Students ki Kahani, unki Zubani … Their Story, in their own Words…

As the curtains drew to a close on Lehar, the event left an indelible mark on the hearts of all who attended. In this special edition, we weave a tapestry of thoughts, feelings, and reflections from the students who made this grand show such a resounding success

Times Headline Bureau

LEHAR: Second annual edition of Visual Arts, Media and Communication, Performing Arts, Theatre, Cinema and Music. A magnificent kaleidoscope of Arts and Culture. December 21-23, 2024.

Organised by  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. 

A Paradigm Shift!

After sharing our own perspective in Part 1 and 2, we now turn the spotlight on the students, allowing their voices to shine bright like shining stars in a midnight sky. Their thoughts, feelings, reflections, and pure happiness, offer a refreshing and unique lens through which to view the entire experience. As we read through their notes and voices, our hearts swelled with pride, nostalgia, infinite optimism, and a deep sense of connection. 

So here we are, celebrating young voices. In waves! Because, they are the future of hope, and the hope of future. Indeed, there is no doubt whatsoever, they will make the nation proud. In fact, they are already doing that!

So, what is it about Lehar that has left such an indelible mark on our hearts?

Among several, here we present a selection of student voices, each one a magical thread in the tapestry of Lehar.

Riya Gupta, Class 11, SOSE, Andrews Ganj

For me, the most beautiful experience was the pleasure it provided me in the way of different art-forms, whether it’s the traditionally designed dresses worn by students, or designed umbrellas that added more colour to the ambiance, every detail of this huge event provided me joy, which was the best experience. The photographs exhibited made me contemplate the message each one portrayed so profoundly. The era sculptures and musical performances were timeless.  

One of the key highlights for me was when I participated in our nukkad natak –– Duniya Sabki, which carried a strong social message and drew an incredible response from the audience. It felt empowering to connect with people through performance and story-telling. I also loved the tattoo stall where I got a small butterfly painted near my left eye; a beautiful memory I will always carry forever. 

The exhibition of paintings, murals on walls, metal sculptures, and mandala art left me in awe of the creativity of young minds. Meanwhile, at the radio station, we created a retro feel by playing some good old music and letting the visitors experience the feeling of being ‘in the air’. And, of course, how can I ever forget, the impromptu dance performances, where we merged the best and worst moves, and added a playful and carefree energy to the atmosphere! 

The whole event felt like a magical journey in which every corner showed something new and engaging: from tiny art stamps to demonstrations with typewriters. Lehar wasn’t just an event; it was an explosion of talent, a tapestry of creativity, woven vibrantly by students, teachers and mentors who poured their very soul into creating a marvellous piece of art, media, cinema, music and dance.  It is hard to pinpoint just one beautiful moment since each experience, discovery, and interaction brought its special magic into the festival. For me, Lehar represented a celebration of creativity, collective collaboration and solidarity, and the unifying strength of arts and culture, mass communication and cinema.

Arunima Dwivedi, Class 11, SOSE, Andrews Ganj.

 Leher was an incredibly blissful experience for me. Witnessing our hard work come to life and seeing the students radiate with energy was inspiring and beautiful. This year, it truly felt like a festival of joy and ambition —a celebration of creativity and art finding its rightful space. Engaging with visitors offered valuable insights and provided an opportunity to explore new dimensions in photography, radio, film, music and visual arts.

With mesmerizing paintings and sculptures to admire, artistic photographs and films to enjoy, and soothing and robust music to lose yourself in, every activity felt like a new journey. From vibrant face-paintings to meticulously crafted items you could take home, the event was a showcase of great artistry. The plays, the joyous laughter, and the overall atmosphere created a true festival—one that not only celebrated joy but also spread hope and love.

Umesh Kumari, Class 11, SOSE, Andrews Ganj.

Attending Leher 2024 was a wonderful experience for me. The exhibition was filled with creativity and passion, as it showcased arts and culture, made entirely by students from classes 10 and 11 in our school. It was truly inspiring to see such young minds expressing their thoughts and emotions through their creative talent.

Every work had its own story, and it was amazing to see the level of effort and imagination these students had put into their creations. Some artworks were colourful and vibrant, while others carried deep and meaningful messages. Walking through the exhibition felt like entering a world of immense innovation and creativity.

What impressed me the most was how these students used simple materials to create something extraordinary. It showed how talent and dedication can turn even ordinary things into something special.

Yuvakshi, Class 10, SOSE, Andrews Ganj.

Lehar was not just an exhibition but a celebration of creativity, hard work, and teamwork. It was a grand event where every participant showcased their talent, and every corner was buzzing with energy and excitement. It is one of those events that will forever hold a special place in our hearts. 

From showcasing films, photography, hand-made products, to dancing with joy and hosting visitors and prominent guests, everything about this event was extraordinary. It started with the student stalls, which were the soul of the exhibition. Each stall was unique and reflected the dedication of the students. The hand-made items displayed were not only innovative, but also full of passion and hard work. Seeing such incredible talent under one roof was truly inspiring. 

In addition to the stalls, one of the standout moments was the display of our films, photography, and published articles in an independent/mainstream media portal. These works represented the dedication of the participants and drew admiration from everyone who visited. It was a proud moment to see our efforts appreciated and celebrated. 

The energy was unmatched. We danced, laughed, and enjoyed every moment to the fullest.  Followed by an amazing street play (nukkad natak), performed by the 11th-grade students of our school, which was another highlight of the day. It was impactful and engaging, leaving the audience in wonderstruck of their talent and the strong social message that it conveyed. 

What made Lehar truly special was the teamwork behind it. From setting up the stalls to organizing the performances and making sure everything ran smoothly, it was a collective effort. Everyone contributed wholeheartedly, and that spirit of unity was the best part of the entire event. It was not just an exhibition, rather, it was a journey of learning, creativity, and unforgettable memories. It brought us closer, taught us the value of teamwork, and left us with moments we will cherish forever.

Aditi Rana, Class 10, SOSE, Andrews Ganj.

Leher 2024 was an incredible experience! The entire vibe was captivating, with students coming together to sing and dance, creating a lively and joyful atmosphere. The visual arts stalls were particularly fascinating, where students set up booths offering creative items for sale, and the engaging painting activities added to the charm. 

However, the highlight for me were the film screenings. Watching a variety of films, including my own, was an unforgettable experience. Seeing my name displayed as the director on the screen was truly the most beautiful and fulfilling moment for me.

Diya Sharma, Class 11, SOSE, Andrews Ganj

This was truly an amazing experience for all of us. It gave us the opportunity to showcase our creativity and learn so much in the process. Being part of the ‘radio team’ was incredible. The support and enthusiasm we received from our teachers made the entire journey even more special, and I’m grateful to have been part of something so memorable. 

We also performed a play called Duniya Sabki which was both comic and philosophical. It delivered a strong message that the world belongs to everyone. The energy, excitement and happiness we felt throughout the event were unmatched. 

From the music and dancing to the artworks, photos, films, and installations, every part of the exhibition reflected the passion and dedication of everyone involved and brought us closer as a team. Watching everyone come together dancing, clapping, and celebrating the success of the event was pure magic. 

It was a reminder of the power of art and how it can bring people together in the most beautiful ways. The opportunity to contribute to such an amazing event was truly inspiring, and I am grateful for the lessons and memories it has given me.

Aditya, SOSE, Andrews Ganj.

The France vs Argentina 2022 FIFA World Cup Football Final was nothing but a legendary showdown between two world class teams, and I had the opportunity of reliving this iconic match with my friend Navin through a radio bulletin commentary. Together, we revisited the breath-stopping moments of one of the greatest finals in World Cup history.

Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, and France, powered by Kylian Mbappé, delivered an epic battle at Lusail Stadium in Qatar. We began our commentary by capturing the first half, where Argentina took an early 2-0 lead, all because of Messi’s penalty and Di María’s smooth finish. Our analysis highlighted Argentina’s dominance and its tactical brilliance during this phase.

The second half saw a dramatic shift. France was brought to life by Mbappé’s heroic brace within two minutes, which included the penalty and the breath-taking, long-distance volley that equalized the score. We also covered the tension of extra time, with Messi’s late goal sparking Argentine hopes and Mbappé completing his hat-trick to force penalties.

In the penalty shootout, Emiliano Martínez became Argentina’s hero, and when Montiel’s decisive penalty hit the back of the net, the nail-biting atmosphere was gripping, as Argentina clinched victory: 4-2. Navin and I celebrated the incredible performances, particularly Messi’s crowning achievement, and Mbappé’s relentless spirit. Even now people say Messi deserved the World Cup, however they can never deny the fact that Mbappé did not deserve it.

The broadcast allowed us to share the magic of football with listeners, reliving a moment that will forever be written in sporting history. It was a nostalgic experience — a blend of passion, analysis, and storytelling.We enjoyed every bit of it. 

I missed it all due to illness. My loss! However, when I heard that our radio programmes were so popular, my heart swelled with happiness and pride. The added joy was that the  football commentary, especially with its background noise and music, was so widely appreciated. I am grateful to our radio team of Class 11, including Class 10 students,  for their hard work and diligence, and for showcasing our media and communication work to so many visitors. 

 Chanchal Yadav, Class 10, SOSE, Andrews Ganj.

My experience was also fabulous. It was a place where I met so many inspiring students and individuals, including the DBSE CEO. And we also took his signature. 

Our principal mam was very happy. The visual arts students showcased their stunning paintings, and their creativity was featured on channels like Aaj Tak, Doordarshan, ABP News, in many others. The music students displayed their talent so beautifully that the audience couldn’t resist singing along with them. The film and photography students, including myself, also shared our creations, such as photo exhibitions and short films, which were highly appreciated. 

One of the best aspects was meeting new people—students from different schools and cultures. Introducing ourselves, sharing our work, and receiving positive feedback was a special experience. It gave us a sense of pride to showcase our talents not only to the audience, but also to our parents. Their admiration for our work motivated us to aim higher. 

I also met a senior student from Dwarka, Yajat, who had created a fantastic comic book on basketball, and two incredible paintings on legendary basketball champion, Michael Jordan. It had taken him three months to complete the illustrated book, and it meticulously depicted the game and its ardent fans. “It’s against racism,” he said. The painting celebrates a sea of faces defying colour and identity. When we suggested that his next book could focus on women’s basketball, he accepted our feedback with enthusiasm and promised to consider it for his future work. We met his proud mother too. 

Lehar brought joy, inspiration, and new connections. It left me with beautiful memories and a renewed sense of creativity. I am grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of it.

 I had never seen them in person, but we were really happy to meet former chief minister of Delhi, Arvind Kejriwal, the current chief minister, Atishi, and former education minister, Manish Sisodia. They were so proud and so overjoyed to travel through this incredible journey, the seeds of which they had planted. Their happiness and appreciation was, indeed, infectious, and filled us with more energy and confidence.

Bhumishka Sharma, Class 11, SOSE, Andrews Ganj.

There was a moment during Lehar when everything around me seemed to pause. It felt as if time had slowed, giving me a chance to truly absorb the energy and emotions in the air. As I stood there, observing the faces of everyone around me—our teachers, my fellow students, visitors, parents, and even the dignitaries—I felt an overwhelming sense of pride. Each face reflected a unique mix of joy, awe, and pride, and it was in that moment I realized the impact of what we had accomplished together. Seeing our hard work, creativity, and passion being appreciated and celebrated was deeply fulfilling.

The smiles of our parents and teachers, the admiration in the eyes of the visitors, and the applause from our chief guests—all of it made me feel that our efforts had truly paid off. It wasn’t just about the art, performances, or exhibits; it was also about the representation.

Making Others Feel Happy Feels Like You Have Achieved Heaven. That moment, frozen in my mind, became the most beautiful experience of Lehar for me.

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TO THE VOICES timesheadline.in couldn’t capture and record, especially from the other SOSE schools, we acknowledge that every student’s story resonates with the same feelings, and the same intensity. These voices aren’t just a testament to a few, but a celebration of each and every student’s unique talent, unwavering enthusiasm, and a brilliance which crossed all boundaries of imagination and aesthetics.

Adios till now Lehar 2024…

until the curtains rise again, 

Lehar 2025.

Top two photographs by Tanishka and Chanchal Yadav. Picture above by Ridhi Ray. 

All other photographs by Amit Sengupta.

Next and last article: Celebrating films in Lehar.