Hamara Manch - Classes X and XII

Each year, Shikshantar celebrates its birthday with Hamara Manch, the annual event where each child shines with their unique talent. It is an occasion for the children to splash their limitless creative vision across the stage for their family and friends. This expression comes through the rhythms of dance, the melody of music, the emotions of theatre and the harmony of bands.

This year’s Hamara Manch began with an invocation to Goddess Saraswati. The outgoing batch of Class XII lit up the school corridors with glowing diyas as a gesture of the students' transition into a new phase of life to the melodious Shikshantar birthday song echoing in the air.

Bursting with the originality and artistry of the children of Classes X and XII, it was a special day for the outgoing Class XII batch. The students put on humorous plays with thoughtful themes like accepting the passage of time and civic irresponsibility at national monuments. The student bands sang several popular covers to hits like ‘Counting Stars’ by One Republic and ‘Ribs’ by Lorde.

In their dances, they brought to the stage the vibrance, energy and spirit of traditional Indian dance forms that had everyone rocking and singing with the children as they performed. The dances ranged from the energetic beats of Bhangda, ‘Taalmel’ - a mix of Jhoomar and Garba, to the elegant movements of Bharatnatyam and Kathak. Another graceful solo dance performance by a Class XII student blended music and yoga into a refreshing reflection of peace, focus and artistic rhythm.

Hamara Manch culminated with the children calling upon Minoti Didi to share her thoughts as the ‘North Star, ever so bright, guiding us through every day’. Addressing the assembled parents, Minoti Didi spoke briefly on the entire performance - the dialogues, the choreography, the costume which reflects certain simplicity and depth. She also shared that this limitless creativity originates from the care, openness and acknowledgment with which our children are nurtured at Shikshantar. Didi, in her gentle way, expressed her gratitude for all the wonderful energies children bring in our lives.

In an evening that will stay in the memory of the Shikshantar family for a long time, we were reminded once again that talent has no boundaries and inspired all to dream endlessly.