[gallery size="medium" td_select_gallery_slide="slide" td_gallery_title_input="Education exhibition at Indian school pulls crowds" ids="104994,104995,104996,104997,104998,104999,105000,105001,105002"] By Hassan Cheruppa JEDDAH — Thousands of parents and members of the Indian community flocked to the International Indian School, Jeddah, to visit the two-day educational exhibition (EDEX 2016), which concluded on Saturday. "This marvelous and unique exhibition gives an additional boost to the historic India-Saudi relations," said Indian Consul General Mohammed Noor Rahman Sheikh. Speaking to Saudi Gazette, Sheikh and other guests said they were extremely impressed by the innovative ideas of the students. Nearly 1,200 students, with the support of 250 teachers and non-teaching staff, showcased around 1,150 exhibits on diverse topics at the fair, which was held under the theme of "Passion for Innovation." Saleh Al-Ghamdi, director of foreign education at the Ministry of Education, and Sheikh jointly opened the exhibition at a colorful ceremony at the IISJ Boys' Section in Rehab district Friday evening. Deputy Consul General and School Observer Mohammed Shahid Alam, Dr. Nazneen Rahman, wife of consul general, Dr. Shakeela Shahid Alam, Mohammed Iqbal, chairman of the school managing committee, Syed Masood Ahmed, principal of IISJ, managing committee members, several other dignitaries and the school staff attended the opening ceremony. Later, the guests toured the stalls of the exhibition. There were around 50 stalls with innovative projects on sustenance, life's requirements to rise and survive, Kingdom's Vision 2030, development, space stations, melting man, organic farming, tribal village, gothic horror, water treatment plant, and others. The exhibits were indeed an eye-opener on various topics related to green energy, innovation in transport, communications, agriculture, technology, bio-diversity, community health, and environment and mathematical modeling. The event, which is part of an endeavor to promote scientific spirit among young students, saw students exhibiting models and methods that were useful and sustainable in protecting health and environment in a befitting ambience with the background of purple and blue. The consul general applauded the students for their novel ideas, which he said would help the world to become a much better place to live in. After keenly examining the exhibits, he said it was a great initiative, thanks to the hard work of students with the support of the principal and his great team. "I am very much impressed by the kind of unique presentations made, especially by the students of lower classes. It is interesting to notice their focus on looking forward toward a bright future with returning to nature and renewable energy sources as well as their concern about the future of humanity," he told Saudi Gazette. "I can say this is an organic exhibition as it evokes deep thoughts and introspection in visitors to go back to the nature and to the days of organic farming, which was once the basic support for our living. The theatrical show of "Melting man" at the fair makes us more aware of the perils of the nuclear war and helps us work for promoting world peace. Sheikh congratulated the students for displaying exhibits that focus on further boosting the excellent and centuries-old relations between India and Saudi Arabia in terms of language, culture, cuisine, and traditions, with a highlight on Vision 2030. Alam said the EDEX was really "a celebration of ideas, creativity and the motivational charm" of students. He was impressed mainly with diversity of topics dealt with by the students for their exhibits with giving a message about the wise use of nuclear energy. It is really marvelous to see the display of everything from renewable energy to fossil fuel. The enthusiastic participation of students with the support of their teachers and non-teaching staff was amazing," he said while urging all parents and community members to enjoy "this wonderful creativity". Dr. Nazneen Rahman and Dr. Shakeela Shahid Alam also expressed their delight to see the innovation and extra talent of students in science, arts and many other branches of knowledge. "The Melting Man was superb," said Dr. Nazneen, while Dr. Shakeela said the "gothic horror and Gujarat tribes were highly fascinating". On his part, IISJ Chairman Mohammed Iqbal acknowledged the passion for innovation exhibited by the students and teachers. Apart from promoting creativity and innovation, the fair will boost development of children's talent and skills," he said while congratulating the hard work of the staff in preparing the kids. Principal Ahmed thanked all participating teams for making the event a great success while appreciating their novel projects. "We are so excited to have 1,200 exhibits by 1,150 students. The projects are quite innovative and highly advanced suiting to the theme and fulfilling the objectives of promoting creativity, innovation, and love and passion for work," he said, adding that the collective work of all is behind the success of the event.
