INDIA FEST 2021-22: “Jashn-e-Azadi” 

“Cultivation of mind should be the ultimate aim of human existence.” – Dr. B. R. Ambedkar

India Fest 2021-22 was organised by the Humanities Faculty of Delhi Public School, R. K. Puram on 21 January 2022 for honouring the rich culture and history of our country, 75 years post-independence. 27 schools and more than 150 students from across Delhi NCR and the country came together to participate in a range of invigorating events on the theme: “Jashn-e-Azadi”. The event was coordinated by teachers of the Humanities stream with Ms. Padma Srinivasan, the Principal, as the Overall Incharge. 

Event 1: Mahan Vibhutiyon Se Sakshatkar – Role Play 

Mahan Vibhutiyon Se Sakshatkar – a Role Play competition awakened, both in the performers and their audience, a feeling of reverence and respect for the history of our country. Through the medium of theatre, the participants brought up a mirror to the past, portraying the heroes of the Indian National Movement. Brimming with patriotism, the young actors presented reasons and rationale for the historical actions of their chosen character. The event was judged by Dr. Savita Jha Khan and Dr. Ritu Arora.

Event 2: Nation First, Always First – Declamation Competition

Nation First, Always First – Declamation Competition brought forward the spirit of patriotism in the form of enthralling speeches by the youth of the nation. The participants linked the hopes of the past and their vision of the future in eloquent words as they provided solutions to real world problems. The extensive research brought out multiple perspectives on subjects encompassing everything from emojis to aatmanirbharta. The event was judged by Mr. Avichal Bhatnagar and Dr. Ishan Bakshi on the basis of relevance, accuracy, coherence, diction and creativity.

Event 3: India of my dreams – Weave a Story through Pictures & Cartoons

India of my dreams – Weave a Story through Pictures & Cartoons ignited a spark of ingenuity and patriotism towards the country as participants were expected to envisage and put forth their version of an ideal India by stringing together four interrelated images with captions telling the story craftily. The event was judged by Ms. Ruchi Pritam and Ms. Diksha Dwivedi.

Event 4: Samvaad – The Turncoat Debate Competition

Samvaad – The Turncoat Debate Competition kindled the flame of analysis and deliberation, demonstrating both sides of the coin through a turncoat debate. This event lent the participants a platform to express their opinion on matters relevant to contemporary times and necessitated for the audience to contemplate and ponder. The accomplished  debaters exhibited their perspectives on subjects related to freedom of speech and expression, the relationship between technology and economic inequality , a one-child policy in India, protectionism versus globalisation, and the universality of access to healthcare. The event was judged by Ms Gaurie Dwivedi and Ms Shambhavi Singh, who are debating aficionados. 

Event 5: The Partition of India: A Rendition of Psychological Anguish – Skit

The Partition of India: A rendition of Psychological Anguish enabled a new appreciation for overcoming mental and emotional trauma caused by global happenings. Through the skit competition, students were able to showcase their psychological prowess by enacting stories showcasing a patient and a therapist from 1947-1950. The competition- which was judged by Mr. Siddharth Sethi and Ms. Anvita Maindiratta on the basis of valid therapeutic setting, expression, psychological relevance, presentation and coordination between opponents- provided a much needed creative platform for discussion of important relevant issues on a level playing field.

Event 6: Legal Labyrinth – Moot Court Simulation Competition 

Legal Labyrinth – a Moot Court Competition encouraged the budding legal enthusiasts to argue their cases in an extensive stimulation of court proceedings. The teams were judged on the basis of their understanding and application of facts, the presentation of issues and their advocacy ability, application of legal principles, terminology, authorities and precedents, communication skills, and responses to rebuttals. The event was judged by Adv. Kamal Agarwal and Adv. Aditya Kumar Choudhary, both of whom are advocates in the Supreme Court.  

VALEDICTORY

Link: https://bit.ly/dpsrkpindiafest2021_22

The Valedictory ceremony was held on 23 January 2022 via the online platform Youtube.

The ceremony began with an enthralling dance performance by the students of the performing Art Society of Delhi Public School, R. K. Puram to honour Lord Ganesha. It was followed by Principal Ms. Padma Srinivasan addressing the virtual gathering. She talked about the importance of understanding the nuances of freedom and the struggle involved in achieving it.She also spoke about the different events and how they were thoughtfully designed to let the children get a feel of walking in the shoes of the great men who have their names etched in gold  .She also spoke of self reliance and Atma Nirbharta  and the importance of it in this age.

Her empowering words were followed by a patriotic classical dance by the talented students of DPS R. K. Puram. Glimpses of the events and a skit about the unsung hero Sardar Udham Singh conceptualized by the Principal herself, and executed by members of the Expressions Theatre Club, ignited a flame of deep devotion for the nation.  

Next, the much anticipated results were declared, with the overall winners trophy going to Ahlcon Public School Mayur Vihar and Delhi Public School R. K. Puram. 

Vice Principal Mr Anil Kathuria proposed the vote of thanks. Mr Anil Kathuria thanked all the  participants and teachers involved in helping make the show a grand success.. The ceremony concluded with the National Anthem.