“Social science means inventing a brand of human we can understand.” – Nassim Nicholas Taleb
India Fest ‘19 was organised by the Social Science Department of Delhi Public School, R.K. Puram on 14 December 2019, with an aim to showcase talent and artistic creativity from across schools of Delhi NCR as well as from outside the state. A total of 18 schools participated in a wide range of activities on the theme, ‘Celebrating the journey of Gandhi from Mohan to Bapu on his 150th Birth Anniversary’. The event was coordinated by teachers of the social science department with Ms Padma Srinivasan, the Vice Principal, as the Overall Incharge.
Express… Through Wall Art saw the participants using their powers of embellishment to create graffiti that breathes life and opinion, highlighting current societal issues with a message upholding Gandhian values. This event was judged by Pankaj Guru and Karan Kalra on the basis of their originality in the expression of ideas, creativity, and content.
‘Therukoothu’…a Stage Theatre Presentation ignited sparks of questions and reason, illustrating harsh truth through satire, comedy and pun. This event brought to the participants a stage to showcase their views on current issues and compel the audience to think and introspect. The masterful dramatists exhibited their perceptions of issues related to adolescence, gender equality, pollution, global warming, Fit India and Gandhiji’s ideals. The event was judged by Kakoli Gaur and Prince Nagpal, both of whom are young theatre artists.
The India Quiz sought to inculcate a sense of pride on the contributions made by fighters of the Indian National Movement under the leadership of Gandhiji, for freeing our nation from the British rule. The three rounds tested the participants’ knowledge on historical facts and trivia relating to the exemplary movements carried out in the quest for national freedom.
Legal Labyrinth…a Moot Court Competition saw budding legal enthusiasts simulate extensive court proceedings and present their cases on the themes of the Indian Model of Secularism, Judicial Activism and Indian Democracy, the Struggle for Human Rights, and Equality Delights in Equality. The teams were judged on the basis of their knowledge and application of facts, the presentation of issues and their communication ability, application of legal principles, authorities and precedents, advocacy skills, court craft and demeanor. The judges included Dheeraj Pratap Deo, a Senior Associate at Karanjawala & Company, and Aishwarya Mohapatra, an alumnus of DPS RKPuram (2010 batch) and an Advocate practising in Delhi High Court, Trial Courts, Tribunals and Authorities.
Reality to the Reel was a movie making competition which brought history alive on the screen. The movies were engaging as well as informative.
Kavyanjali, the collage making( off site) competition,
required students to present their ideas cohesively in form of a collage. The resulting collages were absolutely breathtaking.
The Valedictory ceremony began with the lighting of the lamp along with a melodious Ganesh Shlok by the school choir, followed by the rendition of the patriotic song ‘Madhumay Desh Hamara’. It was followed by a group of talented students who presented a spectacular dance-drama on Gandhi, highlighting his vision and its relevance in the present society.
The Principal, Ms. Vanita Sehgal said that we talk about Gandhi Ji and even quote him, but most of us ignore his teachings and principles, although they are directly applicable to our lives. She talked about how although science takes the world forward, history forms its backbone and gives us the culture which enriches our lives.
The much awaited Prize Distribution was followed by the vote of thanks delivered by the Vice Principal, Ms. Padma Srinivasan
The event concluded with the national anthem.
RESULTS