By Matters India Reporter

New Delhi, Jan 24, 2020: St. Anne’s Girls’ High School Mandar, near Ranchi, won the National Inter-School Band Competition 2019-2020 in the girls’ category.

Ministry of Human Resource Development, Department of School Education and Literacy organized it on January 23 at Thyagaraj Stadium, New Delhi.

Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank, federal Minister of Human Resource Development (HRD), was chief guest, Sanjay Dhotre, Minister of State for HRD and Amit Khare, secretary, Higher Education, School Education and Literacy were the Guests of Honor.

“It was a very tough completion right from the district, state and national levels,” said Joshna Kujur, bandleader.

A total of eight teams each of girls and boys participated. There were 25 members or students in each band group.

“Our team worked hard and each student made a personal effort to make it— the best performance. We used to practice every day before and after school hours,” Kujur said.

“Our coaches—Diwakar Lama, Anup Gurung and Prem Rana—are committed and taught us and gave the practice with great patience,” she added.

They band winning team thanked the school principal Sister Esther Horo and assistant teacher Sister Roshni Kujur who encouraged, cooperated and accompanied the team in its journey of winning. The school is managed by the Daughters of St Anne congregation.

“Credit goes to the school, the principal and all the teachers who directly and indirectly helped, guided and supported us,” Kujur said.

Sister Horo said the school band worked hard with a dream to become national winners.

“Students of St. Anne have always tried to dream big. This winning is a result of their determination and perseverance,” the nun added.

“The tribal girls are so hardworking and have good concentration. They are so obedient and displaced,” said coach Lama.

“Our school did well good and got the opportunity to perform in many big occasions as well,” said coach Gurung.

Nearly 90 percent of students are tribal.

“Whole Jharkhand state is feeling proud with the of St. Anne’s Girls,” said Dheersen Soreng, District Education Officer.

Sainik School Kapurthala won the first prize in the boys’ category.