The theatrical display of light reflections that splintered into shards on the stage, struggled to match up to the spectacular show of talent as Indian Education School celebrated 14th Annual Day on 06th December. The Annual Day, christened as ‘Keraleeyam’, was a visual treat that lent more sheen to a delightful evening.
It was a spectacle of sorts as the distinguished guests were ushered in by a replica of an elephant and its dressed up mahout with the accompaniment of ‘singarimelam’. The eventful day was honoured by the charismatic presence of the Chief Guest, Dr. K.S. Radhakrishnan, former Chairman of Kerala Public Service Commission and former Vice Chancellor, Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit, Mr. N. K. Ramachandran Menon , Chairman of Bhavans Middle East, Mrs. Sudha Ramachandran Menon, Mr. Sooraj Ramachandran, Vice Chairman of Bhavans Middle East, Mrs. Divya Rajesh Ramachandran, Director, Bhavans Middle East, Mr. P. B. Krishnadas Menon, Director, Bhavans Kuwait, Mr. T. Premkumar, Principal of Indian Education School, Mr. Mahesh Iyer, Principal of Smart Indian School, Mrs. Rathi Raveendran, Principal of Jack and Jill, Vice Principals and KG Supervisors of IES and SIS.
The celebrations got off to an imperial start with soul-soothing verses from the Holy Quran followed by Kuwait National Anthem. The traditional lamp was conjointly lit by Dr. K.S. Radhakrishnan, the chief guest, Mr. N. K. Ramachandran Menon, Chairman of Bhavans Middle East, Mrs. Sudha Ramachandran Menon, Mr. Sooraj Ramachandran and Mrs. Divya Rajesh Ramachandran. The audience immersed themselves in the prayer song chorused by the school choir which was followed by Bhavans Anthem.
The august gathering was welcomed by Aiswarya Babu, Cultural Secretary of the school. She lavished bouquets of warm words for the distinguished guests and offered immense gratitude to Mr. Ali Judiyan Al Rashidi, the sponsor of the school, Mr Mohammed Khamis, Manager at sponsor’s office and Mrs Shaima Zaki , Administrative Manager, Bhavans Kuwait.
The cultural bonanza opened up with the invocation dance as the audience were treated to a divine feel. A melodious welcome song ensued.
The school annual report was meticulously presented by Mr. T. Premkumar, Principal, IES Kuwait, with due accent on the initiatives of all departments, accomplishments, awards, progress and success that the school garnered in the academic year 2019-2020.
Dr. K.S. Radhakrishnan, the chief guest, in his address, appreciated the chosen theme of the Annual day and congratulated the Chairman, the Principal , teachers and the students for their brilliance and hard work. He emphasized the importance of the role of teachers and parents in the lives of children. He urged parents to identify the unique quality of their children and foster them and that they should keep unhealthy competition at bay.
Mr. Sooraj Ramachandran, Vice Chairman of Bhavans Middle East, spoke at length about the plethora of opportunities IES offers and talked about the incredible work and progress made by the institution in a span of fourteen years. He emphasised the vision of the school that aims at imbuing a strong value system and grit in the young aspiring students. He underscored Ubuntu philosophy -the belief in universal bond of sharing that connects all humanity- which is encapsulated in what Bhavans strives for. He also urged the parents to lay emphasis on inculcating the same. His speech led to the screening of the video that showcased how Bhavans in the Middle East flourished from its humble inception to its present status.
Mrs. Divya Rajesh Ramachandran, Director, Bhavans Middle East, was visibly impressed by the impeccable performance by the students of different grades. She felicitated the hard work and achievements of the school and wished the very best for all new ventures.
After the felicitations, the show resumed with Keraleeyam Orchestra- a scintillating performance with the combination of instruments and voices. The audience were captivated by the enchanting performances of the students and the soulful symphony of the budding musicians. It was followed by an eye-popping cultural programme, ‘Keraleeyam’, which was more a visual trip down the landscape of cultural art forms of Kerala. The incredible visual treat also highlighted the beauty of nature, and traditions that Kerala is steeped in. The spiritual essence of art forms was truly exhibited in the scintillating performances. Keraleeyam triggered nostalgic moments for many as they cheered on the performances.
After the roller coaster ride through the cultural landscape of Kerala and the grand finale, the celebration paved way for the prize distribution ceremony. Rahul Mathew George, who bagged the gold medal (20gm) sponsored by Bhavans Middle East, for being the highest scorer in school and in Kuwait with 97.6% in Science stream in CBSE examination, was felicitated with a cash award of Rs 5000 given by Ms Meena Vishwanathan, BVB advisor, in memory of her husband, late G. Vishwanathan. On behalf of him, his parents received the award from the chief guest .The school also appreciated and honoured the outstanding teachers for their terrific contributions in academics. Ms Pushpaja , teacher of English, Ms Asha Ebey Samuel, teacher in Computer Science, Ms Tuney Eldo, teacher in Physics, Ms Sindhu Ashok, teacher in Biology, were felicitated for their relentless effort and guidance that helped students to emerge as country toppers in their respective subjects in CBSE exam 2019.
Students who aced CBSE exam to accomplish a perfect ton, pitchforked their mentors into limelight as Mr T Premkumar, Principal, who teaches Chemistry (Class 12), Ms Shiji Thomas, teacher in Math (Class 10), Mr Babu Jacob, teacher in Math (Class 10), Ms Marie Syril Trina, teacher of French( Class 10), Ms Seema Menon, teacher of French (Class 10), Ms Deepamol, teacher in Math ( Class 12), walked away with the honours for their extraordinary mentorship. Mrs. Muneera Mammikutty (HoD English, primary), Mr. Mohammad Sodky (HoD French, Primary), Mr. Marimuthan Muniyasamy (P.E Department) received the Best Performer Award 2019.
The chief guest was felicitated with a memento by the Chairman. As a token of gratitude and respect, Mrs. Sudha Ramachandran Menon, Mr. Sooraj Ramachandran and Mrs. Divya Rajesh Ramachandran were felicitated with customised printed sarees by the Vice Principals, Ms. Jaemi Byju, Ms. Anselma Tessy and Ms Meenakshi Nayyar respectively.
The emcees for the day were Sharon Balaji, Joel Dan Shibu, Livia Maria Saji, Sanuthi Nihinsa and Abhipsa Panda. As the celebrations drew to a close, the crowd lingered over the euphoric moments of the show.