Date:12/11/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/11/12/stories/2006111212940200.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

Bangalore boy in Horlicks Wiz Team

Staff Reporter

AN OCCASION TO REMEMBER: The winners of Horlicks Wiz Kids 2006, which ended in Bangalore on Saturday.

Bangalore: It was an event that brought together over one-lakh children from 1,141 schools. Horlicks Wiz Kids 2006 ended on Saturday with its Grand Finale at the Ambedkar Bhavan here.

Mani Sudhir Selvaraj from Clarence High School, Bangalore; Anupama Kumar from Bhavan's Vidya Mandir, Cochin; Deepika Easwaran from Chettinad Vidyaasharam, Chennai; and Kishlay Kishan from Delhi Public School, Patna, were adjudged as members of the Horlicks Wiz Team 2006.

The winners were judged on their performance in the written elimination round, interview round and the final selection round comprising talent round, versatility round and judges' question round. The wiz team will represent India in the educational-cultural exchange programme to be held in the Philippines.

The judges were Rajeev Gowda M.V., professor, IIM, Bangalore; Nirmala Karunan, environment activist; Geeta Ramanujam, educationist; Anil Kumar, Director of NCC, Karnataka; Dilip Patel, journalist, and actress Maanya.

Ms. Ramanujam said, "Students should realise that it is their self-confidence that will help them grow and not westernised systems of education." She told them to live up to their potential.

The excitement in the packed auditorium was palpable.

A dance presentation by a group of kindergarten children to the song "Krishna Nee Baegane Baro", a solo by Canadian singer Tara, was the highlight of the function. The 50 city-level finalists presented a dance programme, Vande Mataram.

"This is definitely the best experience of my life. All the 49 contestants are a part of my success. I learnt a lot from each one and now I am looking forward to representing my country," said Mani Sudhir Selvaraj, one of the winners.

The other prizes that were distributed included the "Sharpest Wizkid Award' to Chaitanya Kansal from Apeejay School, Delhi; the "Popular Student Award" to Shraavni Ramkumar from National Academy for Learning, Bangalore; and the "Best Dressed School Award" to Parikrma School, Bangalore.