The Conqueror – Ashoka the Great: A majestic tale of transformation and triumph

The Annual Play at Apeejay’s IB School, Apeejay School International, Panchsheel Park a cornerstone of the school’s educational philosophy, was held on the 22nd of December, 2024, in the school auditorium. This year’s production, titled The Conqueror – Ashoka the Great, was a spectacular portrayal of the life and transformation of one of India’s most revered emperors, Ashoka, from a ruthless warrior to a harbinger of peace and non-violence. The play not only showcased the talents of the students but also beautifully embodied the holistic growth principles of the IB curriculum, nurturing creativity, teamwork, and leadership.        

The event started with a vibrant welcome, as the pathway leading to the auditorium was beautifully decorated with standees of Ashoka, setting the tone for an evening that would be rich in history and culture. The auditorium itself was transformed into an ancient historical setting, with decor that depicted the royal grandeur of the Maurya Empire. This careful attention to detail added authenticity and depth to the performance, creating a captivating environment for the audience.  

The evening began with an introductory speech by the Head Girl, Nia Lobo, a student from DP-2. Nia welcomed the audience and set the stage for the performance, highlighting the significance of the play. She spoke about the lessons of leadership, courage, and peace that Ashoka’s life offers and expressed gratitude to the teachers, parents, and students who had worked tirelessly to bring the production to life.  

The esteemed guests for the evening included Dr. VS Garg,Senior Education Advisor, Mr. Nishant Berlia, Co-Promoter of Apeejay Stya and Svran Group and Pro-Chancellor of Apeejay Stya University along with Ms Nisha Berlia, Wife of Mr Nishant alongside the Principal, Mr. Purshottam Dutt Vashist, and Vice Principal, Ms. Neha Sharma. Their presence underscored the importance of the event and added to the sense of pride and achievement felt by the students and faculty. 

At precisely 5:40 PM, the play began, with two narrators, Rivan Berlia, a student of MYP 4, and Aaditya Nath Mathur, a student of MYP 5, guiding the audience through the historical narrative of Ashoka’s life. Their exceptional narration skills ensured that the audience was immediately drawn into the story, as they eloquently set the stage for each of the nine key scenes that followed. The entire play was expertly assisted by student directors Bhavya Dugar, Faraz Ahmed, Ria Chaddha, and Tani Bansal.

The play was divided into nine scenes, each representing a pivotal moment in Ashoka’s life. The journey began with Ashoka’s Childhood, followed by Ashoka’s Adolescence, and then a glimpse into the Royal Palace of Pataliputra. These early scenes established Ashoka’s character, setting the stage for his later actions. The audience was then introduced to Ashoka and Kaurwaki’s Encounter, a significant turning point in his life, before witnessing the harrowing Battle of Kalinga.  

The narrative took a turning point with Kaurwaki’s Resistance, and the subsequent Enlightenment that Ashoka experienced, transforming him into a ruler who would advocate for peace. This was followed by Proclamation of Peace, where Ashoka’s vision of a compassionate empire began to take shape, culminating in the final scene, Ashoka’s Reflection, where the emperor, having embraced non-violence, reflects on his journey and the impact of his decisions.

The performances were nothing short of spectacular, with the students donning meticulously crafted traditional attire, such as royal dresses, swords, and armor, which transported the audience back in time. The young Ashoka was portrayed by Himav Berlia, a student of MYP 2, whose innocent yet powerful portrayal of the character was a highlight. The older Ashoka, in his adolescence, was enacted by Arjun Sharma, a student of MYP 4, followed by the Arahan Chaudhary, student of DP-1, whose intense performance brought a sense of gravitas to the role.     

“The event was truly learner-centric, showcasing the leadership and creativity of students in every aspect. It is a commendable initiative, perfectly aligned with the skills needed for the 21st century. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience,” remarked Dr. VS Garg, Senior Education Advisor.

One of the most remarkable features of the play was the use of sound effects and a smoke-filled backdrop, which made the scenes appear surreal and amplified the emotional impact. The strategic use of sound enhanced the battle scenes, while the subtle choir in the background ensured that the audience could fully immerse themselves in the historical context. The choir’s harmonious presence added depth to the scenes, especially during the most introspective moments in Ashoka’s journey. The lead actors, including Saanvi Sharma, Saatvik Arora, Bhavya Dugar, and Ryan Kheterpal, brought the show to life with their exceptional performances, giving it wings to soar.

‘It was such an excellent programme. It was a pleasure to see how all students performed really nicely. I just loved it. said Ms Harbans kaur, mother of Ria chaddha.

The students from the PYP classes also shone brightly, performing a beautiful Kathak dance in vibrant red and orange costumes. Their graceful movements added a touch of cultural richness to the play, and their performance was well-received by the audience.

The battle scene of Kalinga was particularly well-executed, with the choreography and direction ensuring that the tension and brutality of the battle were conveyed effectively. This was one of the most powerful moments in the play, as the consequences of war and violence were brought to life in a way that was both visually striking and emotionally resonant.

As the play neared its conclusion, the final scene saw Ashoka’s entire clan appear on stage, bringing the production to a fitting end. The small children from the PYP classes walked through the audience, carrying lighting flowers in their hands, symbolising peace and hope. This heartwarming moment, accompanied by a hymn, left the audience in awe, highlighting the play’s central message of love and harmony.  

“It was absolutely amazing to see the students perform so well. I never knew this side of Aaditya before, and I’m so proud of him. He sounded so confident and poised throughout. The AI-generated pictures, the décor, and every detail were fantastic. The entire event was carried on the capable shoulders of Rivan and Aaditya, who did an outstanding job as narrators. It was a joy to watch their dedication shine,” shared Ms Shrimoyee, mother of Aaditya Nath Mathur.

The play concluded with a Vote of Thanks delivered by Vaishnavi Chaudhary, student of DP-2, the President of the Student Council, who expressed her gratitude to all the participants, teachers, and parents who had made the event a grand success. 

“I extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone for their unwavering support in making today’s event a grand success. A special thanks to Dr. VS Garg, Senior Education Advisor, for his invaluable guidance and contributions. We are deeply grateful to Dr. Stya Paul, our revered founder chairman, whose visionary leadership created an environment where ethics and values thrive”. 

“I express my deepest gratitude to Mrs. Sushma Paul Berlia, Chairman of Apeejay Education, for her inspirational leadership and constant support, which motivates us to pursue excellence. I am immensely thankful to Dr. Neha Berlia, Member of the Management Board, for her guidance and encouragement, and to Mr. Nishant Berlia and Mr. Aaditya Berlia for their consistent support and valuable insights. I also acknowledge the contributions of all facilitators, including our dance, art, and scripting teachers, as well as the support staff, for their dedication and efforts. A special mention to our student directors and participants for their exceptional performance and enthusiasm. Lastly, I thank our dear audience for their presence and encouragement”.

Overall, The Conqueror – Ashoka the Great was a resounding success. It not only entertained but also imparted important lessons in leadership, peace, and self-reflection, staying true to the ethos of the IB education system. The play was a perfect demonstration of how learning can transcend the classroom, sparking creativity, collaboration, and a deeper understanding of history.