Primary schools in Gurgaon – Lancers Festival
The much-awaited 7th LIS Festival was organized by Lancers International School from 9th October-11th October, 2019 to inculcate and encourage the feeling of confidence and presentation among students. The 3-days extravaganza provided a platform to the students to showcase their talents. The theme of this year’s fest was “Diversity – the act of thinking independently together.” This year, about 20 schools came together to enjoy the thrilling spirit of competition and learning. Ms. Latika Nath, Indian author, and wildlife conservationist was the Chief Guest at the inaugural ceremony. She expressed her gratitude for being chosen as the chief guest for the event and performed ceremonial lamp lightning. In 2001, she was awarded the title of ‘The Tiger Princess’ by National Geographic who featured her in a documentary film. She is a wildlife biologist with a doctorate in philosophy on Tiger Conservation and Management from the Wildlife Conservation Research Unit from Christ Church, University of Oxford. Also, she is the first woman wildlife biologist in India to hold a doctorate on tigers and enter the field of tiger conservation at a time when no previous scientific work had been done on the tiger. Breaking into what had been so far an exclusively male-dominated field, she spent over twenty-five years working at the grassroots level for tiger conservation eventually changing focus from academic work to working with the tribal communities in the buffer zone of Kanha Tiger Reserve and the Forest Department of the Government of India for tiger conservation. Therefore, she advised the students to embrace the challenges of life and emerge victorious in every field. Her speech brought enthusiasm in the growing breed of young minds and generated a lot of courage and strength.
Hosting this annual event is a part of inspiring students to come together as ethical citizens and promote intercultural understanding. The festival seeks to provide students with outstanding opportunities to learn and develop various life skills and team-building spirit. This festival gave wings to the creativity of the brightest young minds. Besides promoting creative and critical thinking, effective communication and inter-personal along with theatrical skills, students created an ambiance of serenity.
This year, there was an overwhelming participation of students from classes I to VIII from reputed schools in gurgaon. As this festival aims at bringing mass participation, students are exposed to numerous playful and mindful activities. Every student is encouraged to participate in at least one activity to gain exposure. The event ranged from storytelling, fine arts, and poetry recitation to singing, dancing and book publishing therefore, addressing the intellectual and creative growth of students. Competitions comprise of activities such as coloring and drawing to more skill-oriented programs such as news writing and science symposium for participants from middle classes. The 3-day event also witnessed a colorful array of folk dance, musical acts and fancy costume parades highlighting the theme that in diversity there is remarkable learning and there is a strength. The atmosphere echoed with thundering applause as the young achievers received their awards. Mr. Y.K. Sindhwani, Head, Lancers International School applauded the performances and congratulated all the students for their efforts in presenting a program par excellence. He also urged them to retain the winning spirit and unflinching zeal throughout their lives. Overall, it was an interactive, educational and enjoyable experience for the students.
Apart from building relationships and friendship, such festivals bring happiness and love amongst the students. A close bond is built between the students as they understand each other’s different customs. This festival is a connecting cord that connects students of various schools in one single knot as by spending time together, they learn the value of oneness. Furthermore, it instills in young ones, an awareness of independent thinking, along with the immense potential to perform various tasks in school and outside.
The festival concluded with a vote of thanks by Mr. Sindhwani, Head, Lancers International School highlighting that such platforms give students an opportunity to showcase their skills which is equally important as academic achievements.
