Auxzeal 2015, the sports meet of Auxilium Convent School, Dum Dum opened amidst a lot of interest and fanfare on the 11^th December 2015, at Lichubagan Grounds, in Dum Dum, Kolkata. The first day of the two-day extravaganza was graced by the honourable Chief Guest, Most Rev. Thomas D’Souza, Archbishop of Kolkata and our Guest of Honour, Shri Harendra Singh, the Chairman of Dum Dum Municipality. The dignitaries were ushered in from the main gate to the dais by a group of Auxilians who gave them a ceremonial guard of honour. They were accompanied by Superior Sr. Teresa A. and Principal Sister Esther Rani. The august guests on the stage as well as parents and the other invitees were formally welcomed by Sister Principal who also emphasized the need of sports in the lives of modern youngsters and how sports can inculcate discipline and the spirit of sportsmanship in every individual. The guests were felicitated by our students who presented them with bouquet of flowers as mark of our gratitude and love.

After the welcome dance the, the primary pupils of Auxilium Convent School, Dum Dum, spread their angelic innocence through a number of items which included: the Honey Bunny Drill (Nursery), the Colourful Hands Drill (K.G), karate (class IV), Aerobics (class III), Lovely Little Flowers and finally the Mass Drill that brought together each and every student of the primary section. These presentations were interspersed with track and field events that witnessed faltering, fumbling tiny tots getting up in all seriousness and determination to complete their respective races. Mrs. Leena Raha was felicitated by Sister Superior for her contributions as a dance teacher in the school and helping out children in competing in numerous events. The earnestness of their efforts warmed every heart present. The same emotion was voiced by the Chief Guest in his speech at the end of events. The day came to an end with a Christmas message and singing of the national anthem.

The second day of Auxzeal 2015 began with a lot of excitement and anticipation. The Chief Guest Prof. Maria Fernandes, the Vice- Chairperson of W. B. Minorities Commission, along with the Guest of honour Rev. Sister Rose Ezarath FMA, Provincial of Salesian Sisters, Kolkata and Superior Sister Teresa A.was accorded a ceremonial Guard of Honour and later felicitation.

In her welcome address, Sister Principal Esther not just welcomed the guests but also informed the august assembly of the equal priority given to sports and co-curricular activities in Auxilium Convent School, Dum Dum. Sister Esther reiterated that such a momentous occasion as that required careful planning for months, attention to details, remarkable coordination and above all intense practice.

The March past, and drills by the four houses- Blue, Green, Yellow, and Red, which were competitive this year, showcased all the points mentioned by her.

After the declaration of the sports meet open by the Chief Guest, the Lichubagan  Grounds, the venue for the meet, was occupied by one presentation after the other- the Welcome Dance (Suswagatam), Karate (classes VI and VII), House Drills based on different themes, and finally  the Mass Drill. In between there were track and field events which reflected the energy and enthusiasm of students to excel. The meticulous execution of these events brought about loud applause and cheer from the audience.

The Christmas message reminded everybody of the virtues of love and sacrifice in keeping with the festive season associated with Jesus’ birth.

Our Sister Superior, in a surprise announcement, felicitated Chandraja Guha of XII C and her parents for her cent percent attendance in the school since nursery. With this initiative, the Management of ACS, Dum Dum, seeks to inspire students to be regular and punctual in attending school as well as be active participants in all events in the school calendar. The Auxiband kept rhythm to the entire proceedings of the day.

The Chief Guest, in her speech, expressed her wonder at the performances hoping that parents would realize that only such a holistic vision of child development, as followed in ACS, Dum Dum, can ensure a steady future and equip girls proficiently in modern world. The scintillating programme came to a culmination after the vote of thanks and the national anthem. The participation of each and every student of the school, in some capacity or the other, ensured the success of Auxzeal, 2015.

Mrs. Raka Bhattacharya