IZHAAR – E – HUNAR & EARTH DAY
Posted on: 25 April 2024
The Hopetown Girls’ School, Dehradun hosted a plethora of captivating events under the umbrella of Izhaar -e-Hunar & Earth Day on April 25, 2024. All events were held on the School’s premises. Events ranging from “Aaina” - a Videography & Photography Contest to ‘The Forum’ a Debate Competition to ‘The Fourth Estate and ‘Melded Rhymes’ all saw active participation by the students of over 13 schools. St. Jude’s School also participated enthusiastically in several events.
The Videography and Photography Contest was keenly contested by a number of budding filmmakers from such prestigious Schools as St. Jude’s School, Unison World School, Welham Girls’ School & Welham Boys School, Wyneberg-Allen, Mussoorie and many others. Shiraz Ahmed of 12A Commerce and Kshitiz Walia represented St. Jude’s School in the Contest. The judges had a hard time picking a winner from the vast talent of expressions and technical wizardry. Eventually, Welham Boys were declared the unanimous winners of the Contest. Although St. Jude’s School did not win, its representatives, Shiraz Ahmed and Kshitiz Walia , came away with a wealth of knowledge, information and experience.
‘Riwayat’ the Royal Themed Fashion Show saw St. Jude’s capture the imagination and the glitz of the ‘ramp walk’. The Students, under the guidance of their teachers, bedazzled the audience with their impeccable presentation, poise, and grace. Their ornate jewellery and accessories reflected the opulence and grandeur of the ‘Royals’ of ancient India. The students’ graceful demeanor, confident manner, and carefully choreographed ramp walk brought out the elegance of royalty and the very essence of a bygone era. The Students of St. Jude’s School displayed an aura of confidence way beyond their years and stole the hearts of the audience. Their breathtaking interpretation of Maharani Padmavati’s regal attire was crafted with finesse by their teacher.
‘A mind that is stretched by a new experience can never go back to its old dimensions.” Oliver Wendell Holmes.
The above quote highlights the experience and enriching opportunity, the Students of St Jude’s got while participating in the Extempore Debate. This Inter School Debate brought together Students from various Schools, including Wynberg Allen, St. Jospeh’s Academy, Unison World School, Welham Boys, and Asian School.
The Topics for Extempore Debate were given just 15 minutes before the event and was conducted in the parliamentary format. The topic for our Students was-“E-commerce will eventually replace traditional brick and motor retail stores.” Our Team consisting of Ananya Bisht, Anshika Puri, and Aditi Sehgal conducted themselves in an exemplary and spirited manner, and although they did not qualify they impressed the Judges and audience with their rhetoric and presentation.
‘Portraits’ an Earth Art Competition, was a vibrant celebration of creativity, talent, and artistic expression. The Competition unfolded under the auspices of seasoned artists to aspiring amateurs of all ages and skill levels. A host of messages and themes were conveyed by the work of many an artist and the judges had to deliberate hard and long and carefully weigh each artistic display before announcing the winners. In the end Welham Boys once again walk off with the coveted first prize. Overall the competition was a celebration of the human spirit and highlighted the ability of art to heal and bring together people from all walks of life. Ayushi Chauhan and Kashish Jain, St. Jude’s students, presented a commendable effort and produced some impressive artwork which was appreciated by all.
Under the guidance of their Choreographer, Mr. Wilson Lakra, the Students of St. Jude’s once again produced a stellar dance performance and proved their mettle with a scintillating performance. The students took to the stage with supreme confidence and wooed the audience with their version of the latest chart-toppers and retro tunes. Their colourful and gaily designed costumes complimented their dance prowess and the visual flair added to their charisma and charm.
St. Jude’s school also mesmerized the audience in ‘Aamezish’ the Band Contest with an animated and glittering display of musical extravaganza. Under the guidance of their music teacher, the students also enchanted the audience with such genres as –‘The Bossa-Nova’, ‘Disco’, ‘Funk and ‘Reggae’. Their versatility not only impressed one and all but showcased their artistic talent as well as highlighted the nurturing and guidance provided by St. Jude’s School, in fostering creativity and excellence in students.
Entitled the ‘Fourth Estate,’ an exhilarating and exciting journalistic event, saw the best of thirteen Schools participate in a spirit of healthy Competition and collaboration. From heated debates to in-depth interviews of students, participants, parents and teachers alike, the participants of the ‘Fourth Estate’ had the campus buzzing as they recorded the happenings at each event, thereby bringing down the curtain on an eventful and highly exciting day. In the words of Ayushi Uniyal, the journalist from St. Jude’s School –“It was inspiring to see students come together and display their talents in such a positive environment.” Her remark echoed the sentiments of all those present at Hopetown Girls’ School.
As the sun set and the day drew to a close and the trophies and accolades were all distributed, there was a perceptible sense of achievement in the air as the event had transcended all borders to foster, beyond the Competition, friendships, forged connections and created memories that would last forever, not only in the hearts of the participants, but also in the hearts of all present there. The Hopetown Girls’ School had left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege to attend and be part of such an event.
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