Edu-cultural Festival

 

In 1993, during my initial tenure as a lecturer at Government Boys Degree College Matiari, I assembled a team of eight educators. This collaboration not only elevated the college to the status of the premier educational institution in Hyderabad but also facilitated the organization of numerous co-curricular and extracurricular activities. These included debates, seminars, special observance days, career counseling, and a Science, Book, and Cultural Festival.

To fund the festival, we contributed personally and solicited donations from family members and the residents of Matiari Town. The event was remarkable and remains fondly remembered by all who attended. Unfortunately, no similar initiative was undertaken in the years that followed.

In December 2022, I took the initiative to organize a comparable festival. Both teachers and students participated enthusiastically. The event featured book stalls, cultural displays, and science project exhibitions. Students from Government Boys Degree College Matiari presented 21 impressive science projects under the guidance of their dedicated teachers. Additionally, students from Government Girls Degree College Matiari, Beacon Home School, and Agriculture University showcased their own projects.
Three food stalls were set up to cater to attendees: one offered food from Mirchi 99 Matiari, another provided ice cream and sweets, and the third served tea. The festival was inaugurated by the Director of College Education for the Hyderabad Region. The first two days were open to the public, attracting citizens and students from various schools and colleges. On the second day, two distinguished guests, Honourable Justice (Retired) Ghulam Rabbani Qureshi, a former Supreme Court judge of Pakistan, and Honourable Justice (Retired) Abdul Rasool, a former High Court judge of Sindh, visited the festival. They thoroughly enjoyed the experience, exploring each stall, purchasing books and cultural items, and engaging with students about their projects. To further motivate the students, they awarded monetary prizes.
On the evening of the second day, a wrestling event was held in one of the college gardens, featuring local wrestlers, including students from Government Boys Degree College Matiari. The residents of Matiari, along with the college staff and students, thoroughly enjoyed the competition. The victors were presented with trophies and cash prizes.
Later that night, a musical program took place, showcasing performances by students, including songs, tableaux, and dramas, culminating in a bonfire. The third day was exclusively designated for female participants, with the exception of workers and students involved in project work. The women of the city greatly appreciated the festival.
This remarkable three-day event concluded in a wonderfully pleasant atmosphere, thanks to the efforts of the college staff and students. Following the vacation, prizes were awarded to the teachers and students who played a pivotal role in successfully organizing this event.