Happenings

IHS Celebrates Thyagaraja Aradhana

The 31st of January was welcomed in IHS in a very special way. It commemorated the day Saint Thyagaraja left this world leaving priceless and ingenious music compositions for the generations to come. This saint was one of the masters of Carnatic music who composed several compositions which are still sung today all over the country. On this day, musicians and vocalists from all over the world gather and sing the Pancharatna Krithis, or the ‘Five Gems’ in unison.

As a tribute, several Home School teachers gathered together to sing Saint Thyagaraja’s Krithis. Abhinand, an alumnus of IHS, and Shreya Manoj, a 12^th standard student, also joined the performance. Two of the songs sung were “Saadhinchene O Manasa” in Ragam Arabhi and “Sri Ganapathim” in Ragam Sourashtram.

A special mention goes to our Carnatic music teacher, Manoj anna, who gave all his effort to make this assembly a grand success. It was truly a remarkable musical kick off to the day.

– Ashwin

Dance Duo Take Center Stage

I stepped into the Assembly Hall, looking at the two young and energetic guests seated at the front of the carpets. I sat down wondering what would be presented in the assembly. As soon as the invocation got over, the tall gentleman stood up and said, “Namaskaram, I am Jonáš and she is Nikol. We are from the Czech Republic,” and he went on. In the blink of an eye, Jonáš and Nikol walked onto the stage and positioned themselves. Soon, melodious music was ringing in my ears and they swayed back and forth. Their dance movements were so effortless that I wondered whether their bodies were made of rubber. They danced beautifully, a blend of acrobatics and ballet. It went on for about 10 minutes. It was spectacular. There is no better word to describe it.

Nikol Šneiderová and Jonáš Janků are professional dancers, acrobatic and new circus artists, and musicians. Not only did they present an assembly, they also went on to conduct movement workshops for both Junior School and Middle School.

– Maya

IHS Celebrates Republic Day

The morning of the 68^th Republic Day of India started with the hoisting of the flag and the national anthem. The flag was hoisted by Mahavir Chakra awardee Rear Admiral SK Gupta, in the presence of Sadhguru. Following a rendition of “Vaishnava Jan Toh”, Sadhguru addressed the gathering, and then students and parents headed to Tarana for a special assembly.

The assembly began with a medley of songs sung by teachers, followed by a panel discussion on the role of national symbols in creating a sense of patriotism. After a faculty performance of a Tagore poem, “Where The Mind Is Without Fear”, Rear Admiral Gupta spoke to the audience. The assembly was brought to a close by a superb a capella rendition of “Vande Mataram” by Senior School students.

After the assembly, a curated display of rare photographs from the freedom movement, Emergency Period, and the building of modern India was held in Gnana Shala. An art exhibition by 10^th and 12^th class students was also on display in Suryakanti.

After breakfast, it was time for a little cinema. Movies were scheduled for everyone, was screened for Juniors, Kya Dilli Kya Lahore for Middle and a selection of four movies for Senior School students.

It was a pleasant, quiet day. Overcast skies and a bit of rain made for a festive atmosphere, and a number of students and parents were taking full advantage of their parents visit. Everyone came together for snacks in the Coconut Circle, and again for moonlight dinner. Chhole Bhature and Ice cream, a live saxophone performance and a soothing, languid breeze made for a pleasant end to a memorable day.

Pongalo Pongal!

Class 10 students organized this year’s memorable Pongal festivities which spanned over two days. Charming announcements and teasers were posted in the dining luring people to come and experience a taste of tradition.

On the 14^th of January, all gathered together in the evening for a class-wise kolam competition. The juniors by far were the most enthusiastic of the lot and demonstrated stellar teamwork.

On the 15^th, the newly constructed mandapam near the school entrance was inaugurated. Pongal culturals were held in the open grounds. The Hindustani students opened with a Kannada song ‘Munjaneddu Kumbaranna’ in which a potter describes the blessing that is his work. This was followed by two lively Tamil songs, ‘Vaanam Partha Bhoomi Inge’, a prayer to Mariamman for rain, and ‘Vandiyila Nellu Varum’, a song about the harvest. The program then featured two folk dances – a Tippani dance from the Saurashtra region in Gujarat by the Middle Schoolers and a Tamil folk dance in celebration of a bountiful harvest by Senior School dance students. An on looking cow and her calf added their commentary throughout the program.

Immediately after the program, students gathered on the Pongal grounds to prepare chakkara pongal over an open fire. After the Pongal was ready, a small ceremony was held before the sweet was distributed. Decked in ethnic attire, students spent the rest of the morning taking pictures, dancing and eating sugarcane.

In the afternoon, everyone gathered on the sports ground for traditional village games – chasing a tyre with a stick, slow cycling, tug of war, and various relay races. In keeping with the spirit of Makar Sankranti, interested students also had the opportunity to try their hand in kite flying. To top it off, a moonlight dinner was held in the gardens.