www.thestatesman.net
Diwash Gahatraj
SILIGURI, Aug. 14: The all-school parade march on the Independence Day at Mela Ground in Kalimpong has always been a colourful event, but the locals would miss a colour this year, as the blind students of the Salvation Army Mary Scott Home for Blinds are not participating in the I-Day extravaganza.
The students from the blind home have always been known for their excellent band music played during their march past session. It has almost been two decades since the SAMSHB students have been performing in the Independence Day celebrations in the sub-division. But due to the unavailability of the senior students, who used to handle the school band, the schools authorities have decided not take part in the event this year.
Mr OT Lepcha, warden of the school, said: “We are sorry to say that the school’s band is not yet ready to perform on the Independence Day. Actually all the senior students of schools have left for their further education to different parts of the country, leaving the school band in the hands of their juniors, who are not ready to perform in such a large function.”
Many locals showed their unhappiness when they knew that the SAMSHB are not performing on the 15 August day programme. One such housewife of the town, Mrs Sumitri Sunar, said: “We have always looked forward for the performance given by the blind home students. It is really good to see them perform on the ground with such confidence and coordination. I think we will really miss them this year.”
The school, which gives shelter and education to almost 60 visually challenged students, has a reputation of brining out students, who are exceptionally good in singing and playing musical instrument.
Apart from a good musical record, the blind school was in news recently when a student, Seema Pradhan, scored 74.2 percent in the Madhyamik exams. Seema, who is resident of Kurseong, created a record by scoring such marks among the blind students of the region.