The 36th Annual Day Celebrations at VDJS held on 15th December was a tribute to these values of determination, innovation, compassion, perseverance, and patriotism that India stands for. With the theme, ‘Aazadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ the celebration showcased the watershed moments that made Bharat what it is today. The chief guest for the grand event was Ms Nivedita Basu, the renowned director, writer and producer, who joined Balaji Telefilms in 2000 and by 2004 she became the deputy creative director, and worked on the characters of soaps, under whose guidance 24 and The Bachelorette India – Mere Khayalon Ki Mallika saw fame. She started an NGO, Pehla Kadam For Girl Child Welfare in 2018. Ms. Nivedita Basu is also the producer and director of the web series, ‘Tandoor’.
The big day commenced with the inauguration of the exhibition put up by the Art Department to display the talent of Picassos, Armanis, and Michelanglos of VDJS, be it hand embroidery, paintings and sculptures. The only regret the visitors at the exhibition had was that the creations were not for sale. It was followed by the sanctified lighting of the lamp and a rendition of the auspicious Saraswati Vandana by the VDJS choir and VDJS’ own Chicago symphony orchestra in the auditorium.
Ma’am Principal, Ms Shalini Mehrotra shared with the august gathering the commendable efforts and achievements of the Jindalites in the Annual Report. One more reason that made this year’s Annual Function special was that the parents were invited to the Annual Function on the campus after a hiatus of two years- the pandemic restrictions. So, when the achievers of the session 2021-22 were felicitated in Prize Giving Ceremony, the excitement escalated and their parents’ eyes glowed with pride, gratitude, and trust in their wards and the auditorium witnessed endless thunders of applause.
In her address, the Chief Guest showered accolades on the Jindalites as the campus resonates with their talent and creativity and for their achievements beyond the school. She congratulated the school for grooming its girls into undeterred and powerful women of tomorrow.
The power and passion-packed cultural extravaganza on the shining- fall-rise of India initiated with Mohiniattam presenting India’s rich heritage on the beats of ‘Vandematram’. Girls poured their hearts out in ‘Sone Ki Chidiya’ in depicting the self-sustained and powerful Bharat with its share of 27% of the Global GDP in 1700 before colonialism took over. Indisputable patriotism overwhelmed the ambiance as the parents were in tears when the hanging of the great Mangal Pandey and Bhagat Singh was brought to life by the Jindalites on the stage. However, being true to its spirit, India, finally, surged during 75 years of independence and with rhythmical movements on ‘Janani Mathe Ka Tilak’ and ‘Urr Gayi Re Muniya’ the audience saw how the borders of ‘Bharat Mata’ have been secured with its invincible defence system and its mighty personnel and how women empowerment has been the undercurrent of the efforts of the nation as India has always believed that education and empowerment of women breed powerful society.
The School Head Girl, Nishtha Jain proposed the vote of thanks and extended her gratitude to Ma’am Nivedita Basu who festooned the event with her warm presence and inspiring words and to all the parents who graced the function with their presence.
Thereafter, the parents attended the Parent Teacher Meeting and the students proceeded to the Winter Break.
