Indian Educational School, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Kuwait celebrated the 12th Annual Day on December 7, 2018 in such a manner that every being present on the school premises went home with a feeling that the world is created in love and love is the only force which moves the fulcrum on which the universe moves. Love devoid of its other fixated forms is the essence of every being, small or big, in the universe.

The 12th Annual Day was honoured by the gracious presence of the Chief Guest, Justice P. N. Ravindran presently serving as the Senior Advocate in the Supreme Court of India, special invitees from the United Arab Emirates, Shaikh Hamdan Abdulla Al Sharki, Mr. Salem Mohamed Alkhabi and Mr. Ahmed Al Watari, Mr. Ali Judian Al Rashidi, the School Sponsor, Mr. N. K. Ramachandran Menon, Chairman Bhavans Middle East, his better half, Mrs. Sudha Ramachandran, Mr. Sooraj Ramachandran, Vice Chairman Bhavans Middle East, Mr. Krishnadas Menon, Director Bhavans Kuwait, Mr. Arul Dharmaraj Thomas, Principal of Integrated Indian School, Mr. T. Premkumar, Principal, Indian Educational School Kuwait, Mr. Mahesh Iyer, Principal, Smart Indian School Kuwait, Mrs. Rathi Raveendran, Principal, Jack & Jill Kuwait, Manager of Sponsor’s office Mr. Mohammed Khamis and other distinguished dignitaries.

The day of celebration started with soul-soothing verses from the Holy Quran followed by the Kuwait National Anthem. The day of magnificence unfurled with a Sarva Dharma prayer song rendered by the school choir. The ceremonial lamp was then conjointly lit by the Chief Guest, Justice P. N. Ravindran, Mr. N. K. Ramachandran Menon, Mr. Sooraj Ramachandran, Mr. Ali Judian Al Rashidi, Shaikh Hamdan Abdulla Al Sharki, Mr. Salem Mohamed Alkhabi, Mr. Ahmed Al Watari in the presence of the principals of Bhavans Kuwait, Mr. T Premkumar, and Mr. Mahesh Iyer.

The blessed gathering was welcomed by Aaliya Sageer, the Head Girl, Indian Educational School Kuwait. The floral bouquets of love, respect and appreciation were extended to the guests and special invitees by the School Supreme Council members.

An invocation dance of classical fusion performed by the talented Bhavanites induced a divine spirit in the audience who let themselves wholeheartedly submerge in the ocean of divinity.

The school annual report, the unsighted crux of the event sketching the academic achievements of IES Kuwait was presented by Mr. T. Premkumar, the Principal of IES Kuwait. The news segment that ensued, cast light on the achievements of Bhavanites in the co-curricular activities. Mr. Sooraj Ramachandran, the Director, Bhavans Middle East delivered the keynote speech, extolling the phenomenal achievements of the students of IES in both the curricular and extracurricular activities, and the efforts of the teachers in making this possible with their undying devotion.

He also emphasized the need for strong bonding between parents and children. Mr. Sooraj Ramachandran further spoke about the charity drive initiated by Bhavans Middle East to 50 destinations across various countries. A video on the charity drive initiated by Bhavans Middle East to extend succor to the flood victims in Kerala was also shown. The audience acknowledged this noble initiative with roaring applause.

After the presentation of the report, the visual extravaganza unfurled. The tiny tots from the primary wing spelled a hilarious atmosphere with their musical drama including a comedy dance and musical depictions of resilience and love. The Arabic Department of the school presented a fabulous Egyptian dance to surprise the guests from the UAE.

Then the happening arena transformed into a haven of pure love, the essence of the universe; where the recognition of Shakunthala; Abhijnaana Shakunthalam, was recreated by Rhythmscapes, the cultural wing of Bhavans Kuwait, in such a way that the pang of love, the pain of separation and the pulsating yet tranquil culmination of reunion streamed the audience into a dream world of mythology, and they responded unanimously with a standing ovation.

After the breathtaking cultural show, the Chief Guest, Justice P. N. Ravindran, still awestruck by the sublime interpretation of the mythical beauty by the skilled and talented Bhavanites, congratulated the performers on their brilliance. In his speech, he emphasized the importance of the roles of teachers and parents in the lives of children and further stressed on the importance of the role of parents in a child’s life.

He implored the parents to involve emotionally to make the bond between them and their children stronger. He said “Parents should not influence their children to take up a course that their children do not want to. They should give space, instead, for the children to do what they really want to do in life, and let the children enjoy the freedom to fulfill their dreams”.

In the prize distribution ceremony, IES honoured staff members who completed 10 years and 5 years of service in the school with mementos. The teachers who were instrumental in bringing 100% results in their subjects in the CBSE examination held in 2018 were given certificates of special recognition, mementos and cash award. The teachers who made it with 100% attendance in the academic year 2017-18 were given certificates for their regularity. Sanaul Malik Shaheer, the school topper in the Science Stream (session 2017-18) received the prestigious Bhavans Gold Medal and Late Viswanathan Memorial Cash award from the Chief Guest.

Meghna Pallisery Ravindran who ranked second at the International Toyota Dream Car Painting Contest held at Tokyo, Japan in August 2018, is the first Indian in Kuwait to win this honour at the international level in this event. The school in recognition of her exemplary artistic accomplishment honoured her with special accolades. Maanas Manoj, is the first sports person of Bhavans Middle East to win a medal at the CBSE National Championship.

He won a Bronze Medal in the mixed doubles badminton and created history, and the school celebrated his victory by honouring him for bringing this laurel to his alma mater. The students and parents who relentlessly worked day in and day out categorizing and packing things to be sent to the flood relief camps in Kerala were given mementos in appreciation of their support. The Chief Guest, Justice P.N Ravindran was then presented a memento as a token of deep reverence and gratitude by Chairman of Bhavans Middle East, Mr. N. K Ramachandran Menon.

The day of dream ended with the vote of thanks proposed by Samuel John Abraham, the Head Boy, IES Kuwait, followed by the Indian National Anthem. The emcees for the day were Sharon Mathew and Jayden Daniel Stanley. Thus, another eventful historic day in the life of every Bhavanite ended on a high note, paving way for another exceptional academic year.