Hamara Manch - Classes V - VIII
Students from Classes V to VIII stepped into Hamara Manch, a Manch where creativity knew no bounds and the Amphitheatre came alive with vibrant expressions of children’s inner Oorja. As always it is a culmination of their cherished curricular experiences of the year woven into their creative expressions of dance, theatre, music and many more.
Class V groups explored the vibrant culture and history of Rajasthan, a musical presentation on ‘Rang Biranga Bharat,’ using Raag Kedar and Raag Bhopali to depict stories of Lord Krishna. Some chose to come together for a play on ‘The Lotus Bud,’ a story which became their favourite story to go to, through the year - emphasizing friendship, care, and love. ‘Great Indian Travelogue’ highlighted the rich cultures of Indian states, inspired by their memorable trip to Agra. ‘The Evolution of Mankind’, was uniquely presented through creative movements carefully choreographed by the students themselves.
Class VI came with the powerful, wordless play , ‘The Digital Divide’ with a deep message on the consequences of technology, ’Panch Pameshwar’ a musical story narration on the importance of Panchayat at the grass root level , ‘Mysteries of Space’, and ‘Itihaas ke jharoke se’ were woven through the children’s classroom experiences connecting mythology to constellations.
Imagine a courtroom where nature itself takes the stand ! Class VII invited the audience to envision all natural resources coming together to raise a case against humans in the court of nature. Through powerful dialogues and thoughtful characterisation, the children explored issues of sustainability, accountability, and the consequences of human actions on the environment. ‘Music Aur Hum Fusion K Sang’ was a blend of various musical styles to explore communication, and a Chhau Dance performance featuring the Purulia, Seraikella, and Mayurbhanj forms, showcasing a fusion of classical and tribal traditions. The event demonstrated extensive teamwork, creativity, and in-depth research by the students across all groups.
Our evening of creative expressions by Class VIII also had a musical presentation, ‘Happiness Around Us,’ a multi-lingual tribute that sees children using diverse instruments and sargam to revive the joyful resonance of, celebrating unity in harmony. The energy then moved to ‘Roots in Rhythm: East Meets West,’ a dance filled with synchronised movements - a fusion of Punjabi, Garba, South Indian holding fast to their Indian heritage while amalgamating with western creativity. The narrative deepens with ‘The Lady of Shalott,’ a drama inspired by Arthurian legends, delving into the themes of curses, fate, and unrequited love. We were refreshed with the raw, impactful ‘Cutting Chai,’ a Nukkad Natak that tackles real-world issues such as unemployment, and corruption - showcasing the strength of the civic society blooming from a simple tea stall.
In short this year Hamara Manch embraced the diversity in celebration which made it more memorable and engaging for all.