There is no need of expressing in words how the Covid-19 pandemic has altered the way of life. Although most sectors have brought their normal operations back, educational institutions remain closed until this date due to the higher health risk of children and associated families. This long break from regular education has also threatened the interactive and amusing co-curricular activities and related festivals which school and college students used to have previously. However, like few other clubs, renowned Josephite Business Club of Saint Joseph Higher Secondary School pushed this barrier of the pandemic away and organised their flagship event 'Walton 3rd Josephite Entrepreneurs' Den for school and college students entirely online.
With the motto "Outclassing Obstacles," this business event has literally overcome many aspiring students' obstacles, which is visible through the count of more than 2,800 fervent participation. The vibrant event started on January 14 and continued for seven days coming to a successful end on January 20. Syed Almas Kabir, president of BASIS and director of FBCCI, inaugurated this virtual entrepreneurial event and was the chief guest. Even in this difficult time, the organising committee consisting of a few passionate students and teachers worked hard to uphold this flagship event's glory and arranged 18 interactive contests divided into 31 segments for students of schools and colleges across the country, irrespective of their backgrounds.
This business event aims to encourage young minds to increase their analytical capacity, think creatively, come forward with new ideas, and lead the possibilities of their generation. Some of the most significant and most exciting segments of this virtual event were 'Olympiads,' 'Young Budget Analyst,' 'Risk Management,' and 'Sell Me This.' All the segments were held online, and the final segments were streamed live on Facebook through StreamYard. Adjudicators from reputed institutions like IBA, Monash University, DU, BUP evaluated the segments and selected the winners to ensure fair competition. More than 150 crests and certificates were awarded to the top three winners of every segment.
Competitions held on accessible online platforms, exciting and unique events and lucrative rewards have encouraged students to participate in this business event. Josephite Business Club successfully achieved its purpose of creating a stimulating environment for students. It reflects perfectly in the participants' voices. "Josephite Entrepreneurs' Den is a platform to unleash the hidden talent and build confidence. The experience of exciting and mesmerising events is beyond imagination," said Mohiuddin Sourav from Adamjee Cantonment College, who won prizes in a record-breaking number of segments-- 10 out of 31.
Several sponsors and partners supported this memorable virtual event. The title sponsor was Walton along with media partner the Financial Express BD, radio partner Radio Shadhin, strategic partner YSSE, promotional partner Upward and engagement partner Cultural Classicist. Organising the event virtually while being at home was indeed challenging and new for the student panel of the club as well. But, keeping the constraints aside, they focused on their learning and experience more as Ananyo Sharif Shourjo, president of Josephite Business Club said, "As an organiser, this event was a great opportunity for me to nurture my leadership skills and get a look at a simulated world of business. Josephite Business Club started with the goal of creating professionals, and we incorporated that throughout the event." The club wishes to keep on its legacy and contribute to the betterment of Bangladeshi students.
The writer is a sophomore at IBA, University of Dhaka. She can be reached at fabihamaimuna@gmail.com