Cultures from across world take centre stage at this school in the city
With over 15,000 students from 20 countries participating in the grand curtain-raiser ceremony of the 16th Ryan International Children’s Festival, that kicked off recently at Talkatora Stadium, the Capital witnessed the celebration of cultures and togetherness.
With an interesting theme of Generation Equal, the festival focused on gender equality and stereotypes that exist in societies around the world. The festival was graced by the chief guest of the event, Om Birla, Lok Sabha speaker, whose presence added to the grandeur of the ongoing extravaganza.
While congratulating the Ryan group on this event, Birla said, “I get energised looking at today’s generation, and I am confident that they will make effective leaders of tomorrow. I congratulate Grace Pinto for organising such an event, which gives an opportunity for understanding cultures across the world. Pinto has dedicated her life for education and has worked tirelessly for it.” He further said, “Ryan schools provide not just outstanding academics, but also values and a strong moral foundation. These students will do very well in future. Let us all build together a new India, a strong India!”
Grace Pinto, MD of Ryan Group, expressed her heartfelt gratitude to Birla for gracing the festival with his presence, and appreciating all the endeavours and contributions made by the Ryan Group in the field of education.
The programme consisted of dance performances and choirs by students of Ryan
International Schools, along with ballets, a unique sports choir, a love choir and even one on science.
The highlight of the show was acrobatic dances from the Russian group, Happy Childhood. The suite consisted of Kalinka, the Tatat National Dance, Kazachok (pair dance), Dzhigits (dances with skipping ropes) and the folk dance, Barynya. These were done under the guidance and choreography of their director, Svetlana Ishkuzina.
The visiting countries were thrilled with the experience. Thelma Zaldívar, a student delegate from Axioma Teatro, Paraguay, said, “This is such an amazing opportunity that I got. I feel really grateful for travelling to a country as big as India, and having the honour to represent my country and show my culture. I am very excited to know other cultures, too.”