Indus Valley Times

Two-day cultural extravaganza mesmerizes students, teachers and dignitaries

By Nalini Sahu

Bhubaneswar, Dec. 5: The Aditya Birla Public School, Bhubaneswar, recently concluded its 7th Founders’ Day celebration with a two-day cultural extravaganza, commemorating the institution’s commitment to education and cultural enrichment.

On the vibrant morning of December 2nd, the grounds of The Aditya Birla Public School Bhubaneswar came alive with a burst of activities, marking the commencement of a captivating pre-Founders’ Day celebration named as ‘Kalinga Utsav.’

Mr. Saumyendra Kumar Priyadarsi, IPS, Commissioner of Police, Bhubaneswar and Cuttack graced the celebration as the Guest of Honour. His presence not only added a sense of authority to the event but also underscored the community’s commitment to fostering talents beyond academics. Mr. Priyadarshi was welcomed by Dr. S Ganguli, Group Advisor Education, The Aditya Birla Group and Principal Mr. L N Dash.

The centrepiece of the day was a dynamic Science Exhibition that showcased the scientific curiosity and ingenuity of the students. The campus transformed into a haven of innovation, with scientific exhibits and innovative projects captivating the attention of curious onlookers.

Concurrently, the air was filled with the aroma of Odia delicacies as students set up stalls offering traditional treats like Monda Pitha, Arisha Pitha, Chhena Podo, and more. The delightful array of Odia cuisine not only tantalized taste buds but also showcased the rich

culinary heritage of Odisha. The school also hosted Kalinga Utsav, a cultural festival that showcased Odissi, Sambalpuri, Gotipua, Paika Akhara and many more, highlighting the diverse traditions and art forms of Odisha.

“Witnessing the vibrant display of talents here today is not just inspiring, but a testament to the holistic development fostered by Aditya Birla Public School. It’s heartening to see these young minds excelling not only academically but also in showcasing their creativity and cultural richness.”, said Mr. Priyadarsi, Commissioner of Police.

Fun games, cultural performances, and the rhythmic beats of classical and folk dances added a festive touch to the proceedings.

The main event unfolded on December 3rd at the School Amphitheatre. The ceremony began with the address of the Chairperson Smt. Rajashree Birla Ji, followed by a heartfelt invocation to goddess Saraswati and the traditional lamp lighting by Chief Guest Mr. Vishal Kumar Dev IAS and Dr. S Ganguli, Advisor Education, The Aditya Birla Group. Dr. Ganguli delivered the welcome speech. In his address, Dr. Ganguli, conveyed gratitude to parents, guests, and students for their presence at the Founders’ Day celebration. He emphasized the event’s significance, not only as a commemoration of the school’s founding but as a testament to the institution’s commitment to holistic education. Dr. Ganguli expressed pride in the enthusiastic turnout, highlighting the strong connection between the school, parents, and the community.

Mr. L N Dash, Principal addressed the gatherings and presented the annual report, offering insights into the school’s achievements. Principal Dash emphasized the collaborative efforts of the school community in fostering success across various endeavors. Looking ahead, he expressed optimism for a future where students continue to excel academically, creatively, and socially. Gratitude was extended to all participants for their integral role in the journey towards excellence.

The Chief Guest, Mr. Vishal Kumar Dev IAS, lauded the school’s dedication to educational excellence, and the school orchestra added a cultural dimension with a captivating performance.

“It is heartening to witness the dynamic cultural and educational vibrancy displayed by Aditya Birla Public School. This celebration not only underscores the school’s commitment to academic excellence but also reflects its dedication to fostering a holistic and culturally enriched learning environment. The amalgamation of tradition and innovation showcased here today is truly inspiring, highlighting the school’s role in shaping well-rounded individuals with a deep-rooted sense of pride in their heritage” , said Mr. Vishal Dev.

The Founders’ Day celebration at Aditya Birla Public School was elevated to an extraordinary level with the captivating presentation of Rabindranath Tagore’s play, ‘Chandalika.’ The drama, unfolding on the school’s stage, showcased a masterful blend of art, music, dance, and drama, delivering a powerful narrative that explored profound themes of internal struggle, societal oppression, discrimination, and the search for social identity. The 150 students involved in the grand performance intricately wove together the plot’s threads and underlying subplots, effectively communicating a meaningful social message through their artistic expressions.

Under the skillful direction of Dr. Hammad Faruqui, former Housemaster from The Doon School, the production of ‘Chandalika’ achieved a harmonious fusion of classical, semiclassical, and folk elements. The lead actors, portraying ‘Prakriti’ and ‘Ananda,’ collaborated seamlessly with supporting actors, dancers, singers, and narrators, bringing the characters and storyline to life with enthusiasm and perfection. The performance stood as a testament to the dedication and collective efforts of the Dance and Music Department, leaving a lasting impression on the audience and contributing to the overall success of the Founders’ Day celebration.

Guests, including prominent figures from the community and education sector, parents and grandparents also added to the vibrancy of the celebration. Their presence not only reflected the school’s significance within the community but also underscored the broader impact of Aditya Birla Public School’s commitment to nurturing well-rounded individuals.

The founders’ day programme was coordinated by Mr. N Sahu, the Admin Officer, Mr. Ananda Mukherjee and a team of teachers.

Mr. Partha Mitra, Senior Teacher of the School gave the vote of thanks.