Varnajala, our annual art exhibition showcased around 1500 works of art, craft and sculpture of students, parents, teachers, admin team, akkas and ann as. The event compiled myriad expressions of Art such as pencil shading, embroidery, pottery, sculpture, murals, canvas paintings, water colour works, candle making, weaving, recycled crafts and more. Students across grade levels took turns and visited the exhibition. The exhibition was also open to parents.
Students of grade XI organised a farewell for their seniors in an innovative manner. The farewell was conducted in two phases. The cultural part of the farewell happened before the board exams where students of grade XII were involved in a fun activity of Nose Painting. They also witnessed a classical and a western dance and a piece of music put together by their juniors.
During the formal farewell function, the Principal, the Vice Principal and acharyas wished the graduating batch. The students of the graduating batch delivered heartfelt speeches reminiscing about their time at Hari Shree. The juniors presented a memento to their seniors. The farewell committee worked diligently for this day and were glad that they could put up a smile on their seniors‖ faces.
– Smriti Krishnan, Grade XI
The students of grade VIII also visited Yelagiri as part of their outbound experience. The bus ride to the hills was enjoyable with music and games. The evening of day 1 was spent playing team building activities and at the adventure zone. The next morning students went on a short hike and this experience was thrilling and refreshing. The adventure sports park where there were various activities like zip lining, walking a Burma-bridge, archery, air bungee and even driving an All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) were the highlight of the trip. The drive back home was long but fun all the same.
– Harshini Neelamega Kannan, Grade VIII
Students of grade VII had an overnight stay trip to Yelagiri. During the course of which they learnt new skills, played interesting team building games and bonded with their friends. The trip included a campfire, trekking in the hills and a visit to a nearby nature park.
Students of grade VI went to Auroville and Pondicherry for their outbound trip. A heritage walk was organized for the students inside Auroville where they learnt about the culture, customs and civilization of the people of Auroville. Students also watched a documentary film about the uniqueness of Matrimandir. Later they enjoyed a scrumptious lunch and participated in team building activities.
The annual day of grade IX was inaugurated on an auspicious note with the prayer, as is the custom in Hari Shree. Grade IX took the parents and other students through the theme, Brahma Yajna, which is a ritual involving the worship of the vedas, ancient scriptures, and the rishis. The events of the day began with a dance, presented in 5 parts, about the importance of fire, the representation of diyas as positive energy, the sun‖s radiation as power, and the chakras present in the body. Following the dance, a song ‘naan’ composed by the tamil poet Bharathiyar was presented by the music students. Next, a visual representation of today‖s world and how we can bridge the gap between our ancient scriptures and modern influencers was enacted through a theatre performance. The drama highlighted the role and importance of the scriptures even today. In accordance with the fusion dance about agni and diyas, an energetic western dance was choreographed keeping in mind the traditional theme. The dance depicted how scriptures can help us connect to the Gods through the powerful energies within the rishis. As a closing performance, the art students were duly honored and videos about the behind-the-scenes practices were shown to bring about a light and humorous atmosphere.
– Vaathsalya Deepak, Grade IX
Kaarunyam – Celebrating Humanity
Students of grade XI came together to showcase their talents through ―Kaarunyam‖ – Celebrating Humanity, as the theme of their annual day. Every student was given an opportunity to participate in events such as music, dance, theatre and street play. Each event focussed on segments of humanity like ―world peace and what it takes to be a good human‖. Every item was impactful highlighting the theme of the year. The Proficiency award ceremony gave renewed confidence, encouragement and recognition to the efforts of the students.
– Shivani Senthilkumar, Chenchulaxmi S.Suresh, Sahana Sukumaran, Grade XI
Vanamahotsav – Embracing the World Around Us
The theme of the annual day of grade VI was – Bhuta Yagna‖, meaning embracing the world around us. The students showcased a gamut of performances ranging from a play depicting the building of Ram Sethu bridge, songs exhibiting significance of animals, a powerful and charming classical snake dance, an energetic western dance and a humorous street play. All the items encapsulated the importance of animals. The comperes tied up the entire event with their engaging conversations dressed as Tigers.
– Akshara Prasad Kaushik, Grade VI
Upasana – Reverence to the Almighty
This year’s annual day for grade VII was centered around a unique spiritual theme – the ‘Panch Maha Yagnas’. The theme allotted for grade VII students was ―’Deva Yagna’, which means ―’Reverence to the Gods’. While the simple interpretation of Deva Yagna is the daily thanksgiving to the devas for the gracious favors they confer upon us, the deeper meaning is that we should live in harmony with nature and in accord with all that exists around the world.
This theme was elegantly embedded into each event of the day, starting with an invocation to Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles. The first performance was of the students of classical dance troupe who presented us with a graceful dance to a song composed by Ravana out of extreme devotion to Lord Shiva. The street play emphasized the truth that devotion in any form is acceptable to the Almighty, as long as our minds are dedicated to Him. The historical drama on Mirabai was a fitting tribute to her unwavering devotion to Lord Krishna even in the face of severe adversities and the students beautifully enacted her life struggles. Last, but not the least, the fusion dance was an electrifying performance to a song dedicated to Lord Shiva.
The entire program was interspersed with the fun and informative banter between the comperes, dressed as the gods and goddesses of two of the oldest polytheistic religions – Hinduism and Greek, often giving an insight into the practices of both religions along the way.
– Laavanya Deepak, Grade VII
Krutagyata – Acknowledging our Ancient Wisdom
Pitru Yagna was the topic for grade VIII annual day. It is a ritual that is performed to show respect and gratitude toward one’s ancestors. During the annual day, students had performed two plays which represented the respect we should have towards our ancestors. The dance students had shown their love for ―mother‖ and our past in a skill full display of movement. The music and art students depicted the yagnas in their purest form through their own interpretations. In today’s fast-paced world, where people are more focused on their present and future, Pitru Yagna serves as a reminder to respect and remember one’s roots. It helps one connect with their past and understand the values and traditions passed down.
– Nadhira Srikumaran, Grade VIII
Vana Aradhana – Animal Kingdom
Students of grade II explored the theme Vana Aradhana by taking a walk through the jungle and singing songs related to the animal world. An energetic dance depicting the various kinds of animal moves and a theatrical performance gave them an opportunity to spread the message of empathy towards animals.
Sasya Aradhana – Plant Kingdom
Students of grade III had an opportunity to look into the importance of growing plants in their surroundings through events like songs, a serene semi classical dance, a dynamic play and a radiant folk dance highlighting the importance of harvest.
Vasudha Aradhana – Landforms
The theme Vasudha Aradhana was portrayed beautifully by the students of grade IV. They were able to depict the significance of reducing, reusing and recycling the materials in order to conserve the natural habitats through various acts. Students gave a splendid musical performance, an extravagant classical dance and a thematic play emphasizing on this theme.
Prakrithi Aradhana – Five Elements
Students of grade V had five elements as the theme of their annual day. They expressed their devotion through a prayer, a medley of songs on the balance of the elements and paid homage to Water‖s fluidity and joy through a dance. The drama connected us with how mythology patronizes the 5 elements and the finale dance of Shiva Tandavam connected us with the underlying rhythm of the universe.
Students from the Primary explored different career opportunities available in different fields by studying more about each profession. Children investigated and made charts, models and posters about the different careers allotted to them. Experts were enticed to brief the children about a particular profession and the educational qualification required to pursue it. Exit activities were planned accordingly to make the children engaged and reflect on their ambitions, interests, qualifications and abilities.
Graduation at Hari Shree is a wonderful way to end a memorable kindergarten school year. It is an awe inspiring day for children when they walk in with a feeling of accomplishment adorned in traditional convocation caps. The smiling faces are welcomed by rapturous applause from the parents as they receive the graduation certificates. After 3 years in kindergarten, the little toddlers have gradually grown into butterflies ready to fly away into the primary section.
All images and text @ Copyright Chettinad Hari Shree Vidyalayam. All Rights Reserved.
