‘Though music transcends language, culture and time, and though the notes are the same, Indian music is unique because it is evolved, sophisticated and melodies are defined.’ – Dayanand Saraswati
Delhi Public School, R.K. Puram hosted the Inter-DPS Indian Orchestra Festival on 26 October 2024 which was organised by the DPS Society. The event was conducted at the National level, and was witness to zealous participation from 17 schools of the DPS Society. Using string, percussion, wind and other Indian instruments, all the participants showcased their musical talents to strike up an euphonious lyrical symphony. The theme for the event required the orchestra to perform a composition based on Indian Classical Ragas.
The event comprised of two rounds:
PRELIMINARY ROUND
The qualifying round was conducted online (asynchronous mode). The participating schools were required to submit a video recording of the performance of their teams. Each team had around 18 to 20 students who were allowed to choose from a range of string, percussion and wind instruments. The shooting had to be done in HD (high definition) quality. The video had to be shot in a single take, in landscape mode. Videos with cuts, edits or any special effects were disqualified . Shooting in an auditorium/room with proper acoustics treatment was preferred. Schools could decide their costumes according to their convenience; school uniforms were not permitted. However, the attire had to be appropriate as per the event preferably Indian Ethnic wear. The performance was supposed to be for a maximum of 5 minutes.
FINAL ROUND
The final round was held offline at Delhi Public School R.K.Puram. Only the qualifying teams from the preliminary round were allowed to participate. The maximum time allotted for the performances in this round was 7 minutes and 5 minutes for set up. The judgement criteria was based on composition, theme, rhythm, synchronisation and tuning of the instruments. The instruments that were allowed were Mohan Veena, Sarod, Santoor, Israaj, Sarangi, Veena, Ektara, Ghungroo, Damroo, Dafli, Manjeera, Been, Mridangam,Tabla, Bansuri, Jal Tarang, Meracus, Sitar, Pakhawaj, Shehnai, Tanpura, Swarmandal, Morchung, Dhol, Harmonium, Ghatam, Algoza, Dholak, Violin. There had to be a minimum of 2 string, wind and percussion instruments each. Western Musical instruments were not allowed.The judges for the event were specialists in wind, string, percussion and keys instruments. The event was judged by-
Ustad Rafiuddin Sabri
A leading tabla player, Rafiuddin Sabri has mesmerised audiences across the world, from the United States to Europe and Asia, with his exceptional mastery of the tabla. He has collaborated with an impressive list of renowned artists, including Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, Pt. Bhajan Sopori, Pt. Shiv Kumar Sharma, and even the legendary A.R. Rahman. His decades-long career has been a testament to his enduring talent, as he continues to be a versatile and sought-after musician on the international stage.
Pandit Abhay Rustum Sopori
An eminent Santoor maestro and composer, a member of the illustrious Sopori Sufiana Gharana, which spans over 10 generations, with a long list of accolades, including the ‘Top Grade Music Composer’ by All India Radio and the Sanskriti Award of Excellence, his contributions to Indian classical music are widely recognized.He is particularly noted for his innovative approach to the Santoor, introducing new techniques like the ‘Enhanced Sustain Technique’ and inventing new instruments such as the Sur Santoor. He has collaborated with the Austrian Vienna Boys Choir and the Bavarian State Orchestra.
Pandit Vikas Babu
He is a celebrated Shehnai player of the Banaras Gharana. Vikas Babu’s music has resonated internationally, captivating audiences from Egypt to South Africa and Japan. He has performed at prestigious venues like the Cairo Opera House and alongside renowned musicians such as Pt. Rajendra Prasanna. His mastery of the Shehnai has earned him numerous awards, including the Surmani Award and the Sahitya Kala Parishad Youth Festival Award. Vikas Babu continues to elevate the Shehnai to new heights through his dedication and skill.
The Valedictory ceremony began with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by Our Guest of honour Ms Dolly Chanana,Joint Director Delhi Public School Society, Principal Mr Anil Kumar,Vice Principals Mr Anil Kathuria and Mr Mukesh Kumar,Head Mistresses Ms Rashmi Malhotra and Ms Anubha Gopal.
The event began on an auspicious note with the performance of a musical symphony. The audience was captivated by a melodious orchestra recital by the students of Delhi Public School R.K. Puram ,Indian Music Society.
The Principal Shri Anil Kumar addressed the gathering. He thanked the Delhi Public School Society for giving Delhi Public School R.K.t Puram the opportunity to host the event. He also thanked Ms Dolly Chanana for taking out time to be with the students and be a source of inspiration to them . He Thanked the musical maestros Ustad Rafiuddin Sabri, Pandit Vikas Babu and Pandit Abhay Rustum Sopori for not only judging the event but also sharing their musical wisdom with the students. He then spoke of the Ashta siddhis or eight divine accomplishments as given in the Indian scriptures. He elaborated on how art is considered as one of the siddhi’s and mastering it is a divine process. He enriched the audience by sharing his views on Indian Classical music and its overpowering effect on one’s body and mind.
This was followed by a short movie “Glimpses of the day”to transport the audience through a nostalgic trip to the days gone by. This would help them keep these moments etched in memory. The winning performances were showcased, creating a melodious and fervent ambience, gliding us through, with ecstasy of delight.
In her address, the Guest of Honour Ms. Dolly Chanana thanked the Chairman DPS Society, Sri. B. K. Chaturvedi, the Chairman Managing Committee, DPS RK Puram, Shi. V.K. Sunglu, for organising such an event which promotes musical talent amongst students.She congratulated the Principal, Mr. Anil Kumar and the music teachers for the effort put in by the school in successfully executing a show of this magnitude. She applauded all the participating schools and reiterated that each one of them was already a winner since they distinguished themselves enough to be able to perform on the national level.
The much awaited prize distribution began where the prizes were given away by the Guest of Honour, Ms. Dolly Chanana and the Principal,Mr. Anil Kumar, the Vice Principals Mr. Anil Kumar Kathuria and Mr. Mukesh Kumar and the Headmistresses Ms. Rashmi Malhotra ,Ms. Anubha Gopal and Ms. Vinita Gupta. Merit/participation certificates were given to all the participants both at the Preliminary and the Final round. The first prize was a cheque for Rs.50,000, the second prize was a cheque for Rs.25, 000 and the third prize was a cheque for Rs. 12,500.
During her address, the Guest of Honour, Ms. Dolly Chanana thanked the Chairman DPS Society, Sri. B. K. Chaturvedi, Chairman Managing Committee, DPS RK Puram, Shi. V.K. Sunglu, for organising such an event which promotes musical talent amongst students.She congratulated the Principal, Mr. Anil Kumar and the music teachers for executing such a grand event successfully. She applauded all the participating schools and reiterated that each one of them was already a winner since they distinguished themselves enough to be able to perform on the national level.
The vote of thanks was proposed by the Headmistress Ms Rashmi Malhotra who in her address thanked the Chairman, DPS Society, Shri. B. K. Chaturvedi and the Chairman Managing Committee, DPS RK Puram, Shri. V.K. Sunglu, for giving DPS RK Puram the opportunity for organising this event. She thanked the Principal, Mr. Anil Kumar for his wholehearted support and guidance. She thanked the Vice Principals and the Headmistresses for their unstinted support rendered for making this event a grand success and also proposed her gratitude towards the honorary judges and performers for becoming a part of the event. She thanked the Performing Arts Department and for executing such a grand event successfully.
The ceremony concluded with the National Anthem.
The results are as follows:
| Rolling Trophy (Winner’s Trophy) | |
| First Prize | D.P.S. GUWAHATI |
| Second Prize | D.P.S. FARIDABAD |
| Third Prize | D.P.S. GREATER NOIDA |