Indian Schools’ ‘Mega Arts Fest’ a spectacular event
The Indian Schools’ Mega Arts Fest is a manifestation of master talents in Kuwait. Never before in the history of Indian schools in Kuwait had such opportunities to express and expose the hidden talents of the young minds. So, for the first time, the Indian Community School Kuwait organized Mega Arts Fest, with more than 80 different types of items in various categories in two days, three venues, six stages from 8 am to 8 pm with participation of more than 2,000 students from all the Indian Schools in Kuwait. This was an epoch-making event in the Middle East.
The inauguration of Mega Arts Fest began with the recitation of the traditional Islamic prayer and prayer song followed by the rendering of the national anthem of Kuwait and Britain. Dr V Binumon, Principal and Senior Administrator of ICSK welcomed the guests followed by the lighting of the lamp. In the inaugural address by the Chief Guest, Matthew James Lodge, Ambassador of Britain to Kuwait, gave an inspiring speech. The address by guest of honour Sudha Chandran, film actress and dancer was an eye-opener for the listeners. She was magnanimous enough to show few dance steps to our students. They did benefit from her expertise. The words of special guest Maryam Abdul Rahman Dashti, Dept of Middle & High School, Ministry of Private Education, Kuwait, too was an energizer. Representing the Organizing Committee, Agnello A S Fernandes, Joint Secretary, Board of Trustees, ICSK addressed the gathering.
Although Gurupranam is not a new concept for Indians, in the Gulf region it was considered to be a novelty. From 21 schools 20 principals took part in the Gurupranam. They were honored with ‘ponnada’, covering the individual with linen cloth signifying high thinking and simple living. There were off-stage and on stage programs. Off-stage items were conducted well in advance and the results were kept ready. The two days of competitions were the highlights of the mega art fest.
During the valedictory ceremony, the welcome song was sung by the Swaranjali, the ICSK choir. The welcome address given by Dr V. Binumon, Principal ICSK & Senior Administrator which was followed by the lighting of the lamp by Sunil Jain, Ambassador of India to Kuwait and Padmashri Dr Resul Pookutty, winner of Oscar Award and Golden Reel Award, the special guest of the day. Jain in his inaugural speech showered praises on ICSK for organizing the event in such magnitude. The words of wisdom from Pookutty made everyone to think and re-think the value of education.
Pookutty kindly consented to give away about 600 prizes for Category 1, 2 and 3 (individual and group). Kala Prathiba and Kala Tilak (in each category) were given 4gm of gold and a crystal trophy. Cultural events presented on stage by ICSK students mesmerized the audience prior to the distribution of prizes for Category 4 and 5 (Individual and group) and the Kalathilak and Kalaprathiba, special awards for Categories 1,2,3,4,5 and the distribution of the overall trophy. Live concert by Stephen Devassy, a gold medalist from The London School of Music, picked up the momentum to give it a befitting finale to the Mega Arts Fest. With the vote of thanks proposed by Rajesh Nair, Principal, ICSK Amman Branch brought the Mega Art Fest 2016, to the close. The following winners in different categories were declared to be the Kala Prathiba and Kala Thilak of Mega Art Fest 2016.
In category -5 Muhammed Basil Habeeb of ICSK Senior and Parvathy Sudeer Nair of United Indian School declared to be the winners of Kalaprathiba and Kalathilak.
Under category- 4 Abel Chris of ICSK -Senior claimed the Kalaprathiba while Aishwarya Shaji of FAIPS PVT.School became the Kalathilak.
Milan Abraham Mathew of ICSK -Khaitan and Batul Rokadiya of Salmiya Indian Model School declared to be the Kalaprathiba and Kalathilak respectively. The winners of Kalaprathiba in category -1&2 were Aibel Praveen Panampally,FAIPS Pvt. School and Aaron Varghese James, ICSK - Junior respectively.
Nakshatra Neeraja Binu, and Reine Mary John, both from Indian Educational School declared to be the winners of Kalathilak in category 1&2. School wise points position as follows: ICSK Senior secured 186 points under category 5 and FAIPS Private School 102 points under 4 category. In category 3 ICSK Amman scored 94 points and in category-2 Indian Educational School 56 points. In category -1 Indian Educational School secured 42 points.