India Fest ‘18 was organised by the Social Science Department of Delhi Public School, R.K. Puram on 29 September 2018, with an aim to realise Mahatma Gandhi’s vision of a nation distinguished by its plurality, diversity and tolerance by showcasing talent from across Delhi and NCR. A total of 15 schools participated in a wide range of activities on the theme, ‘Celebration of Diversity’, while 24 schools enrolled for On-site and Off-site events . The event was coordinated by Ms. Rupa Das, Ms. Vanadana Chandhoke and Ms. Shruti Mishra with the Vice Principal, Ms. Padma Srinivasan, as the Overall Incharge.
Express… Through Wall Art (Street Art) saw the participants using their powers of embellishment to create graffiti that touched upon a few of the issues pertaining to contemporary society. This event was judged by Mr.Pankaj Guru, a talented Sculptor whose art has moved thousands of people through beautiful art forms made by him. He has worked on several commissioned projects for private collectors as well as the Government of India.
Riveting dialogue and elementary props characterised Therukoothu (Street Play) in which adroit thespians showcased their perceptions of issues related to adolescence or gender equality, and compelled the viewers to think and introspect. The event was judged by Mr Sandeep Rawat, a veteran Theatre Director, Actor, Writer, Teacher and Drama Expert, who has been awarded the Rex Karamveer Chakra award by the United Nations for Samarth Theatre Group, which he founded, with an aim of providing a platform for each and everyone interested in exploring the artist within. He has also been awarded the Gurudevo Award from the Maitrayee Mission Society.
The hall reverberated with the roar of thunderous applause as different teams put up sublime performances in Mile Sur Mera Tumhara (Patriotic Choir), using the transcendent medium of music to stir feelings patriotism and nationalism amongst the crowds gathered. The event was judged by Mr. Mahesh Prabhakar, who has more than 40 years of experience in the music and Mumbai film industry and has played the keyboard for legends like Asha Bhosle, Ustad Sultan Khan, Ghulam Ali and many others and is also a very talented Music Composer and Arranger. He was accompanied by Ms. Rini Mukherjee, a versatile exponent in the domain of modern Hindi and Bengali songs and Indian Classical Music. She is a recipient of the prestigious Women Achievers Award in 2011 and The Rajiv Gandhi Excellence Award in 2016.
Troupes of dancers from each school moving along to the beats of traditional Indian folk music held the audience captive as they celebrated the country’s diverse visual poetry amidst dazzling whirls of colour in Mera Desh Rangeela (Dance). The event was judged by Ms. Papiha Desai, who is a multi talented Dancer and Choreographer. She has performed and presented her work globally. Currently, she heads the Indian Revival Group, a premier dance ensemble. She was accompanied by Mr.Shashidharan Nair, an exceptionally gifted Dancer and Choreographer who has devoted 5 decades in pursuit of dance, and has mastered several classical Indian dance forms under luminaries of the Indian dancing world.
Students in teams of two endeavoured to bring out the incredible diversity of the nation through the lens in Reality Through Reel (Movie Making). The movies were judged on the basis of creativity, direction, content, originality and videography by Mr Anup Jacob and Ms Shalini Harisukh.
The various photomontages put up by the schools in the Collage Making event put a spotlight on the importance of adopting renewable energy sources in our daily lives, as well as celebrating the nuances of functioning in a highly heterogeneous society.
Valedictory Ceremony commenced with the Shiv Vandana, a hymn to the almighty. A network of harmonious voices put forward ‘Madhumei Desh Humara’ , an ode to the Motherland.
This was followed by the Principal, Ms. Vanita Sehgal’s speech, wherein she expressed her inclination for Social Science, remarking upon the immense cultural and physical diversities India has to offer. Further on, she commented on the rich and elaborate history of India and taking pride in our country. She lauded the immense talent of all students and encouraged them to display it for the world to see. She concluded her speech on an optimistic note by saying ‘Today we’re climbing, tomorrow we’ll be at top’ and thanked the Vice Principal, Ms Padma Srinivasan and the Social Science Department for making the event a huge success.
Decked in a plethora of colours and echoing beats to match, dancers performed the Dangi Nritya, a tribal dance full of energy, skill and enthusiasm. A showcase of the winners’ performances ensued.
A Swachata Pledge was administered by the Principal and the vote of thanks by the Vice Principal, Ms Padma Srinivasan, who commended the energy and enthusiasm of the Social Science, Music and Art Departments and all students involved.
The results are as follows:
| Event Name | Position | School |
| Reality Through Reel (Photography and Video Making) | 1st 2nd 3rd |
Army Public School, Delhi Cantt. Venkateshwara International School Delhi Public School, Gurugram |
| Collage Making | 1st 2nd 3rd |
Army Public School, Delhi Cantt. Delhi Public School, Rohini Darbari Lal D.A.V Model School, Pitampura |
| Mera Desh Rangeela (Dance) | 1st 2nd 3rd |
Mount Abu Public School Delhi Public School, Mathura Road Birla Vidya Niketan |
| Mile Sur Mera Tumhara (Patriotic Choir) | 1st 2nd 3rd |
Delhi Public School, Greater Noida Delhi Public School, Rohini Delhi Public School, Mathura Road |
| Therukoothu (Street Play) | 1st 2nd 3rd |
Bal Bharti Public School, Pitampura Gyan Bharti School Army Public School, Delhi Cantt. |
| Express Through Wall Art | 1st 2nd 3rd |
Delhi Public School, Gurugram Delhi Public School, Mathura Road Army Public School, Delhi Cantt. |
The Overall Winners trophy was bagged by Army Public School, Delhi Cantt.
