NH Goel World School Hosts Inspirational National Conference on Performing Arts
The stage was set, quite literally, for a harmonious convergence of artistic brilliance as NH Goel World School hosted its much-anticipated National Conference on Performing Arts on August 29th, 2023. This extraordinary event, a testament to the school's commitment to nurturing creativity and holistic education, drew luminaries from the world of performing arts and education. The conference proved to be an exceptional platform for exchanging ideas and insights on integrating performing arts into education, a topic of growing significance in the modern education landscape.
Gracing the occasion as the Chief Guest was Mr. K. Srinivasan, Joint Director CBSE and Regional Officer from Bhubaneswar, bringing with him a wealth of experience in education and curriculum development. The event also had the privilege of hosting esteemed Guests of Honour including Dr. Chitranjan Kar, Dr. Girish Pankaj, Mr. Shubhash Mishra, Dr. Sriram Murthy, and Mr. Manoj Verma, all notable figures in the field of performing arts and education.
The proceedings commenced with a ceremonial lighting of the lamp, symbolizing the illumination of knowledge and artistic expression. This honor was jointly carried out by the Chief Guest, Guests of Honour, Director Administration Mr. S.K. Tomar, Principal Dr. Awinash Pandey, and Vice Principal Mrs. Preeti Sharma. The guests were greeted with traditional floral tokens, a gesture reflecting the school's warm hospitality.
The event's artistic palette began with a series of captivating performances by the students. A melodious rendition of the Chhattisgarhi prayer song and a heartfelt welcome song resonated through the auditorium, setting a harmonious tone for the conference. A mesmerizing Kathak dance performance by Aadya Agrawal further showcased the students' impressive talents.
Dr. Awinash Pandey, the school's Principal, took the stage to address the distinguished gathering of principals, performing arts teachers, and students. He highlighted the evolving landscape of education in light of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, emphasizing the need to seamlessly integrate performing arts into the curriculum. The conference, he noted, was a significant step in exploring avenues for such integration and fostering a holistic educational experience.
Keynote speakers Mr. K. Srinivasan and Dr. Chitranjan Kar delivered impactful addresses that resonated deeply with the audience. Mr. Srinivasan lauded NH Goel World School for spearheading the initiative of the National Conference on Performing Arts. He stressed the importance of collaboration among teachers to effectively imbue the curriculum with artistic elements, ensuring a joyful and comprehensive learning journey. Dr. Chitranjan Kar termed the conference as revolutionary, drawing parallels between great minds like Albert Einstein, who found harmony in both science and music. "Knowledge is holistic," he remarked, advocating for the integration of arts and music across subjects. He evoked Plato's words, defining music as the science of the heart and mathematics as the music of intellect.
The consensus among the speakers was unanimous: music and arts are innate to human nature, transcending cultural boundaries. Mr. Shubhash Mishra, a distinguished theatre personality, emphasized that theatre reflects society and the NEP 2020's call for sensitivity aligns with the role of performing arts in cultivating empathy and humanity.
As the conference reached its culmination, Dr. Ashish Chakraborty, an advocate for performing arts education, urged CBSE to consider elevating performing arts from optional to core subjects, solidifying its importance in the curriculum.
In a moment of honor and gratitude, the school management felicitated the Chief Guest and Guests of Honour with traditional shawls, 'triphal' (a traditional offering), and mementos. Vice Principal Mrs. Preeti Sharma closed the event with a heartfelt vote of thanks, expressing the school's commitment to weaving performing arts into the rich tapestry of education, enriching the lives of its students.
The National Conference on Performing Arts at NH Goel World School left an indelible mark, reinforcing the transformative power of arts in education and heralding a new chapter in the pursuit of holistic learning.