticipation builds, many schools have already begun internal practice sessions to prepare participants for the auditions. If successful, TARANG could become a recurring feature in the islands’ education calendar, offering students a stage to express themselves in front of a live audience and be recognised for more than just academic achievements.
