GUJARATI KIDS `BURN WITH CONFIDENCE` AS THEY WALK ON BURNING COAL

By P. Vijian

NEW DELHI, April 22 (Bernama) -- Students of a primary school in Gujarat
have given a new take on the term, 'burning with confidence'.

In a bizarre ritual to boost their confidence, the Riverdale Academy is
believed to have 'psyched' the 120 students into walking on burning charcoal
and broken glass!

The students are aged between 10 and 14.

According to the authorities at the academy, located in Surat, south of
Gujarat, the extraordinary feat was an appraisal of the mental strength and
confidence of the students.

Interestingly, about 50 parents, along with the school authorities,
witnessed the unusual ritual, without making a fuss, said the Times of India.

It noted that the painful test to 'unearth' the confidence of the students
was part of a two-day camp organised by the academy.

"We have been organising this event every year for the last seven years. I
think there's nothing shocking as it was just an exercise to boost confidence.

"In the past, no injuries were reported during such exercise," Riverdale
Academy director Mahesh Patel told the media.

The school claimed it had carried out the exercise "scientifically" and no
one was injured, with no objection from the parents.

However, local television footages had shown the children crying, and they
are suspected to have been injured during the dangerous feat.

The district education department has initiated an immediate inquiry.
-- BERNAMA