Nagpur: Children and youth dancing in colourful costumes dotted the stage at the cultural evening organised by the Nagpur Diocesan Council (NDC) on Sunday.
The Church of North India (CNI) celebrated its 54th anniversary with a bible quiz on Saturday, a joint worship service on Sunday, followed by a dance competition in the evening.
Bishop Rt Rev Paul Dupare along with office bearers of the NDC and heads of the educational institutions under CNI were the guests at the event. Welcoming participants from various churches under the Nagpur diocese of CNI as well as educational institutions like Bishop Cotton School and St Ursula School, the theme for the competition was ‘Thanksgiving for our unity in Christ' which was aptly depicted by the various dance performances.
Apart from Rev Dupare, Rev Uttam Khobragade, office bearers of the NDC, secretary Manjusha Stephenson and treasurer Samson Samuel along with heads of the educational institutions under CNI were the guests at the event.
Vikas Thakre, the newly-elected MLA of West Nagpur, was also present at the event and was felicitated by the bishop.
Speaking about the event, Rachna Singh, the manager of St Ursula School said, "It was a well-planned and nicely executed programme which brought in new dimensions to the quality of the performances of various schools and churches. It was very dramatic as it was the season's first event. The lighting of Advent's first candle lights up hope in our hearts, hoping for the best in the days to come. I applaud conveyor Sonia Singh and her team for organising and managing this event."
Samson Jonathan, a music teacher added, "It was a good programme. It was nice and encouraging to see different age groups participating with enthusiasm."
15 groups from churches and CNI schools participated, clinching the first, second and third prizes from each age category. In the minor category, St Ursula English Primary School won the first prize with 114 points, followed by Hindi Primary School which claimed 104 points.
In the junior category, St Ursula Girls' High School and Jr College clinched the top spot with 131 points, while Bishop Cotton High School won the second prize with 109 points. In the senior category, St Thomas Church, New Colony, claimed the first position with 124 points, followed by Mure Memorial which bagged117 points.