Prize distribution ceremony of Indradhanush – A Melange of Colours, Apeejay School Panchsheel Park

Apeejay School, Panchsheel Park on May 21, 2021 organised a prize distribution ceremony of Indradhanush – A Melange of Colours. This cultural fiesta was held online on May 17, 2021 to allow students to display their artistic talent. The chief guest for the event was Padma Shri awardee Pratibha Prahlad, a Bharata Natyam dancer, educator, choreographer, arts administrator and author. She was also the founder director of the Delhi International Arts Festival.

The event opened with invocation ceremony followed by an address by Ms. Ritu Mehta, Principal, Apeejay School, Panchsheel Park. She said cultural events help young children to develop a positive sense of identity and build self-esteem. “Today we have gathered to celebrate the stupendous success of Indradhanush, which is an amalgamation of cultural activities performed on a virtual platform this year by the students of Apeejay School, Panchsheel Park. We witnessed participation of around 200 enthusiastic children showcasing their talents in various activities like music, dance culinary, art, debate, Sankrit shlokas and many more.”

She further said, “Experts in child development suggest that participation in extracurricular activities helps children to develop their individual personality, reduce emotional stress and enhance their social as well as academic skills. A healthy competition in a productive environment will not only help children discover their talent but also provide them a new source of confidence, which will reflect in their overall attitude. It’s rightly said that a person who is happy is not because everything is right in his life. He is happy because his attitude towards everything in his life is right.” 

While introducing the chief guest Vice Principal, Ms. Shalini Agarwal said, “We celebrate the resilience of our students, parents and staff. We salute the spirit of positivity which motivated each and every one of us to rise above the despair and melancholy caused by the raging pandemic proving the phrase that no mountain is too steep to climb and no challenge big enough to overcome. Students of Apeejay participated in each event with full enthusiasm and fest.” 

Chief Guest Ms. Pratibha Prahlad said cultural events help children reach their full potential. “As a human being a child needs to experience any art form. It’s invaluable. Somehow, we have not really understood the importance of art, music, poetry, painting and other activities. Apart from giving self-confidence art gives you critical thinking. That’s the most important value art adds to life. You could be Maths or science genius but when you want to calm down and relax you listen to music, read poetry and stories.” 

She said it’s important to rethink, rebrand and reassert the value of our cultural tradition and our art forms in the formative process of a child’s growth and development. She said art is a part of our DNA. 

The winners of various activities were awarded E-certificates in the end. 

Success is not big house, big cars, going on expensive holidays, wearing lovely clothes or looking beautiful. Success is happiness. A truly happy individual is the most successful individual on this planet. 

Ms. Pratibha Prahlad, Padma Shri awardee 

Non-academic events like ‘Indradhanush’ have been conceived for the emotional well-being of our children so that they don’t suffer the repercussion of isolation during this pandemic.

Ms. Ritu Mehta, Principal, Apeejay School, Panchsheel Park