The winning video by Purba Nandi of Epic Public School in the Macmillan Education Budding Travelers Contest.
We are delighted to share the winning videos from the prestigious Macmillan Education Budding Travelers Contest, a unique initiative that encourages young learners to explore the cultural, historical, and geographical treasures of their surroundings and present them through creative storytelling. The contest provides students with an excellent platform to develop research skills, strengthen their narrative abilities, and cultivate a deeper appreciation for the rich heritage of India.
For the community of Epic Public School, the Macmillan Budding Traveler contest turned into a moment of immense pride and celebration. Many may recall that Epic Public School achieved a remarkable milestone by becoming the only school in India to bag three gold medals in the Macmillan contest. This achievement not only highlights the creativity and dedication of the students but also reflects the school’s commitment to nurturing curiosity, creativity, and cultural awareness among young learners.
One of the outstanding contributions came from student Purba Nandi, whose video beautifully captured the historical charm and heritage of Cooch Behar. Known for its royal legacy and architectural splendour, Cooch Behar has long been a treasure trove of cultural history. Through her carefully crafted video, Purba presented an engaging glimpse into the town’s past while celebrating the enduring significance of its historic landmarks.
In her presentation, Purba focused on two remarkable sites—the Dewankhana Building and the revered Siddhinath Temple. The Dewankhana Building, once an important administrative structure during the princely era of Cooch Behar, stands as a reminder of the region’s regal past and its rich architectural heritage. Through visuals and narration, Purba highlighted the historical importance of the building and the stories that continue to echo within its walls.
The second landmark featured in the video, Siddhinath Temple, is a well-known religious site that holds deep spiritual significance for the local community. The temple’s serene atmosphere and cultural importance were beautifully portrayed in the video, allowing viewers to appreciate not only its architectural beauty but also its place in the social and spiritual life of the region. By bringing together these two sites, Purba successfully created a narrative that balanced history, culture, and personal observation.
What made Purba’s video particularly remarkable was the clarity of her storytelling and the thoughtful way she connected heritage with modern curiosity. Her narration reflected both careful research and genuine enthusiasm, qualities that resonated strongly with viewers. The visual presentation, combined with informative commentary, transformed the video into a small yet powerful journey through the heritage of Cooch Behar.
Purba’s work was widely appreciated not only by the judges of the Macmillan contest but also by members of the audience during the screening of the winning entries at the British Council Library. The audience responded warmly to her presentation, acknowledging the effort and creativity involved in bringing local heritage to life through a young learner’s perspective. The appreciation from such a distinguished venue further underlined the quality and impact of her work.
The success of Purba Nandi and her fellow students in the Macmillan Budding Travelers Contest reflects the growing enthusiasm among young learners to engage with history and culture in meaningful ways. By encouraging students to explore places, research stories, and present them creatively, the contest plays an important role in nurturing the next generation of storytellers and cultural ambassadors.
For Epic Public School, this achievement serves as an inspiring reminder of what young minds can accomplish when given the opportunity and encouragement to explore their surroundings. The school community takes immense pride in the accomplishments of its students and continues to support initiatives that foster creativity, research, and confident expression.
As we celebrate the success of Purba Nandi and the other winners, we also celebrate the spirit of exploration and curiosity that lies at the heart of the Budding Travelers Contest. Such initiatives remind us that the stories of our towns, monuments, and traditions are waiting to be discovered and shared—and sometimes, all it takes is the curiosity of a young traveller to bring them to life.
