Apeejay School, Panchsheel Park’s Young Talent Shines at X’pression Competition

In a delightful display of talent and creativity, Divyansh Bajaj, a Class 3 student from Apeejay School, Panchsheel Park, secured the third position in the prestigious X’pression competition held at Apeejay School, Faridabad. His heartfelt recitation of the poem The Honest Woodcutter captivated both the judges and the audience. We spoke to Divyansh to learn more about his experience, preparation, and what drives his passion for storytelling.

How did you prepare for your performance, and why did you choose The Honest Woodcutter?

I only had 2-3 days to practice because my Unit Tests were going on. I practiced both at school and at home, learning one paragraph at a time. My class teacher, along with my mother and grandmother, helped me prepare. I chose this poem because I already knew the story, and it was simple to learn in the short time I had. Plus, I had some props and costumes ready, which made it easier to bring the poem to life.

Your performance was so expressive! How did you connect with the poem and make it engaging?

While reciting, I imagined myself as the woodcutter. His honesty impressed me so much that I felt like I was really living his story. Dressing up as a real woodcutter added to the fun and helped me get into character.

What was the message of the poem, and what did you enjoy most about performing it?

The poem teaches us to always stay honest, no matter the situation. Honesty is very important, and I feel inspired by it. My favorite part was feeling like I was truly the woodcutter and receiving so much applause from the audience—it made me feel very confident and proud.

How did you feel about winning third place, and what feedback did you receive from the judges?

I was so happy and proud when I found out I had won. The judges congratulated me and appreciated my performance, which made me feel really proud.

How do you balance schoolwork with competitions and other activities?

After coming back from my sports class, I finish my homework. My mother helps me prepare for school activities, so I can manage both studies and competitions well. When I’m not studying, I love playing with my cars—they’re my favorite toys!