Entering its 5th year, Mumbai’s famed inter-school competition- ‘Immaculata’ organized by St. Mary’s School, Mazagaon took place on the 2nd and 3rd July, 2016. The two day event saw twenty-four schools participating and vying for the overall title of the ‘Best School In Mumbai’.

Inaugurated by ‘Taare Zameen Par’ Director – Amol Gupte, the event’s energy was par excellence. “I am overwhelmed with the energy and can’t describe what I am experiencing. My son is a part of one of the participating schools, which gives me immense pleasure”, Gupte said.

Principal of Activity High School, Perin Bagli said, “Our school has been participating in Immaculata right from its inception and we have been winning a number of events. This time too, we got the 1st place in the Fine Arts category. Competing with 20 plus schools is really challenging and a wonderful learning experience! The event gives children a chance to showcase their talents which helps in building their confidence. Ultimately, it’s participating, that counts!

The event was supported by ‘Bboys’- Darayus Dhabhar and Vishtasp Kothavala; Danesh Khambata; Kainaz Kasnavia; Mahafrin Edibam and Azmin Mistry-Vania; who judged the participants in various competitions, namely: performing arts, fine arts, sports centre, literary arts, global fusion and out of the box.

Speaking with PT, Kainaz says, “I am impressed by the professional way the entire event has been organized. It’s a pleasure judging children from class 1 to 4 as they enacted various fairy tales, so well. It brought back all my childhood memories.”

The Bboys who have been judging the Performing Arts category since the past five years said, “Just like fine wine, it gets better each year!”

Interacting with the youngsters, Azmin said, “You are lucky to have this exposure right from school. Value these opportunities, indulge in a healthy competition and remember, it’s the experience, more than the accolades that will help you grow”.

The contribution of the school’s Managing Committee and ex-Marians is one of the main ingredients for the event’s success each year. An indispensible part of ‘Immaculata’ is their original and effervescing Jam Master- Hormuz Ragina. An ex- Marian himself, Hormuz has been involved in the execution and in motivating the 2500 plus students, their parents and teachers since the very beginning!

This year, ‘The Grand Finale Winners’ were the ‘Campion’ school, followed by ‘Queen Mary School’ and ‘St. Anne’s School’ as Runner’s Up.

To conclude, In the words of Principal, Fr. Francis Swamy SJ, of St. Mary’s, “Immaculata is an event of the students, for the students and by the students. It’s an open platform for them to unfold their innumerable potential and capabilities year after year.”