Indian Educational School (Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan), Kuwait celebrated yet another Grandparents’ Day with fun, frolic and excitement on October 10, 2016 on the school premises. It was a special day, as the whole school, comprising the students, staff and the other well-wishers reached out to the grandparents recognizing, receiving and reciprocating love. There were unprecedented scenes of nostalgia, laughter, hugs and fun when the grandparents of many a student stepped into the sacred abode of learning, accepting the formal invitation sent by the school.
The events of the day started with a formal inauguration of the function at 9.30 am in the school auditorium by Mrs. Khanta Dodeja, the grandparent of Garima Dodeja (Grade 9 B) and Vidhi Dodeja (Grade 5 I), in the presence of the Principal, Mr. T Premkumar, Senior Vice Principal, Mr. Suresh V Balakrishnan, the invited grandparents, teachers and students. The grandparents who stepped into the auditorium were welcomed with a standing ovation and a wonderful gesture of applause by the students and teachers manifesting their love, affection, care and respect for the elderly.
The cultural program unfurled with the prayer by the minstrels of the school choir followed by the rendition of a verse from the Holy Quran and the Kuwait National Anthem. The lighting of the ceremonial lamp was conjointly performed by the Principal, the Senior Vice Principal and the grandparents. The proud gathering was welcomed by the Senior Vice Principal, Mr. Suresh V Balakrishnan. The welcome address was followed by a welcome dance performed by Malavika Krishna of 8G, and another dance by Sangini and Nandana of 8F. The students of grade 8 also performed a skit highlighting the importance of grandparents. The magic show put up by Harichandana and Devinandana of Grade 7 won elderly plaudits. The event also saw the participation of many a grandparent, to cherish and cache a day well spent in their honour.
Mr. Kurien George, the grandfather of Ethan Bobby Kurien of 6G, shared his experience of partaking in such an exhilarating function. He felt happy and contented about the opportunities the children of his grandson’s age received in their schools, to show their love and respect for others. He also urged the student community to uphold the values they learn, and to show their identities wherever they go. He extolled the efforts of Bhavans, Kuwait, for organizing such a wonderful day, which would forever be etched in the memories of all the grandparents who were present on the occasion. The grandparents were honoured with special floral bouquets of love, respect and care.
To add colours to the celebration, Grandpa Joe’s, a Joint Stock Company, had its successful second edition supported by the Commerce Department and run by the students of the Commerce Stream. The savory dishes served in the stalls, included bhel puri, pav bhaji, sandwiches, jalebi, samosa, kachori, brownies, cakes, pastries, popcorn, ice creams, pizzas, ice flurry and whatnot. Fizzy Fun, Desi Tadka, Eat Street Eat Smart, Sugar Rush were a few among the many stalls to name. The grandparents too made an attempt to taste, munch, bite, chew and relish the mouth-watering food items sold on their day. The profit gained from the business is entitled to uplift the old age community and the cancer patients.
The event coordinator, Mr. Nagaraj of the Social Science Department proposed the vote of thanks. Chrissa Merin and Tiasha Majumdar of Grade 8 were the emcees of the programme. The singing of the Indian National Anthem marked the end of the cultural programme. It was indeed a day for the grandparents and their grandchildren to cherish. Amidst this fast paced life, the silver haired were able to recollect their childhood and relax, and left the school premises happy and contented.