Delhi Public School R.K. Puram played host to delegates from New Zealand on 16 November 2017 .The Principal, Ms. Vanita Sehgal welcomed the Chief Guest Her Excellency, Ms. Joanna Kempkers along with her colleagues and a troupe of Maori Dancers, Waka Toa. Vice Principals Dr. Renu Nayar and Ms. Padma Srinivasan also graced the occasion.
Her Excellency, Ms. Joanna Kempkers is the High Commissioner of New Zealand. She is currently the Chief of Protocol at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
The event began with the inaugural lighting of the lamp followed by a mesmerising performance by the Western Music Choir. The Principal felicitated the Chief Guest with a token of appreciation.
In her welcome address, Ms. Sehgal expressed her gratitude towards Ms. Kempkers for re-visiting the school and giving the students an opportunity to learn more about New Zealand’s culture. The Chief Guest focussed her attention on the importance of reinforcing culture through performing arts. She emphasised on how Maoris first talk about their place in the world and then themselves. Praising New Zealand for its education and culture, she ended by singing a song in her traditional language, which imparted the message of love, hope and peace to all.
This was followed by the main attraction ‘The Maori Dance’. Maori is the national dance of New Zealand. It is an emotional and powerful combination of song, chant and dance. Through the dance they convey the message of working in peace to bring peace. Their songs depict their struggles. It was an extremely captivating and enchanting performance. Their traditional costumes and interactions with the students added a unique flair to it. They commenced their performance by inviting the Chief Guest, the Principal and a few students to join them on stage for ‘Maranga Tiaho Mai’, a song about rising up.
Waka Toa presented the Principal with a Greenstone pendant which speaks of strength, courage, focus and determination. They also presented the Chief Guest with a token of their friendship and love.
It was inspiring to see how the Maori performers cherished the beauty and uniqueness of their tribes and traditions. The school hopes that it continues to consolidate and share culture with New Zealand.
The vote of thanks was proposed by Vice Principal, Dr. Renu Nayar. The event ended with the National Anthems of New Zealand and India.
