Birgunj:

This is the chance for the college students of Birgunj to rise and shine. Yes we are talking about the Inter-college Talent Hunt being organised by the Community Relations Centre and Nodan Club.

Twenty-three students — 12 boys and 11 girls — from half a dozen local colleges are participating in the competition.

And like any other talent contest around the globe, it is a hectic time for the participants.

Undergraduate student at BPC College Jyotsna Shrestha said, “We have to reach the training centre after our classes at college get over. It is very hectic.”

The participants are getting trainings on personality-grooming including dance lessons and catwalking tips. They have also visited local orphanages and hospitals and are getting the know-how of the various aspects and importance of social service.

“We have merely tried to create a platform for the local youngsters to showcase their talent,” said chairman of Nodan Club, Martin Moktan. He added that though there have been many such talent programmes for small children here, this is the first time a talent show is being organised targeting the youth.

The organisers also informed that the fund collected from the programme will be used for social service.

About her chance of winning the competition, Jyotsna said, “As the saying goes — don’t accept defeat till the end.”

Another participant Shraddha Amatya said she was confident of winning the title and Said, “I’m waiting for that decisive moment.”

The Talent for 2006 will be crowned on February 18 and th-ere will be other cro-wnings too like Best Catwalk, Photog-enic, Best Dress, Beautiful Smile, Best Conduct and Beautiful Hair.