Student Achiever: ‘Taking the stage at every school event builds my confidence’

The International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum fosters the holistic development of students, emphasising academics, creativity, activity, and service (CAS). The two-day Mamta Raut Dance Festival, held on November 29 and 30, 2024, at the Triveni Kala Sangam Chamber Theatre, New Delhi, celebrated the timeless elegance of Odissi dance. The event featured mesmerising performances by accomplished artists and emerging talents. Among the young performers was Vamika Tripathy, a MYP II (class VII) student from Apeejay’s IB School, Apeejay School International, Panchsheel Park, whose graceful Odissi recital on November 29 captivated the audience, earning her well-deserved admiration.

Speaking about her opening act and an emerging artist, Vamika shared that her performance at the Mamta Raut Dance Festival was organised to honour the memory of the late Smt. Mamta Raut, wife of Padma Shri awardee Guru Mayadhar Raut, and was curated by Odissi expert Madhumita Raut.

“Performing at the festival was a huge honour for me. Along with two of my classmates, I was part of the inaugural performance, making us the only amateur dancers in a lineup of professional artists from across the country. It was an unforgettable experience to share the stage with such renowned performers,” she said.

Her interest in dance started when she was very young. Her cousin, who is a Kathak and Bharatanatyam dancer, has always inspired her. “My family has also played a big role in shaping my passion for the performing arts. My mother is a Hindustani classical performer. Their encouragement and support mean a lot to me. I officially began learning Odissi in 2022, and I attend classes every Friday and Saturday. I chose Odissi since my father is from Odisha, and I wanted to learn more about the state’s cultural traditions through dance,” Vamika stated and added that dancing has taught her discipline and dedication, which helps her in many other areas of her life.

“Besides Odissi, I also learn Kathak at school. Exploring both dance forms has helped me appreciate India’s rich cultural heritage even more. The school has been supportive of my dancing journey. I perform at all the functions that are organised, which has boosted my confidence on stage. Going forward, I plan to continue learning Odissi while also deepening my knowledge of Kathak. I’m excited about discovering more about India’s classical dance forms and hope to balance my academics with my artistic journey, striving to excel in both,” she said.

Ms Sonali Saxena, MYP Coordinator at the school, says that for talents like Vamika’s, the CAS component is particularly significant as it encourages students to explore and hone their passions outside the classroom, such as dance, music, or other artistic pursuits.

“By providing a framework that values extracurricular achievements alongside academics, Apeejay’s IB School curriculum supports students in showcasing their talents at platforms like the Mamta Raut Dance Festival. This approach nurtures skills like time management, discipline, and creativity while emphasising personal growth and self-expression,” the coordinator explained.

Extracurricular activities play a crucial role in the overall development of a student by offering opportunities to explore interests, build new skills, and develop a well-rounded personality, she added. “These activities contribute to physical and emotional well-being, fostering qualities like teamwork, leadership, and resilience. For students like Vamika, participating in extracurriculars not only allows them to follow their passion but also helps build confidence and a sense of accomplishment. Our school prioritises extracurriculars to create an environment where students can thrive both academically and personally,” Ms Saxena stated.

 She also said that engaging in extracurricular activities at a dance festival significantly enriches a student’s CV when applying to universities. It demonstrates qualities that go beyond academic achievements, like creativity, commitment, and the ability to balance diverse responsibilities.

“Universities seek well-rounded candidates who can contribute to campus life, and showcasing participation in artistic or cultural festivals highlights leadership, initiative, and unique talents. For students like Vamika, such experiences make their applications stand out, reflecting a strong alignment with the values of global citizenship and personal excellence that many universities cherish,” Ms Saxena said in conclusion.