There was widespread praise for the innovative skills of young girl students at the International Indian School Jeddah’s (IISJ) two-day education exhibition that ended on Thursday.

B.S. Mubarak, the Indian consul general, who opened the event, was among several officials and visitors who were impressed by the students. The officials included Raghib Qureshi, head of the chancery and senior diplomat; Syed Masood Ahmed, principal of the IISJ; and Haroon Rashid, chairman of the school’s managing committee.

“The opportunity to display their talents will not only enhance their skills but also boost their self confidence,” said Mubarak. He urged all schools to hold such talent exhibitions to support the development of students.

Ahmed said the school encourages students to participate in events that would help develop their capacity to create and innovate. “It is also an opportunity for parents and community members to recognize and appreciate the great talents of our students,” he said.

About 1,000 students exhibited their projects. The show stealer was “The Pride of India” project in which the architectural grandeur of the country was brought alive. The children presented the Rashtrapati Bhavan, India’s Parliament, Humayun Gate, and Amar Jawan Joyti. Girls in the fourth and fifth grades acted as leading journalists from various media houses and presented news stories. They also played the role of Helen Keller, the famous blind writer.

Among the highlight of the exhibits was a live presentation on online shopping, to demonstrate how it is changing the world of commerce.

There were other presentations including on how India was becoming one of the world leaders in science and technology; the origins of Arabic, Urdu, Telugu, Hindi and Malayalam in various Indian regions; and Saudi Arabian culture. There was also a sand art display presented with the poetry of Allama Iqbal.

Manha Najam, Haleema and Nimra Rawia were some of the many young first grade students who impressed visitors with their communication skills. Najam told Arab News: “We had an opportunity to practice what we studied in the classroom.”

Farahd Unnisa, the school vice principal, said the combined efforts of students, teachers and parents ensured the event was a success. “Our students put forward new ideas and this made the exhibition really interesting and informative. They performed well and I enjoyed watching them explaining their projects with confidence.”