Varchaswa went out to oversee the training of the students. He had lunch with them and enjoyed his time with them. He used the 2-hour break to interact with them more. The students who were distant slowly opened-up to him and they started to ask for his advice. Varchaswa was happy with the result.
In the second half of the day, he went and met with Khyaati and Vaibhavee. He then met the representatives of the Sophomores – Sangraama and Bhavaanee. They both introduced themselves.
"My name is Sangraama. I am a Warrior. My primary weapon is a Spear."
"My name is Bhavaanee. I am a mage. I specialize in healing magic and know elementary water magic."
"Good to meet you both. I hope there are no problems at the Royal Military Camps?"
"Yes, there are no problems at all. In fact, the facilities are better here as compared to the Academy." Bhavaanee replied.
"Well, that is to be expected. After all this is the real thing. Students from Academy often end up joining the Royal Military or at the very least serve a couple of years in the Military Service before going elsewhere." Sangraama explained.
"You know much about it." Varchaswa commented.
"Yes, my elder brother graduated from the Academy and is a Commander in the Royal Military. Right now, he is deployed at the Western border of the Kingdom."
"What is his name?" Varchaswa asked.
"His name is Vigraha. He was promoted to Commander just this year." Sangraama replied proudly.
"Well, next time you meet him, convey my congratulations to him. Also tell him that the kingdom thanks him for his service. Soldiers deserve the respect of every countrymen including royal family." Varchaswa said politely.
He interacted a bit more before returning with Khyaati and Vaibhavee to the Soma Palace on his Flying Chariot. He decided to name the Chariot 'Airaavata'.
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As time continued to pass, the training continued at constant pace. Varchaswa made sure the students took proper rest and remained healthy. Weekly health check-ups were done. As the month came to an end and the New Year drew closer, he invited the student representatives from all years and departments. He also invited the instructors. He wanted to enact a plan. The meeting was held at the conference room of the Royal Military Camp.
"Good evening. Thank you all for coming. I want to discuss with you the training after the New Year vacations and a few other things." Varchaswa opened up the discussion with a courtesy greeting and set the agenda.
"Please go ahead Principal Varchaswa." Vice Principal Bheeshma commented.
"Please note that what we are going to discuss is to be treated as a top secret of the Academy." Varchaswa said with a solemn look.
People thought he was going to announce some serious strategy or a new revolutionary training method. They looked at each other and then looked at Varchaswa with some expectation.
Varchaswa saw their reaction and laughed inwardly. He was just playing with them. The fact was, the thing he wanted to discuss had to be kept a secret. That wasn't a lie, but it was to surprise the other students. It wasn't a state or military secret.
He understood their misunderstanding, still instead of correcting it, he continued, "Well about the vacations, the 7-day vacation is already approved, so there is nothing to do about that. Students do not need to apply for any leave for that.
However, if someone does want to stay then they need to apply, so that arrangements can be made for their stay.
As for the training after the vacation, we shall discuss when they return from their vacation. Now, coming to the main point, I had mentioned earlier that people will be rewarded even during their training based on their performance. So, we need to set up a process for evaluation."
He stopped suddenly and waited for anyone to take the bait and someone did.
"What will be the evaluation procedure?" the one who asked was the Head of Archery Department, Dhanu, the bow Goddess.
"Well, we will organize a tournament."
"A tournament?" several people exclaimed almost at the same time.
"Yes, a tournament which will have multiple events. Divided into departments, years and other variations. There will be individual as well as group competitions. This will be held a month after the New Year vacations.
I am informing you in advance so that you can prepare. But you can't share this information with anyone. Also, people from outside the academy will also be allowed to participate as long as their age is between 13 and 21 both inclusive."
After pondering for a while, Prabha, the administrator of the academy asked, "What kind of events are you planning and what will be the duration of the tournament?"
"The events will be divided into two main sections. In the morning and afternoon, we will have the Military Section which will have competitions including magic, martial arts etc. Awards will be given to the best Archer, Swordsman, Spearman, Healing Mage, Attack Mage etc.
The other section will be Entertainment and will include competition for Arts – Painting, Play, Singing, Dancing and Musicals etc. The parents of the students are to be sent official invitation letters." Varchaswa explained.
"Varchaswa, I appreciate your idea. It is truly one of a kind for a Military Academy, however, don't you think it is a waste of time given the tight schedule for the Mock Battle we have?" Bheeshma asked.
"Usually that will be the case, however, there are three reasons for doing this. First, proper rest and motivation are needed to win a battle. This festival will help achieve that. Second, when work becomes fun, people excel.
Third and the most important reason of all, all these competitions will be such that they will have to use their skills. For example, Sound Mages will have to use their magic to organize a Singing, Musical or Play. Those competitions will demand them to use their skills in creative ways they have never even imagined before." Varchaswa said confidently.
With that explanation, Varchaswa did not look like a 16-year-old teenager but a Veteran trainer with immense exposure to wisdom and experience. He was blessed with Lord Ganesha's Divine Wisdom after all.
" I have one thing to ask, what should we call the tournament?" asked Vijaya, the final year Student Representative.
"We shall call it The Dwaarakaa Academy Fest" Varchaswa replied confidently.
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Chapter End.