Empowering Young Voices at St. Augustine's Day School, Barrackpore
“The art of communication is the language of leadership.” This timeless thought came to life as St. Augustine’s Day School, Barrackpore proudly hosted VOX NOVA 2026 – Public Speaking Competition for the students of Classes IV and V on 1st August 2026. The event was a celebration of confidence, creativity, and the power of effective communication—an opportunity for young minds to express themselves with clarity and conviction.
A Journey to the Grand Finale
VOX NOVA 2026 was not just a one-day competition; it was the culmination of a challenging selection process. Students first participated in two rounds of preliminary evaluations, where they demonstrated their speaking abilities, stage presence, and confidence.
From a large pool of enthusiastic participants, 20 exceptional finalists from Class IV and 20 finalists from Class V earned the privilege of competing on the grand stage. Their journey reflected dedication, preparation, and the courage to step outside their comfort zones.
A Celebration Shared with Parents
The event witnessed an overwhelming response from parents, whose enthusiastic presence created an atmosphere filled with encouragement and pride. Their applause, support, and appreciation added warmth to the occasion, making every participant feel celebrated.
The competition became more than just a contest—it was a memorable experience where families witnessed their children grow into confident communicators.
An Inspiring Beginning
The programme commenced with an inspiring address by our respected Principal, Ms. Shweta Ray, who encouraged every student to believe in themselves, communicate with confidence, and never stop learning. She reminded the young participants that public speaking is not only about delivering words but about expressing ideas with honesty, clarity, and purpose.
Her motivational message set the perfect tone for a day dedicated to learning, self-expression, and personal growth.
Esteemed Panel of Judges
We were privileged to have an accomplished panel of judges who evaluated each participant with fairness, expertise, and encouragement.
Our distinguished guest judge, Mr. Aritrik Dutta Chowdhury, Faculty in the Department of English at Acharya Girish Chandra Bose College and Sanskrit College and University, brought valuable academic insight and professional experience to the competition.
Joining him on the judging panel were:
- Ms. Mou Banerjee, ABC Coordinator, Middle Section
- Ms. Shayeri Bhadra, Assistant Teacher, English Department, Middle and Senior Section
Their thoughtful observations and constructive feedback made the competition a meaningful learning experience for every participant.
Class IV – Character Parade
For the students of Class IV, the theme “Character Parade” transformed the stage into a world of imagination. Participants stepped into the roles of famous historical figures, literary icons, fictional characters, and inspiring personalities.
Dressed in beautifully designed costumes, each student captivated the audience by bringing their chosen character to life through expressive speeches, confident delivery, and engaging performances. It was a wonderful display of creativity, research, and storytelling.
Class V – Picture Composition
The Class V competition challenged students with the theme “Picture Composition.” Participants selected their speaking topic through a lottery draw, encouraging them to think quickly, organise their ideas, and present them confidently before the audience.
Each speaker impressed the judges with originality, imagination, vocabulary, and clarity of expression. Their ability to transform a visual prompt into a meaningful speech showcased not only language skills but also critical thinking and creativity.
Celebrating the Winners
After an inspiring showcase of confidence, eloquence, and creativity, the judges announced the winners.
Class IV Winners
🥇 First Place: Reeyansh Saha Basu Roy Chowdhury (IV-E)
🥈 Second Place: Asmita Roy Choudhury (IV-F)
🥉 Third Place: Kritanhik Dalal (IV-H)
Class V Winners
🥇 First Place: Siyona Moulik (V-A)
🥈 Second Place: Aarushi Dey (V-H)
🥉 Third Place: Atrayee Porel (V-I)
Their performances reflected outstanding preparation, confidence, and effective communication, making them deserving winners of VOX NOVA 2026.
Every Finalist Was a Winner
While trophies recognised a few outstanding performances, every finalist who stood on the stage demonstrated courage, determination, and a willingness to grow. Public speaking is a skill that develops through practice, confidence, and continuous learning, and every participant took an important step forward on that journey.
The enthusiasm, preparation, and sportsmanship displayed by all the students truly embodied the spirit of healthy competition and lifelong learning.
Building Tomorrow's Leaders
At St. Augustine’s Day School, Barrackpore, we believe that communication is one of the most valuable life skills a child can develop. Events like VOX NOVA provide students with opportunities to express their thoughts, overcome stage fear, strengthen critical thinking, and build the confidence needed to become future leaders.
As we celebrate the success of VOX NOVA 2026, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to every participant, winner, teacher, and parent who contributed to making this event truly memorable.
Your words inspired us, your confidence impressed us, and your determination reminded us that leadership begins with the courage to speak.
Congratulations to all the finalists! May your voices continue to inspire, your confidence continue to grow, and your journey of learning lead you to even greater achievements in the years to come.
