Summary
City schools organize events for students to participate and learn new things, experiences, thus enriching values of life other than just educational
Rhythm divine
M.P. Birla Foundation Higher Secondary School
M.P. Birla Foundation Higher Secondary School’s junior section celebrated the arrival of Goddess Durga with a lively dance event on October 1, featuring students from Lower and Upper Kindergarten and Class I.
The celebration opened with the lamp-lighting by principal Purnima Chattopadhyay, vice-principal Sravani Roy Chowdhury and CEO S.K. Singh.
The young performers, dressed in vibrant costumes as Durga and her entourage, set the tone with two welcome songs — Tulor Moto Shada by Kindergarten students and Shuili Phuteche by Class I.
The programme showcased a spirited mix of tradition and devotion, with 10 enchanting dance performances to songs such as Uma Ashe Notun Saje, Hara Hara Shambu, Shobai Chhutey Aye, and the popular Ailo Uma Barite.
The event was held in two phases, allowing students of Classes II to V to enjoy the first half, while the second half welcomed parents to witness their children on stage.
The grand finale featured Class I students performing the traditional dhunuchi naach, bringing the event to a joyful close.
"The children were fantastic. It's terrific to see that the standard of their performance is increasing each year. Everybody had a great time and enjoyed the programme," said the principal.
A slice of life
Delhi Public School, Newtown
Delhi Public School, Newtown, hosted a pre-Durga Puja celebration in its auditorium on October 1, featuring a lineup of performances and cultural displays.
The event began with a ceremonial lamp-lighting by principal Sonali Sen, vice-principal Ambica Mehra, headmistress Rahi Mukhopadhyay and special guests, including singer and chief guest Aneek Dhar, new-age farmer Arghadeep Kar and social worker Ekta Bagaria.
The centrepiece was a musical production titled, Beyond The Clay: The Souls of Durga Puja, performed by students from Classes III to XII.
The narrative followed a dhaaki and his children from Krishnanagar as they journeyed to Calcutta, captivated by the city’s Puja festivities. Through a colourful sequence of rituals, the students showcased the essence of a Durga Puja celebration in a traditional bonedi bari, performing the dhunuchi naach alongside heady music, dance and rhythmic dhaak beats.
The hour-and-a-half-long performance highlighted the contributions of pandal-makers, dhaakis, artisans, priests, jewellers and idol-makers, capturing the emotional depth of Puja preparations.
Students, guided by teachers, crafted the stage and an idol of Goddess Durga from discarded paper, displaying a mix of creativity and sustainability. The school orchestra added a unique touch, using items such as trash cans and paint barrels for music.
The event also carried a charitable component, with clothes and essentials donated to underprivileged children of The Bravehearts school. The programme concluded on a high note with a performance by Aneek Dhar.
“These children are artistes too. The show has surpassed all expectations and I had goosebumps,” he said.
"The students performed a musical on respect. The performance was par excellence and students vowed to love all equally," said the principal.
Students and teachers of the art department at Delhi Public School, Newtown, create a Durga idol that forms the backdrop to their dance drama
Festive flavour
Shri Shikshayatan School
Classes VI to VIII of Shri Shikshayatan School ushered in the festive season on October 5 with a celebration on the temple dais and participation from students, teachers, coordinators and principal Sangeeta Tandon.
The students opened the event with a fusion of traditional instruments, including dhaak, kashor and ghonta, symbolising a warm welcome to the divine feminine power. Sonakshi Mustafi of Class VIII recited Yaa Devi, while a speech by Konkona Roy, also of Class VIII, highlighted the cultural significance of Navratri, the essence of dandiya raas, and the cross-cultural ties that enhancethe festivities.
The students of Class VIII then took the stage with a skit dramatising the myth of Durga's battle with Mahishasur, the buffalo demon. The performance also honoured the dedication of pandal artisans, who work tirelessly for the celebrations.
The school choir gave a rendition of Madhuro Murati, while emcees Krinjal Yadav, Shreeya Kundu, Tanishka Jaiswal, Saranya Sett and Tamalika Duta of Class VIII provided insights into the festival’s relevance in contemporary society.
Dancers from Classes VI to VIII performed Aigiri Nandini with finesse, followed by a creative formation representing Durga that drew loud cheers from the audience. They concluded with spirited performances of Bajlo Tomar Alor Benu and Ogo Amar Agomoni. The programme ended with the joyous chant, “Bolo Durga Maa ki joy,” filling the air with festive fervour.
"It was a wonderful assembly presented by the students of middle school. The celebration reminded us of the rich cultural heritage and traditions that define our identity. It’s an opportunity for us — learners and educators — to reconnect with our roots and share our traditions. It encourages us to explore various art forms — be it music, dance or visual arts," said the principal.
Welcome jubilation
Mangalam Vidya Niketan
Mangalam Vidya Niketan’s junior and senior sections celebrated the spirit of Durga Puja and Navratri with cultural performances on October 3 and 4, featuring participation from students across Classes I to XII.
The festivities kicked off on October 3 with students from Classes I and II singing lively tunes such as Ghurche Chaka Togbokiye and dancing to Tai Hok Pujor Gaan. They also recited poems and enacted festive scenes, setting the tone for the celebration.
The next day, Classes III to V opened with a graceful inaugural dance to Ya Chandi and a soulful rendition of Kumortuli Tulir Taane. A variety of songs and dances followed, including Hey Go Maa Durga and Jomiye Aaj Baja Tui Dhaak, bringing an authentic Puja vibe to the audience. Teachers joined in, captivating the crowd with their rendition of Aaj Baje Mono Majhe and a spirited dance to Ronorongini Jago.
Adding a Navratri flair, students from Classes IX to XI performed a Garba mashup. The celebration concluded with an energetic dhaak performance by Kritangshu Manna of Class VIII, alongside a dhunuchi naach by students from Classes VI and IX, leaving the audience in high spirits.
Principal Jayati Mukherjee said: "Every year, we have this programme before the Durga Puja vacation and to celebrate Navratri. We have dances by our children, shlokas and the programme ends with dandiya dance. This year our teachers too joined in."
Tough act
B.D.M. International
B.D.M. International held a self-defence workshop for students of Classes VIII to XII on September 28, led by retired IPS officer Kalyan Mukhopadhyay and martial arts experts Kolaj Sengupta and Dishani Dhar.
Mukhopadhyay emphasised the need for self-defence skills in today's world, explaining that effective training requires knowledge, practice and self-belief. Sharing insightful anecdotes, he encouraged students to develop confidence in their abilities.
A key moment was the launch of I Too Can, an e-book by Kolaj Sengupta, introduced by principal Madhumita Sengupta. Excerpts were read aloud, detailing attack scenarios and appropriate self-defence techniques, demonstrated through both live and video presentations by Sengupta and Dhar. The interactive session allowed students hands-on practice with the experts.
“Our children need strength of mind and knowledge of technique to combat anyone who attacks them. The book should help. As we celebrated women's empowerment during Durga Puja, we felt the need to train and equip our students with hands-on self-defence techniques. The e-book is specifically designed to depict various attack situations and the relevant techniques to save oneself. We had both boys and girls getting trained," said the principal.
Mukhopadhyay said it is necessary to instil faith and self-respect among the students. By the end of the workshop, the students felt more confident and were eager to practise what they learnt.
Fun lessons
Birla Divya Jyoti School
Birla Divya Jyoti School recently hosted two academic events — social science exhibition Udaan-2 on September 27 and 28, followed by the mathematics fest Anant (The Infinity)-1 on October 1.
Udaan-2 began with a skit, featuring Class XI students embodying various social science subjects. Classes V to XII showcased models of a rainwater harvesting system, Mesopotamian tablets illustrating early writing and a Nazi concentration camp.
The school grounds then transformed into a hub of mathematical exploration for Anant (The Infinity)-1, buzzing with interactive games and puzzles. A highlight was a Bharatnatyam performance by Diptakshi Sarkar of Class XI as she depicted mathematical concepts like sin(x) and the equation of a circle through dance postures. The Math Ninjas Quiz proved especially popular among Class II students, while Classes V and VI brought geometry to life with a creative geometry-themed fashion show.
"The social science exhibition provided students a platform to convey their insights on social issues. The mathematics fest connected maths and life," said principal Shweta Tiwari.
Last updated on 31 Oct 2024
