Students Should Be Involved in Extra-Curricular Activities, Not Just Books

Kathmandu — Participants at a recent program emphasized that learning is not limited to textbooks alone. Speaking at an event held in Bhaktapur on Thursday, speakers stressed the importance of educating students by involving them in various extra-curricular activities alongside their formal studies.

Shyam Tamot, the senior lyricist of the timeless song "Gaun Gaun Bata Utha, Basti Basti Bata Utha" (Rise from every village, rise from every settlement to change the face of the country), stated that limiting students to books is by no means a wise move.

Educationist Ram Gopal Karmacharya mentioned that the practice of evaluating students based solely on their GPA is wrong. He stated that schools must pay special attention to the holistic development of students alongside their grades. 

While discussing lyricist Tamot, he humorously remarked that it might now be necessary to remix the song to say "Rise from foreign lands" instead of "Rise from the villages."

During the cultural program and prize distribution ceremony held at Everest School, Bhaktapur, the school's founding principal, Bhakta Rajbhandari, shared that the school evaluates students by including "Parent Marks." 

He explained that parents are asked to evaluate their children's activities at home, and those scores are included in the students' overall assessment.

He noted that parents are asked to give marks based on whether students wash their hands properly before eating, help their parents, and keep their belongings organized, among other activities.

The program was held in two phases. The first phase involved the distribution of medals, while the second phase featured the annual cultural exhibition. Principal Kamala Devi Rajbhandari Amatya distributed medals and certificates to the winning students during the first phase.

In the second phase, students presented various cultural performances. They showcased songs, dances, Dhime (traditional drum), Wushu, Yoga, and gymnastics. Students also performed the Charya dance.

The program began with the national anthem, followed by a welcome speech from founding principal Bhakta Rajbhandari. Students from junior levels to Grade 10 performed dances to songs like "Hijo Raati," "Darpan Chhaya," "Hami Haun Shanti," and "Shiri Shiri."

Additionally, an attractive dance of Mahishasur Bhagwati was performed. Parents attending the program were delighted to see the diverse talents of their children.