Themed ‘Bharat Bhagya Vidhata’, the annual function featured dance dramas on Samudra Manthan and Kalayatra, celebrating India’s cultural heritage and the talents of young learners
Varanasi: Delhi Public School (DPS) Varanasi celebrated its annual function, ‘Abhyodaya!’, for Classes I and II, bringing together students, parents and school faculty for a celebration of India’s cultural heritage through music, dance and storytelling. Based on the theme ‘Bharat Bhagya Vidhata’, the programme featured two dance dramas, ‘Samudra Manthan’ by Class I and ‘Kalayatra’ by Class II, highlighting the values of unity, perseverance, devotion and the importance of nurturing every child’s unique talents.
The event began with a welcome by the young anchors, followed by the Shanti Mantra and an invocation of the spirit of ‘Atithi Devo Bhavah’. A ceremonial Shankhnaad and the traditional lamp-lighting ceremony, performed by the Chief Guests, the Principal Learner In-charge and the Vice Principal, marked the auspicious beginning of the programme. A musical orchestra by the students followed, celebrating the harmony and diversity of India’s cultural traditions.
The Chief Guests, Prof. Chandramauli Upadhyay for Class I and Dr. Krishna Kant Shukla for Class II, were formally introduced through profile presentations and felicitated by the Principal Learner In-charge on behalf of the school. The School Annual Report was also presented, offering an overview of the institution’s achievements and initiatives over the past year.
The Class I presentation began with Ganesh Vandana, followed by ‘Samudra Manthan’, a dance drama depicting the mythological story of the churning of the ocean by the Devas and Asuras. Through expressive performances, choreography and music, the young students portrayed the emergence of poison and the treasures from the ocean, culminating in the quest for the nectar of immortality. The presentation conveyed the message that patience, courage and unity can help overcome challenges and create a better world.
Class II presented ‘Kalayatra’, beginning with a devotional Krishna Bhajan before taking the audience on a journey through the 64 Kalas, or traditional arts, associated with Lord Krishna’s learning under Guru Sandipani. Through dance and storytelling, the students showcased various art forms, including music, dance, painting and poetry. The performance celebrated the Guru-Shishya tradition and India’s rich cultural heritage, emphasising the role of discipline, dedication and joy in learning.
Appreciating the students’ performances, the Chief Learner and Director, Mr. Sidharth Rajgarhia, said, “We don’t just build classrooms; we build ecosystems where curiosity is kept alive. Seeing the absolute confidence of these tiny tots on such a massive stage is the greatest validation of our school’s vision.”
The Principal Learner In-charge, Ms. Munmun Sengupta, expressed her pride in the young performers, saying, “Watching the tiny tots shine on stage today filled our hearts with immense pride. The radiant smiles of children turned the performances into a living masterpiece.”
The Vice Principal, Ms. Roli Mankhand, highlighted the significance of the annual function, stating, “Annual Day is not merely a celebration of dates and events; it is a grand canvas where our students paint their hard work, talent, and dreams. Tonight, we don’t just witness performances—we celebrate the future.”
The school management also acknowledged the support of parents and their role in making the event a success, emphasising the importance of the partnership between families and the school in nurturing young learners.
Through ‘Abhyodaya!’, DPS Varanasi sought to reinforce the values of courage, unity and determination while encouraging students to discover and develop their individual talents. The performances highlighted the importance of holistic learning and celebrated children as the future custodians of India’s cultural heritage.
