A stage filled with colour, curiosity and compassion

Beyond the Rainbow: Celebrating the magic of love, learning and compassion; it is a world where curiosity sparks wonder, imagination opens possibilities and kindness shapes young hearts, allowing every little learner the freedom to grow, explore and shine in their unique way. Keeping this theme in mind, the 11th Annual Day at Apeejay Rhythms Kinderworld, GK II, brought together students, educators, parents and distinguished guests for a vibrant celebration of creativity and early childhood learning.

The event was graced by the Chief Guest, Her Excellency Dr Janice Darbari, Honorary Consul General of Montenegro in India. The Guest of Honour was Ms Simi Srivastava, Founder, Kathashala. Present on the occasion was Ms Purnima Vohra, Officiating Principal, Apeejay Svran Global School, Faridabad, Sector 21 D. Also present was Mr Krishan Tewari, Zoom Delhi.

The programme was organised under the esteemed patronage of Mrs Sushma Paul Berlia, Chairman, Apeejay Stya & Svran Group, Chancellor, Apeejay Stya University, and Chairman, Apeejay Education; and guiding light and inspiration, Dr Neha Berlia, Co-Family Business Owner, Core Board Member of the Apeejay Stya and Svran Group, and Pro-Chancellor of Apeejay Stya University was a truly mesmerising performance by the toddlers.

Special acknowledgements were extended to Mr Nishant Berlia, Co-Family Business Owner, Core Board Member of the Apeejay Stya and Svran Group, and Pro-Chancellor of Apeejay Stya University, and Mr Aditya Berlia, Co-Family Business Owner, Core Board Member of the Apeejay Stya and Svran Group, and Pro-Chancellor of Apeejay Stya University for their support. A thank you went out to Dr VS Garg, Education Advisor, Apeejay Education; Mr NN Nayyar, Senior Education Officer, Apeejay Education; Mr Sharad Tiwari; Mr Bedi; Ms Purnima Vohra; and Ms Anita Paul, Education Officers, Apeejay Education, for their support as well.

The programme opened with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp representing life and guidance and was accompanied by a soothing orchestral background, Shree Ram Chandra Kripalu Bhajman, performance by the tiny tot.

Ms Komal Nathani, School Head, Apeejay Rhythms Kinderworld, GK II, presented accorded a green welcome as tokens of appreciation to the honoured guests. She also felicitated the chief guest and the guest of honour.

The stage then came alive with delightful presentations that captured the charm and innocence of early childhood. Colourful costumes and expressive performances drew warm appreciation from the audience, reflecting the creativity and enthusiasm of the young students as they performed the graceful steps of the Manipuri dance.

The school’s young performers took the stage with enthusiasm and joy, demonstrating that even the youngest musicians can create engaging and meaningful performances. Playing popular melodies like 100 Miles and Una Paloma Blanca on a variety of musical instruments, the children filled the hall with lively notes and cheerful rhythm.

Taking the centre stage, Dr Darbari said, “My heartfelt congratulations to all the parents whose wonderful children brought such joy to this celebration and reminded us of our childhood. The blessing of a child is one of the purest blessings of life. A child’s innocence is transparent and beautiful, and it allows us to reconnect with ourselves and see the world with renewed wonder. Having been involved in children’s theatre and cultural programmes in the past, I understand how much dedication teachers and parents invest to make such experiences possible. It requires patience, commitment and countless hours of preparation.”

What was witnessed today reflects the values that such efforts nurture in children. She shared. These activities help shape character, build confidence and encourage creativity from an early age. “As I watched the performances today, I felt that these children carry a light within them. When nurtured with care and encouragement, that light will grow brighter and inspire others around them,” she stated and thanked everyone for making the event a truly joyful and memorable one for her.

Ms Srivastava, regaling the audience with a story, said that listening to it reminded her of something she has learnt through more than 30 years of storytelling. “If you want children to listen, tell them a story. If you want them to understand something deeply, tell them a story. And if you want them to remember something for a long time, tell them a story. Stories carry a special power. They speak to the mind, but they also touch the heart. A child may listen simply for enjoyment at first, yet slowly the meaning begins to settle within them,” she explained.

The beauty of storytelling lies in its simplicity. The message never needs to be forced. “Through stories, children explore ideas, emotions and relationships. They learn to see the world from different perspectives and gradually understand values in a natural way. The wonderful presentation of storytelling nurtures imagination, empathy and understanding. Through them we learn kindness, compassion and connection with others,” she shared.

Attending the event virtually, Dr Neha Berlia extended a warm welcome to the Chief Guest and Guest of Honour, said, “In these early years, every smile carries curiosity and every question opens a new world. Each small step marks the beginning of a lifelong journey of learning. Today we celebrate the magic that lives in every child. This year’s theme, Beyond the Rainbow, celebrates love, courage and compassion, values that guide children to care for others and grow with confidence.”

At Apeejay Education, we believe education must nurture both knowledge and values, Dr Neha Berlia shared. “My grandfather and Founder-Chairman, Dr Stya Paul, envisioned education that shapes character along with intellect. That vision continues under the guidance of my mother, Mrs Sushma Paul Berlia and our leadership today. As Swami Vivekananda said, education is the manifestation of the perfection already within each person. Under the leadership of the School Head, Rhythms Kindergarten continues to nurture confident and joyful learners. My heartfelt congratulations to all our wonderful children,” Dr Neha Berlia shared.

Ms Nathani extending a warm welcome to all the esteemed guests the read out the kindergarten’s accomplishments. “Since its inception, Rhythms Kinderworld has remained committed to nurturing curiosity, creativity and a love for exploration among young learners. Over the years, the school has earned recognition among leading preschools and received several awards for excellence in early childhood education, reflecting the dedication and vision of the institution.”

Like the gentle glow of a rainbow after rain, childhood unfolds slowly and beautifully, she said. “Our school is more than a place of instruction. It is a home away from home where values such as empathy, integrity, creativity and respect shape every experience. Celebrations of festivals such as Easter, Baisakhi, Mother’s Day, Eid, Diwali, Thanksgiving, Earth Day, and Christmas Day help children appreciate diversity, gratitude and care for the world around them,” she stated.

Watching our children grow fills us with pride, she added. “Their enthusiasm, creativity and joy remind us of the true magic of childhood. I thank our parents, teachers and well-wishers for their continued support and invite you to enjoy the wonderful performances of our young stars,” she said.

Then the tiny tots took the stage and amazed everyone! Through the most delightful adventure that a storybook takes them, the young learners explored the magic of love, learning and compassion.

To begin with, the audience was transported to Mexico, presented as a vibrant land of music, colour and celebration. The young performers enacted a scene where pride briefly disrupted the festive harmony of a plaza. As tension grew, other children stepped forward to remind the performers that a celebration loses its meaning when people stand divided. The act ended with a message of empathy and unity.

Another performance transformed the stage into a lively garden. Tiny performers appeared as flowers, butterflies and birds, filling the space with colour and joyful movement. Their choreography reflected the freshness of spring as petals twirled and nature seemed to dance in harmony.

A third act carried an environmental message. The children portrayed a beach littered with garbage before coming together to clean it. They later approached the island’s king and queen, urging them to protect the beach and its sea creatures.

The performances by the kindergarteners created delightful ‘aww’ moments. Their tiny steps, bright costumes and innocent expressions filled the stage with sweetness. The audience watched with smiles and warm applause as the little performers brought their stories to life with enthusiasm and confidence.

The event also unveiled a special creation for the young readers, a digital book titled Lia and Lobo by the esteemed guests. It was then time for the graduation ceremony of the kinderkids; they were given certificates and trophies for their accomplishments by Dr Darbari, Ms Srivastava and Ms Vohra in the presence of the School Head. Certificates were also given to the class teachers of Prekinders and Kids@Play.

Ms Rabia Azim extended the ‘vote of thanks’. “My deepest appreciation goes to our esteemed Chief Guest and Guest of Honour. A heartfelt thank you to the education officers for their guidance. A special thank you to the management for their continued guidance and support. I would also like to thank our School Head, our dedicated teachers, parents and staff members for their support in making this programme successful,” she said.

The event ended with a standing ovation for the tiny artists and singing of the National Anthem!