In a captivating spectacle that unfolded at Kala Mandir on October 13, 2023, Vivekananda Mission School, Joka’s Annual Function, themed Panchatatva, proved to be a symphony of creativity and enlightenment. Inspired by Kabir's profound words, “I am neither a Hindu, nor a Muslim. I am this body, a play of five elements; a drama of the spirit dancing with joy and sorrow”, the school embarked on a journey to explore and celebrate the essence of ‘the five great elements’—Prithvi (Earth), Jal (Water), Agni (Fire), Vaayu (Wind) and Akash (Sky).
Impressed by the profundity of the thought, The Telegraph Online Edugraph enquired of the Rector of the school, Arnab Chandra, as to what had inspired their choice of Panchatatva as this year's theme for the Annual Function. He graciously enlightened us, “The theme ‘Panchatatva’ is derived from the five basic elements of nature. These five elements when brought in alignment, make life easy. When they are not in balance, life becomes challenging”.
He, further, added, “It was a creative endeavour on our part to make the students understand the importance of the five elements of nature, how to maintain balance with these elements and create a harmonious relationship with them for better sustainability”.
Vivekananda Mission School, Joka’s Annual Function, themed 'Panchatatva', proved to be a symphony of creativity and enlightenment. Vivekananda Mission School, Joka
The grand event, graced by the presence of eminent singer and academician Smt Indrani Sen, began with a deeply moving prayer song and the school anthem performed by the students' choir. Naibedya, the school choir comprising teachers, presented soulful songs like "prathama adi taba shakti " coupled with script readings.
Naibedya, the school choir comprising the teachers, presented songs such as "prathama adi taba shakti" along with script reading. Vivekananda Mission School, Joka
The Annual Prize Distribution Ceremony celebrated the achievements of the ICSE and ISC batches of 2023, recognising not only academic excellence, but also multi talented endeavours, out-of-the-box thinking and remarkable accomplishments on the part of the bright young minds. A total of 63 students were honoured for their outstanding contributions this year.
However, the heart of the event lay in its multifaceted cultural programme, wherein 371 students from Pre-Primary to Higher Secondary presented a mesmerising portrayal of Panchatatva. The performances, ranging from dance and songs to recitals, revealed themselves as a journey through the magical elements.
The heart of the event lay in its multifaceted cultural programme presenting a mesmerising portrayal of 'Panchatatva'. Vivekananda Mission School, Joka
There were 4 units from Nursery 1 to class 12 representing all the 5 elements of nature. The students showcased their talents in the form of dance, drama and musical extravaganza.
The students of nursery, transition and class 1 presented the magical journey of ‘Water’ through enactment, songs, dance and recitation. This was followed by the students of classes 2 to 4 enacting a dance drama on ‘Air’, which the Upanishads praise as Prana or symbolic of ‘the life breath of the world’.
The students showcased their talents in the form of dance, drama and musical extravaganza. Vivekananda Mission School, Joka
This was followed by a presentation ‘The Cosmic Odyssey’, by the students of Unit 3 (classes 5-7) through enactment, songs, dance and recitation. The students of classes 8-12 of Unit 4 presented a portrayal of one of the indispensable elements of Mother Nature, ‘Fire’ and its capacity to destroy in the form of a dance drama and also staged a drama which urged everyone to save Mother Earth for a better tomorrow.
The musical interpretation of Panchatatva left the audience with a resonating message on universal harmony and the eradication of social evils through genial fraternity.
The musical interpretation of 'Panchatatva' left the audience with a resonating message on universal harmony and the eradication of social evils through genial fraternity. Vivekananda Mission School, Joka
As The Telegraph Online Edugraph asked Rector Arnab Chandra whether the school had plans to continue incorporating such creative themes in future events, and how it envisioned its impact on the students and the larger community, he affirmed, “Our school has definite plans and will ensure in incorporating such themes in future for sensitising the students. It is very important for us to interact with the environment in a way which will ensure that there are enough resources left for the future generation. So, sustainability was one of the concept behind the main theme, that would make the students aware of their responsibility towards taking care of our mother nature, society, heritage and culture at large”.