Hamara Manch - Class X and XII
Class X and XII celebrated Shikshantar’s 21st birthday with their annual Hamara Manch on Wednesday, 27th September 2023. The evening began with the lighting of diyas by Minoti Didi and the team along with an invocation to Lord Jagannath through an Odissi dance. The outgoing batch of Class XII beautifully lit up the corridors on the first floor with diyas as Shikshantar birthday song echoed in the air.
The theatre presentations by Classes X and XII this year were an exciting mix of light-hearted humour, some drama and a critical commentary on the social issues that children observe in the world around them, ranging from religion, class, education system and family structures. The talented young musicians from X and XII presented a variety of music: instrumental pieces of classics like Hotel California and songs featuring powerful vocals like It’s a man’s world. Through their musical choices too, children presented a slice of their world to the audience, be it Taylor Swift’s Long Live or Drag me down by One Direction, feelings of nostalgia and their inner world seemed to have guided their choices.
This Hamara Manch was packed with enthralling dances. From graceful and elegant Bharatnatyam and Kathak presentations to power-packed Punjabi folk dance, Bhangra and foot-tapping western contemporary, the students presented something for every taste!
The art team conceived the decor for the evening as 'a return to minimalism,’ both in form and in colour. Together, they curated a unique look capturing the play of light and shadow, using the technique of simple folds and three dimensions. And all of this was done using discarded yoga mats, carton boxes and cardboards!
All in all, this Hamara Manch will stay in the memory of the Shikshantar family for a long time!