Saudi Gazette

JEDDAH — The 29th Cluster Meet of international schools affiliated to Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) was set off with a colorful ceremony at the campus of the Boys’ Section of International Indian School Jeddah (IISJ) on Saturday evening.

Consul General of India and Vice Patron of International Indian Schools in the Kingdom Mohammed Noor Rahman Sheikh declared the meet open. Around 460 students, representing over 60,000 students of 25 international schools from all parts of the Kingdom, are taking part in the six-day event.

The dignitaries who attended the inaugural ceremony included Mohammaed Ali Kaador, and Yusef Al-Zahrani, supervisors foreign schools at ministry of education, Dr. Nazneen Rahman Sheikh, wife of Consul General, HOC and School Observer Sahil Sharma, Higher Board Member Abdul Ghafoor Danish, Chairman of the Management Committee Mohammad Ghazanfar Alam, principals of international schools, prominent community figures, teachers, parents and thousands of students and participants.

Speaking to Saudi Gazette, Kaador shared his excitement over the mesmerizing performance of Indian students and their sportsman spirit. “The Ministry of Education will extend full support to the Indian students for their curricular and co-curricular activities,” he said.

Consul General Sheikh, the chief guest, hoisted the CBSE Cluster flag marking the beginning of the meet. He also lighted the torch of the meet and released balloons and pigeons. The participating school contingents presented a march past to the chief guest. IISJ sports secretary administered the Oath of the Meet.

The spectacular and mesmerizing display of artistic events, with the participation of more than 1,000 IISJ tiny tots, stole the show in the inaugural ceremony. Girl and boy students delivered a strong message of togetherness, unity, diversity, strength and sportsman spirit through their colorful displays, captivating the large gathering.

In his keynote address, the Consul General congratulated the participants from all parts from Kingdom and wished them success not only in the event but in their entire life. “Co-curricular activities have equal importance just like their academic subjects. Strive to be successful in all walks of life in a way contributing to the betterment of humanity,” he said while urging the participants to do their best irrespective of whether they win or not.

Chairman of the Management Committee Mohammad Ghazanfar Alam also spoke on the occasion while Principal of IISJ Dr. Muzaffar Hassan welcomed the gathering. The Cluster Meet will conclude on Oct. 24. The 29th conference of the principals of CBSE affiliated international schools will coincide with the Cluster Meet on Oct. 23 and 24.