OH! WHAT A SHOW!

The atmosphere was electric, yet tender, filled with the soft whispers of wonder, and the gentle laughter of joy. It was a space where brilliance, creativity and originality knew no bounds, and where the human spirit was flying high on the wings of amazing talent, free to soar! Indeed, this was a grand celebration of arts and culture, cinema and media, by the students of government schools in Delhi. Yes, great art and meaningful communication — liberates.

By Irat Bhat

LEHAR: Second annual edition of Visual Arts, Media and Communication, Performing Arts, Theatre, Cinema and Music. A magnificent kaleidoscope of Arts and Culture.

Organised by the Dr BR Ambedkar School of Specialized Excellence (SOSE) — Andrews Ganj, Dwarka, Rohini and IP Extension schools, under the auspices of the Delhi Board of Secondary Education (DBSE), Government of Delhi. 

As the winter sun cast its golden glow upon the grounds of Shankar’s Centre for Children in
Delhi, close to the Embassy of  Palestine, a sublime symphony of colours, sounds and emotions unfolded like a tantalizing overture, hinting at the grand spectacle that awaited within. The air was alive with anticipation, as if the very atmosphere was a tightly coiled spring, quivering with Great Expectations. 

Outside the building, a kaleidoscope of creativity burst forth, like a riotous explosion of pulsating colours and joyful sounds. Stalls, adorned with vibrant streamers and balloons, stood like sentinels, guarding the gateway to a world of incredible imagination and innovation. School students, girls and boys, dressed in multiple forms of attire that shimmered like jewels in the sunlight, flitted about with the energy of butterflies and birds, their faces aglow with excitement. 

The sound of laughter, music and chatter wove a rich tapestry of sound, as the crowd surged forward, eager to experience the magic of LEHAR. The clicks of camera-shutters clicking away, with media persons thronging the venue, was like a chorus of applause, acknowledging the arrival of something , truly, truly special. 

The atmosphere was electric, pulsating with an energy that seemed to reverberate through every molecule. 

And, then, like a primal call to arms, a sea of students poured out of the entrance, forming a human train that snaked its way across the grounds. Holding each other, they played drums and guitars, sang and danced in chorus, jumping, holding hands, cajoling others to  join. They chanted in unison, their voices rising to a crescendo: “Le-ha-aarrrr! Le-ha-aarrrr!” 

The chant echoed through the air, a siren’s call that beckoned all to enter the realm of creativity and imagination that lay within. As this endless human train wound its way across the grounds, it left in its wake a trail of laughter, excitement, and pure, unadulterated joy. 

The anticipation was palpable, the expectation almost unbearable. So, what wonders awaited within the hallowed halls of Shankar’s Centre for Children? 

What secrets would be revealed, what magic would be unleashed? 

The only way to find out was to step across the threshold, and into the vibrant, pulsating world of LEHAR. As we stepped across the threshold, the interior of the building unfolded like a brilliant audio-visual treasure trove of unmatched creativity, leaving us awestruck and captivated. The ground floor was a tapestry of colour, sounds, and artistic expressions, each one more breathtaking than the last. To our right, a stunning array of masterpieces were on public display, showcasing the incredible talent of the school students. Each piece was a unique  testament to the boundless creativity and skill that is hidden within these young minds. 

As we walked deeper into the vast building, with sudden and surprising discoveries in every corner, meticulously curated by the students and their teachers, the melodic sounds of singing and music drifted through the air, drawing us to a gathering of students who were performing with remarkable vocals and instrumental accompaniment. The harmony was sublime, the energy infectious, and the talent on display, simply staggering. 

The walls, adorned with an exquisite collection of paintings, were a feast for the eyes. Each piece was a masterpiece, carefully crafted to complement the others, with a common colour scheme and theme that tied them all together. It was as if the walls had been transformed into a beautiful bride, adorned with intricate jewellery, each piece carefully selected to enhance her beauty. 

The effect was breathtaking. This was a symphony of colours and creativity that seemed to dance across the walls. 

As we explored further, we came across students gathered around their show-pieces, eagerly explaining the creative process behind their incredible works of art. One group had crafted miniature art stamps, using erasers to cut out intricate shapes, dipping them in paint, and then stamping the desired design onto paper. The level of creativity and resourcefulness on display was astounding, a testament to the boundless imagination of these young artists. 

Nearby, a talented young student was holding court, expertly explaining the art of printing and the workings of old-fashioned typewriters. Using handmade prints, she demonstrated the process with ease, her passion and knowledge shining through like a beacon. Her stall was a magnet, drawing people in with its unique blend of art, history, and technology. 

As we wandered through the vibrant landscape of creativity, we stumbled upon a face-painting station that was a veritable garden of delights. The artists’ brushes danced across the canvases of eager faces, transforming them into living, breathing works of art. 

Cartoon characters, flowers, and intricate designs bloomed on the skin, as if the very essence of imagination had taken root. The air was alive with the gentle hum of creativity, as people of all ages surrendered to the magic of the face painters. 

A tiny tot, her face aglow with wonder, gazed up at her reflection, now transformed into a miniature butterfly, complete with delicate wings and antennae. A young boy, his eyes shining with excitement, proudly displayed his temporary tattoo painted on his arm, while everyone was swooned by the sheer brilliance of these young buds. 

As we watched, a gentle grandmother, her face lined with the wisdom of years, sat patiently as an artist wove a delicate floral pattern across her cheek. Her eyes sparkled with delight, as if the very act of creation had awakened a deep sense of joy within her. The face painters worked their magic, not just transforming faces, but also touching hearts, and weaving a sense of community and connection among all who participated. 

The crowd was a tapestry of colours, with paint-splattered arms, hands, and beautiful, young faces creating a dazzling display of creativity. It was as if the very walls had come alive, and the art had spilled out onto the skin of the people, creating a living, breathing masterpiece. 

The atmosphere was electric, yet tender, filled with the soft whispers of wonder, and the gentle laughter of joy. It was a space where creativity knew no bounds, and where the human spirit was free to soar. Yes, freedom was in the air!

An art-station, dazzled with beautiful, uncoloured paintings; it beckoned, where children, dressed in their finest attire, had created blank canvases to life with their vibrant imagination, in synthesis with an ocean of colours. Neatly guided by their peers and a watchful teacher, they worked their magic; they had transformed the pristine canvases into kaleidoscopic masterpieces. 

A tiny tot, her face a radiant canvas of painted flowers, sat completely absorbed in her art, her rainbow-hued brush-strokes dancing across the paper with reckless abandon. Her parents, beaming with pride, stood by, offering words of encouragement and support, as they watched their little one’s imagination unfold. 

In a heart-warming moment, a father came bounding into space, his tiny daughter perched on his shoulders, her eyes shining with excitement. He gently set her down in one of the chairs, and with a flourish, handed her a brush, saying, “Now it’s your turn to create magic, beta!” The little one’s face lit up, as she dipped her brush into a vibrant shade of pink, and began to splash colours onto a miniature canvas, creating her own original, child-like masterpiece. 

The atmosphere was alive with the joy of innovation, as children and parents, and a throng of school students and visitors, lost themselves in the simple pleasure of bringing colour and beauty into the world. Time stood still, and the only thing that mattered was the thrill of imagination, and the joy of bringing it to life. 

As the vibrant atmosphere enveloped all who entered, time, indeed, stood still, and the boundaries of age dissolved. Parents, transported back to their own nostalgia of childhood-wonder, relived memories of laughter and discovery, their eyes sparkling like stars on a clear night. School principals, teachers and mentors, their faces aglow with pride, admired with unbridled joy, their hearts overflowing like a fountain of pure delight. The shine in their eyes was a beacon of pride, illuminating the incredible works of art created by their students, and the night and day of hard work and guidance that went into it. 

In this magical space, the souls of adults and children merged, united in their joy and wonder. If not for the physical forms that housed them, it would have been impossible to distinguish between the two, so alike were they in their unbridled enthusiasm. 

Each soul, whether masked in the body of a child or an adult, was a radiant, shining star, twinkling with an uncontainable glee. The air was alive with the sweet scent of nostalgia, as memories of childhood wonder were rekindled, and the beauty of the present moment was savoured. 

In this fleeting instant, time lost all meaning, and all that existed was the pure, unadulterated joy of creation, and the pride of witnessing it. 

As the principal’s words flowed, her very being radiated an uncontainable pride, as if every cell in her soul was rejoicing in the triumph of her students and teachers. Her eyes sparkled like diamonds, shining bright with a sense of accomplishment, as she spoke of the imperative need for programmes like LEHAR in today’s academia. 

“Mentorship is the key,” said Sonia Sikka, Head of School, Dr BR Ambedkar School of Specialized Excellence (SOSE), Andrews Ganj, Delhi. She emphasized, her voice filled with conviction: “When students are guided by experienced mentors, they are able to master their skills and unlock their true potential.” 

Her words painted a vivid picture of the ‘transformational’ realism inherent in such a powerful and vibrant arts and culture exhibition. However, she also acknowledged the significant challenges that lay in convincing parents to support such ambitious initiatives. 

“It took exhaustive counselling, but we refused to give up,” she said, strong determination, transparent in her voice. “And today, we stand witness to the fruits of our labour – LEHAR, a reality that is redefining the boundaries of creativity and talent.” 

As she spoke of the impact of such an outstanding show, perhaps not witnessed in the entire academic scenario of Delhi earlier, her face lit up with an infectious enthusiasm. “This platform has given direction to children who are already certain of what they want from their lives,” she said, her voice filled with emotion. “Unlike our generation, which often meandered through life, discovering our passions by chance, these children are clear about their goals and aspirations. LEHAR provides them with the perfect launchpad, nurturing their talents, and empowering them to turn their dreams into reality. It’s heartening to see these young minds, armed with clarity and purpose, ready to take on the world and make their mark.” 

Her words are a testament to the profound impact of LEHAR, a programme that has not only nurtured and mentored the vast pool of untapped talent in the specialized schools of excellence in Delhi, but, is also shaping the artistic and academic future of these young visionaries, many of them coming from humble backgrounds. And, mind you, these are not private schools of the rich with deep pockets. 

These are government schools, authentic, creative and productive centers of excellence, the brainwave of former education minister of Delhi, Manish Sisodia, and the current Chief Minister, Atishi.

No wonder, former chief minister, Arvind Kejriwal, was all smiles, glowing with pride and happiness. While Manish Sisodia danced with the students with full gusto. And, truly, Atishi’s face reflected the overwhelming joy of seeing a tree the seeds of which they planted, now growing, nurturing and nourished, like an amazing gift of nature, with its infinite talent perched on every branch, flower, fruit and leaf. 

Oh, what a show!

This is the first part of a series of articles on LEHAR in timesheadline.in

Photographs: Above, former chief minister of Delhi, Arvind Kejriwal and Sonia Sikka, Head of School, SOSE, Andrews Ganj, Delhi. All other pictures are from LEHAR.

All photographs by Amit Sengupta.