Malhaar 2021

The Indian School hosted Malhaar, its biennial music, dance, art and drama competition with zeal and zest, over the virtual platform in July. This scintillating event attracted 78 entries across all categories from over 26 schools in India.

This year, due to the lockdown imposed by the pandemic, the entries were pre-recorded. These entries left an indelible mark on the judges, who selected the winners in each category after many deliberations. All the participants had done a commendable job of replicating the enchantment and surreality of a live performance. Thus, it was in great anticipation that they converged, along with their teachers-in-charge, on 30 July 2021 for the results declaration ceremony at 10 am.

Dignitaries like the School Vice-Chairperson, Dr (Mrs) Nayana Goradia, Vice-Chairperson of the Managing Committee, Mrs Brinda Shroff, Director Mr Lal Raisinghani and School Manager, Ms Rashi Narula, graced the online event.

Jurists Dr Pankaj Riyaaz, classical singer and sitarist, Mr VK Sharma, well-known theatre personality, vocalist Ms Aparajita Chandola, and Mr Rajan Shripad Fulari, noted art curator, lent their gracious presence at the virtual event. Also present were Ms Komal Malhotra and Mr Rishabh Bhatia, school alumni and co-judges for the dance and art sub-categories.

The ceremony commenced with Upasana Khatua of class VII C rendering the Saraswati Vandana- an invocation to Goddess Saraswati.

Ms Tania Joshi, Principal, warmly welcomed the audience and thanked everyone for their generous effort in making the event a success. She shared the news of The Indian School completing 25 glorious years in August 2021. Her speech also highlighted the role of the Prafull Foundation in sponsoring the Malhaar prizes and encouraging young talent to pursue their dreams.

Vice-Chairperson, Dr (Mrs) Nayana Goradia, expressed her gratitude to all the participating schools. She reminisced about the inception of this music competition and how it was named Malhaar because it coincided with the advent of the monsoon. She joyously recalled when the school auditorium had spilt over with the presence of hundreds of students and guests, who came to participate and enjoy the live performances.

Anushka Saxena(12A), Piyush Kunwar(12D), Shruti Arora (12D)and Piyush Ranga(12D) skillfully wove the programme into a beautiful wreath of words. They introduced the eminent jurists and the sub-categories judged by them. A video presentation showcased some of the brilliant work and performances of the participants. The music category with Maati Ke Rang as its theme attracted 18 entries. Dr Riyaaz and Ms Aparajita were the judges for this group song event.

The solo dance category was themed Prakriti Upasana and saw 18 graceful performances by upcoming young talent. Ms Divya Goswami, Kathak exponent of the Lucknow Gharana and recipient of the coveted Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Purushkar and Ms Komal, chose the deserving winners.

The art event attracted a total of 23 vivid entries. The theme for the Junior category (classes VI-VIII) was the Blue Palette or Myriad Moods of Nature. The Senior Category (classes IX-XII) presented artwork inspired by the Mystical landscapes or Navrang- Colours of Life.

Mr Rajan Shripad Fulari, former secretary at Lalit Kala Akademi and Mr Rishabh Bhatia, experienced digital artist and content creator, judged the entries in this category.

The drama category saw scintillating mono-acts/ monologues on the theme Kabira Khada Bazaar Mein, a take on contemporary social issues, and Lamhon ki Virasat (timeless legacies) based on the fascinating stories behind historical monuments/buildings, events and people.

Mr VK Sharma, founder-director of Khilona, the first and longest-running company of adults performing for and with children in India and Mr Anas Arif, a theatre enthusiast with extensive experience in stage acting, scriptwriting and direction, selected the winning entries in this category.

Principal, Ms Tania Joshi and Dr Anu Singh, Vice-principal, declared the much-awaited results. The winners received cash prizes sponsored by The Prafull Foundation. Rs 1000 per child for the first position, Rs 700 per child for the second position and Rs 500 per child for the third position.

The list of the winners in each category is as follows:

In the Music Category 1st position- Genesis Global School 2nd position-The Indian School. 3rd position-Birla Vidya Niketan, Pushp Vihar

In the Dance category 1st position- Mater Dei School. 2nd position- Modern School, Vasant Vihar 3rd position- St. Thomas' Girls Senior Secondary School

In the Art competitions Sub-category 1 (classes VI-VIII) 1st position- Singapore International School 2nd position- Strawberry Fields High School 3rd position- Bluebells International School

Sub-category 2 (classes IX-XII) 1st position - Singapore International School 2nd position - The Indian School 3rd position - Mayo College, Ajmer and St. Thomas' Girls Senior Secondary School.

In the Drama category 1st position - Tagore International School, East of Kailash 2nd position- St. Thomas' Girls Senior Secondary School 3rd position - DPS, Mathura Road

OVERALL TROPHY - The Sunbeam School, Lahartara

The grand event ended with the vote of thanks by Anushka Sharma and the School song by the school choir.

Malhaar was an enriching experience for all the participants, teachers and judges, alike!