Fairytales retold and it's yesterday once more

Birla Bharati

What if the witches and stepmothers in fairytales are not inherently evil, but rather victims of circumstances? This was a question explored by the imaginative students of Birla Bharati at their annual concert held at the Science City auditorium on March 16.

Under the thought-provoking theme of Shakti Rupena - Breaking Stereotypes, each performance aimed to challenge traditional gender roles and advocate for gender equality.

Principal Apala Datta warmly welcomed the audience, underscoring the significance of diversity, inclusivity and equity, particularly within the realm of common fairytales where women are often depicted as helpless damsels awaiting rescue. She articulated the school's commitment to dismantling these entrenched stereotypes.

The event boasted an illustrious array of guests, including the esteemed thespian Rudraprasad Sengupta as chief guest and renowned academicians Senjuti Mukhopadhyay, Shabina N. Omar, Basudev Mukherjee, Sharmila Biswas and Sanjukta Bose. Principals from various schools also graced the occasion, alongside the host school's chairperson Jayashree Mohta and her deputy Maitreyi Kandoi.

A magnificent orchestra featuring nearly 40 students from Classes VI to XI showcased the school's musical prowess, captivating the audience with renditions of Raag Yaman and Raag Bhairavi accompanied by a harmonious blend of guitars, tabla, drums, percussion, flute and mandolin.

Following this, a mesmerising dance rendition of Saraswati Vandana unfolded. The pinnacle of the evening was a thought-provoking musical adaptation of popular fairytales, wherein young protagonists defied stereotypes and wielded agency over their own narratives. Stories like Rapunzel, Hansel and Gretel and Cinderella were reimagined to offer alternative and empowering endings.

"The concert was our first major musical after lockdown. It's time for our children reconstruct the fairy tales. And, we have done this through the orchestra, the welcome dance and a musical on Hansel and Gretel, Rapunzel and Cinderella," said the principal.

Shri Shikshayatan School

The Shikshayatan School Alumni Society orchestrated a reunion on March 16, drawing together former students, teachers and guests for an evening of camaraderie and reminiscence.

The guests included Saurav Ghosh, adviser to the Shikshayatan Foundation, V.K. Agarwal, its deputy secretary general, along with principal Sangeeta Tandon and headmistress Poushali Mukherjee.

The atmosphere was enriched with spiritual fervour as teacher and former student Pallavi Ghatak delivered a soul-stirring rendition of Ganesh Vandana. The ceremonial lamp-lighting by the dignitaries further heightened the sense of reverence and camaraderie.

Ravneet Khurana, president of the alumni association, delivered a speech reflecting on the transformative journey undertaken by each alumni member and the profound impact of the school on their lives, evoking a wave of emotion and nostalgia among all present.

The principal, who also holds the ex-officio position of chairperson of the alumni society, emphasised the pivotal role of the school in nurturing independent women, echoing sentiments shared by many in attendance.

Amidst thunderous applause, the executive committee of the alumni society was introduced, followed by an enchanting dance performance titled Spring Serenade by ex-students.

The evening also featured the felicitation of members of the management, principal and some former teachers. Jaysree Daga recited an evocative poem, Woh Bachpan ke Din.

Special recognition was accorded to Sudha Pal, a member of the inaugural batch of 1954, as well as the 1974 and 1999 batches.

The festivities ended with a live band performance.

"The inaugural alumni meet of Shri Shikshayatan School, orchestrated by the elected body, united around 700 guests from both India and abroad. Among them were the esteemed students from the batch of 1954, adding a nostalgic touch to the event. Celebrating milestones, those who completed 25 and 50 years since graduation were honoured with mementos. The day was filled with jubilation, featured live music band, a ceremonious cake and heartfelt felicitations of retired teachers and an exhilarating lucky draw, making it an unforgettable gathering for all," said the principal.

Bishop George Mission School

Students from Bishop George Mission School took part in their annual sports event, held on the grounds of the Sports Authority of India (SAI) in Salt Lake.

The occasion highlighted the skill of the school's emerging athletes as they engaged in various track and field disciplines, throws and jumps. Interspersed throughout were captivating drill displays and formations that elicited cheers from the audience, fostering a sense of unity among students, teachers and parents on a day brimming with enjoyment and anticipation.

The dedication and effort invested by the students were palpable throughout the event, underscoring the school's commitment to valuing sports and physical fitness on par with academic pursuits.

The event started with a ceremony that set the tone for the day's activities. This was followed by a spirited march past, during which house captains and team members proudly showcased their distinctive colours and spirits. The atmosphere crackled with enthusiasm as pigeons were released into the air, symbolically inaugurating the event.

The track events witnessed several record-breaking feats. There was camaraderie and healthy competition among the students.

"Thriving on a dual commitment to excellence, we believe in nurturing the holistic development of our students, where the pursuit of athletic excellence runs parallel to academic success, instilling values of discipline, teamwork and resilience," said rector Niraj Jaiswal.

M.C. Kejriwal Vidyapeeth

M.C. Kejriwal Vidyapeeth (MCKV) embarked on a new chapter as its Pre-primary and Nursery sections transitioned to a co-educational model at the outset of the academic year commencing on April 1.

Accompanying the customary cohort of boys were approximately 30 girls, stepping into the Pre-nursery and Nursery classes.

The atmosphere buzzed with anticipation as students, teachers and parents eagerly embraced this progressive shift. A special Welcome Day was orchestrated to commemorate the inaugural day for the young learners, ensuring it was a memorable start and everyone felt welcome.

The school premises were adorned for the occasion, creating an inviting ambience. Welcoming the children with open arms and warm smiles, teachers escorted them down a red carpet, accompanied by rhythmic beats of drums, guitar melodies and enthusiastic applause.

Guided by staff members, the children were led to vibrant and lively classrooms. What were once silent spaces soon reverberated with the sounds of games, music, dance, art and craft activities, facilitating bonds between students, teachers and newfound friends. Before long, the classrooms and corridors echoed with the joyous laughter and harmonious singing of young voices.

The children went home carrying not only bags filled with treats, but also hearts brimming with cherished memories. They looked forward to days full of fun and experiential learning.

“It was truly a historic day for all of us at M.C. Kejriwal Vidyapeeth. Today, we have opened the gates of the institution to welcome girl children. Of course, this would be a change for us, from an all-boys school to a co-educational institution, and all of us are ready to embrace this new way of life at MCKV with much zeal and enthusiasm,” said principal Mallika Mukherjee.

Don Bosco School, Liluah

The members of the student council and office-bearers of Don Bosco School, Liluah, were afforded an excursion to Nicco Park on March 9. This outing was extended to a select group of students from Classes IX and XII, as a token of appreciation for their unwavering dedication and diligent efforts throughout the academic year.

Accompanied by teacher coordinators Jhumur Banerjee and Karthik Sarkar, a contingent of 11 students embarked on the journey from the school premises, commencing their adventure promptly at 9am.

The journey itself was a blend of excitement and camaraderie as the group eagerly anticipated their day ahead. Upon arriving at Nicco Park, their enthusiasm was further ignited as they ventured into the exhilarating water rides of Wet O World, nestled within the park's confines. From the thrilling Thunder Bowl to the exhilarating Tornado Funnel, and a host of other attractions, including the Crusader Ride and Tube slide, the boys revelled in the excitement of each experience.

Following the aquatic adventures, the group indulged in a refreshing swim and showcased their dance moves to the rhythm of popular tunes. The first half of the day culminated in a delectable meal at the park's café, providing the perfect opportunity for relaxation and replenishment.

After lunch, the excitement continued as the students embarked on more thrilling rides such as the roller coaster, skydive and pirate ship, further elevating their spirits and fostering unforgettable memories.

"The short picnic to Nicco Park was meant as a reward to the dexterous student council members of the senior school for all the effort and hard work as they performed all the designated duties," said principal Fr Sanjay Manohar.

Lakshmipat Singhania AcademyI

Lakshmipat Singhania Academy hosted its annual prize distribution ceremony for the academic year 2023-2024 on April 6.

The ceremony was attended by students, parents and faculty members. The chief guest was scientist Ramendra Lal Mukherjee.

The event began with an opening song. Following this, the school director delivered a welcome speech. A captivating dance performance was next on the list.

At the prize distribution, students were rewarded for their outstanding achievements right from Pre-primary level to Class XII. There were also special awards for the "Best Behaved Student", "Ardent Reader" and "100 per cent Attendance".

Rachit Jain of Class VI was lauded for his philanthropic endeavours in raising Rs 21,000 for Helpage India. Teacher Tikshna Chopra was awarded for maintaining 100 per cent attendance over the past 11 years.

Star Class Trophies were awarded to the best-performing classes across various sections.

The coveted Best House Award was clinched by Agni House.

Director Meena Kak said: "Children should be awarded if they are doing good in academics or co-curricular activities. This is one way of showing our appreciation and the parents also feel good."

"The quantity of special awards is rising annually, which serves as a significant source of motivation. While general proficiency and subject awards are customary, accolades such as Sadachar and Shahsti are reserved for students achieving national and international recognition," said principal Jaya Misra.