Apeejay School, Saket brings India’s cultural essence to life at New Delhi World Book Fair 2026

The rhythmic beats of classical footwork, the vibrant swirl of regional costumes and the powerful enactment of India’s cultural icons came together in a grand celebration of heritage as 110 students of Apeejay School, Saket delivered a spellbinding dance and enactment performance at the New Delhi World Book Fair 2026 on January 14. The 45-minute cultural presentation took place at Amphitheatre 1, Hall No. 5 Front, Pragati Maidan (Bharat Mandapam) and left the audience deeply moved by its scale, precision and emotional depth.

A Journey Across India Through Dance

The performance opened on a solemn and evocative note with an enactment of Bharatmata, portrayed by five students, setting the thematic foundation for the evening. Draped in culturally rich attire and guided by expressive movement, the opening act symbolised unity, resilience and the timeless spirit of India. This powerful beginning seamlessly transitioned into a carefully curated sequence of classical, folk and regional dance forms, each representing the diversity that defines the country.

What followed was an immersive cultural journey choreographed and conceptualised by Ms Deepshika Biswas, Dance Teacher, Apeejay School, Saket, who also trained all the participating students over a rigorous preparation period of three months. “The idea behind the performance was to preserve our cultural heritage. This was a showcase of the diversity of India,” she shared, explaining the vision that guided the production. Reflecting on the students’ learning experience, she added, “This platform means a lot for them. They are learning how to be artists. Even the little mistakes they make on stage become lessons. It is a learning process for them.”

Classical Grace Takes Centre Stage

The classical segment unfolded with grace and discipline, beginning with Bharatanatyam, performed by seven students, marked by sharp movements, expressive abhinaya and rhythmic clarity. This was followed by Mohiniattam, where eight students captivated the audience with fluid movements and lyrical storytelling, and Odissi, presented by 13 students, characterised by its sculpturesque poses and intricate footwork. The elegance of Kathak, performed by five students, brought swift spins and rhythmic brilliance to the stage.

Regional folk traditions then took centre stage, celebrating the living, breathing culture of India. A spirited Kashmiri dance by 15 students reflected the beauty and serenity of the Valley, while the energy soared with Garba, as 20 students filled the stage with vibrant colours and infectious enthusiasm. The earthy rhythms of Kalbelia, performed by 15 students, showcased Rajasthan’s nomadic dance tradition, drawing loud applause from the audience. The programme concluded with Dhanuchi, again featuring 15 students, symbolising devotion and cultural continuity.

Stories That Inspire: Enacting India’s Icons

One of the most impactful segments of the evening was the enactment of great Indian personalities, reminding the audience that culture is shaped not only by art forms but also by inspiring individuals. Students brought to life figures such as Dr Stya Paul, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, PV Sindhu, Verghese Kurien, Satyajit Ray, and Armstrong Pame, using short dramatic sequences to highlight values of vision, perseverance and service. The enactment resonated strongly with viewers, particularly the reference to Dr Stya Paul’s philosophy on dreaming big.

Sharing her experience, Chavi Mahindru, a Class XI student, said, “It was a very good opportunity to perform at Bharat Mandapam. Since the whole school was performing together, it was really fun. Being given such a big platform makes me feel very grateful. As mentioned in our roleplay, the quote by Dr Stya Paul, ‘It is not a disgrace if dreams are unfulfilled, but it is if there are no dreams to dream’, truly stayed with me.”

A Proud Moment for Parents

The emotional connect extended beyond the performers to parents in the audience, many of whom had come independently to witness the performance. Mrs Beenish, parent of Tehzeeb Fatima of Class III A, who performed Mohiniattam, expressed her admiration, saying, “The performances were fantabulous. I have seen the annual day performances earlier, but watching the same learning being showcased on a larger platform is truly special. It instills confidence in children and shows the world the talent Apeejay has.”

For many students, performing at Bharat Mandapam was a first-of-its-kind experience. Hardik Upadhyay, a Class VI student, shared his excitement simply yet sincerely: “I was very excited to perform at Bharat Mandapam, a place where important national events take place. I am very happy to perform here.”

The emotional intensity of the opening act was carried by Shreya Ganguly, Class XI, who enacted the role of Mother India. Reflecting on her journey, she said, “I had never experienced performing at Bharat Mandapam before. I was a little scared and very cautious on stage, but the journey of preparing for this role was really good, and it went well.”

Learning Beyond Performance: Teachers at the World Book Fair

Beyond the stage, the World Book Fair also provided learning opportunities for teachers. Ms Diksha, Mathematics teacher, attended a Magic Maths workshop at the Children’s Pavilion, while Ms Ashneet Kaur, English teacher, participated in a storytelling workshop. Additionally, Ms Sarita, Middle School In-charge, interacted with Finnish and Israeli delegates, engaging in discussions on education. These parallel engagements underscored the fair’s role as a holistic platform for both students and educators.

The audience at the amphitheatre included students, parents and members of the general public, many of whom stayed throughout the programme, responding with warm applause and appreciation after each segment. The seamless coordination of 110 students across multiple dance forms reflected discipline, teamwork and artistic maturity, reinforcing the school’s emphasis on holistic development through cultural education.

Through this thoughtfully crafted performance, Apeejay School, Saket not only celebrated India’s rich cultural tapestry but also reaffirmed the importance of providing students with platforms that nurture confidence, creativity and cultural pride. The evening stood as a reminder that when tradition meets youthful energy, the result is both inspiring and unforgettable.