Annual Day 2013, classes 1-12.

We celebrated Annual Day with much fanfare on 23 and 24 November, 2013. Pomp and splendour accorded honour to the theme of the year, Latin America as students across classes 1-12 assembled a rich pageant of art, music, dance and drama in culmination of the two year-long journey of discovery.

No effort was spared and the result spoke for itself. His Excellency, Rul Ignacio Guastavino, Ambassador of Argentina and Sri. Ravindra Singh, Secretary, Ministry of Culture graced the occasion as Chief Guests on 23 and 24 November, respectively. Sri. Lov Varma, Secretary, AIIDS Control Department (Health Ministry) graced the occasion as Guest of Honour on the 24th.

The programme was conceptualised in three distinct parts, i.e. the Tableaux, Art Exhibition and the Musical Extravaganza -Evita.

In the Tableaux section, pretty props with snap plays and songs were received with great enthusiasm by parents and guests alike. They were welcomed at the entrance by exotic dancers in feather costumes. The guests were served an eclectic platter of performances starting with a self- composed song to depict glimpses of South America followed by a short skit Shekhibaz Lomri, a Hindi adaptation of a folk tale of Argentina, information about Machu Pichu provided a virtual feel of walking about the world famous historical place ; poem- recitation and painting on the spot were added attractions.

The school Band with its rendition of La Bamba and a very rhythmic Shakira number enthralled the guests as they clapped and swayed to the Latin beats in appreciation of the veritable display of musical talent.

The Art Exhibition was a kaleidoscope of colour with the visitors feasting their eyes on the extremely realistic reproductions of the works of great South American artists like Romero Britto, Freida Kahlo, Diego Rivera and others created by the budding artists of our school. On display too, were well made replicas of Christ the Redeemer, The Days of the Dead and the Floralis Generica. Inspired by the folk art of the region, the students also showcased murals and mulas.

The highlight of the event was the staging of the musical- EVITA, a tribute to the legendary Eva Peron of Argentina, depicting the trials and tribulations of her life and her phenomenal rise to power and fame. The musical showcased the formidable talent of our Indianites as they sang, danced and enacted scenes from the legendary life and times of Evita Peron overwhelming the audience with the sheer brilliance and magnitude of their performance. Over 1600 students worked as one to bring to the audience all forms of Latin American dance style forms from Ballroom to Jive, Salsa to Quick Step etc against a backdrop of slides and videos to make the presentation whole and complete.

Stilt-dancers in their colourful costumes lent carnival-atmosphere as they walked about on stilts, both on stage and amongst the seated audience. The Grand Finale was a befitting curtain- call to an extravagant Ode to Talent!

Last, but not the least, the food court set up by the PTA body and others offered mouth-watering cuisine ranging from Indian to Latin American. The combined efforts of the management, parents, teachers and students made it possible to mount a truly memorable occasion.

Report by Ms. Navreet Shergill.