The vibrant spirit of India’s rich heritage came alive at the Bharatiya Kala Vaibhava hosted by the Vishwa Vidyapeeth group of schools, where students and faculty celebrated the grandeur of Indian art and architecture. Through a captivating blend of music, dance, and visual exhibits, students brought to life the stories behind these architectural marvels, demonstrating the profound cultural and historical significance they hold.
The inaugural event started at 9:10AM as all the students from various curricula assembled at the Cricket ground where the grand stage was set. Granth and Tarunya of class X (CBSE) led the show as the masters of ceremony. The chief guests for the day were Shri. S R Vishwanath Sir, MLA of Yelahanka constituency, Shri. Dinesh Kamath Sir, an eminent Sanskrit scholar and organising secretary of Samskrita Bharati, a fast-revolutionising Sanskrit movement headquartered at Delhi and Shri Devanand R. Gaddam Sir, a renowned computer scientist and tech entrepreneur who turned to social service and community development.
The sacred ritual of lighting the lamp by the chief guests was supported by impeccable chants of hymns by Shishir of class VIII and Raghavan of class X (CBSE). This was followed by a graceful inaugural dance by students of class VI, VII and VIII (CBSE). This was followed by welcome address by the chief guests. Our Director, Smt. Suseela Santhosh Ma’am then addressed the students and conveyed that we must practice whatever we preach and how our every action is learning for our future selves. She also emphasised the significance of the heritage walks that the students of Vishwa Vidyapeeth engaged in, as a part of our strong focus towards experiential learning and the grand outcome these walks have led to, in the form of Bharatiya Kala Vaibhava. The inaugural function concluded with the national anthem.
The grand evening commenced with the lighting of the sacred lamp by the chief guests and dignitaries. The chief guest for the day was Shri. Bhimeshwar Joshi. Suseela Ma’am addressed the students followed by address by the chief guest. The grand evening witnessed the enthralling performances of two renowned artists who are keeping the traditions alive with their penchant for music. The first artist was Shri. Anjanappa, a Mukhaveena artist who is the last in the generation to keep this art alive. The second artist was Shri. Shankar Raman, a renowned Harmonium artist who is a propagator of Saampradayaka Bhajans.
The two artists were felicitated with mementos as the transport staff chanted shlokas, which they had practised as a part of a unique initiative called ‘Arivu’ by our Director, Smt. Susheela Santhosh Ma’am to inculcate the rich traditions to everyone in the Vishwa Vidyapeeth family.
The students of Pre-primary presented a cute talk that conveyed the significance of visiting places within India rather than looking for locales abroad. They then focused on the beauty of Gujarat and its various cultural heritage. They then led the audience into a mesmerising Garbha performance that left the audience wanting for more. They further displayed a synchronised performance of yoga followed by a foot tapping dandiya number.
The next performance was by the students of ICSE. It was a unique blend of Harikatha intertwined with Bharatanatyam, folk dance and drama. The performance that followed was an energy filled Bharatanatyam recital by the students of CBSE, Yelahanka. The theme was Saptamatrikas performed beautifully by the students. It was indeed a mind-blowing performance. Following this was a well-choreographed Bharatnatyam dance by the students of CBSE, Magadha campus to the song Gajanana yutham Ganeshwaram. Next came an exhilarating Bhangra dance performance by the students of IGCSE. With this performance, the cultural events of the day came to an end. The vote of thanks was delivered by Tiya of class IX(CBSE).
The day commenced with a series of workshops and heritage walk displays that immersed visitor in the essence of Indian culture. Students engaged visitors in their stalls.
Dhruv and Sukruti of IGCSE led the show as the masters of ceremony. The sacred ritual of lighting the lamp by the chief guests was supported by impeccable chants of hymns by Sai of grade 5 IGCSE. The event was graced by esteemed Guests of Honour, Shri Ravi Kumar G, Shri K M Sheshagiri, and Smt Poornima Yellapurkar, whose presence added immense value to the day. Shri Ravi Kumar G, known for his contributions to education and youth empowerment, encouraged students to embrace creativity and innovation in their pursuits. Shri K M Sheshagiri, a renowned advocate of cultural heritage, shared his thoughts on preserving India’s rich traditions and praised the students’ efforts in bringing history to life through their displays and performances. Smt Poornima Yellapurkar, an accomplished artist and educator, applauded the meticulous planning and execution of the event, emphasizing the importance of integrating art and culture into holistic education. Their inspiring words left a lasting impact on the audience and motivated the students to continue striving for excellence.
Students from Pre-Primary showcased the culture and values they are learning in their school and took the audience on a beautiful journey to explore the states of Kashmir and Haryana that reminded us our rich Heritage and its beauty. The traditional Karagam dance, a Tamil Nadu folk dance performed with pots balanced on the dancers’ heads, showcased the grace and poise of the ICSE students. It was a delightful visual treat filled with vibrant costumes and rhythmic beats.
The CBSE students delivered an enchanting Kuchipudi performance. This classical dance form, known for its dramatic storytelling, was brought to life with their expressive gestures and intricate footwork.
The ICSE students captivated the audience with their Kathak performance, a North Indian classical dance form. Their elegant spins, rhythmic foot tapping, and expressive storytelling highlighted the richness of this tradition.
In a unique artistic blend, the CBSE students demonstrated the Yoga asanas through a serene and harmonious performance. It underscored the mental and physical benefits of Yoga, leaving the audience inspired. The IGCSE students presented a lively Ghoomar performance, a traditional dance from Rajasthan. The graceful twirls and colorful attire beautifully represented the royal heritage of the region. The evening concluded with an energetic Janapada (folk) by the ICSE students, celebrating the rural and tribal cultural heritage of India. The performance was a fitting end to a day that celebrated.
Day three began on a dull note owing to the rains. The stalls were moved indoors along with the display rooms. Students immediately took charge and adapted beautifully.
The Closing Ceremony started with the lighting of the lamp by the dignitaries and Director ma’am to the chanting of shlokas. All the prominent personalities were facilitated by our Director Ma’am and the Principals of all curriculum. Shri A Devaraju KAS the Commissioner of the Department of Archaeology, Museums and Heritage in Mysore and the Dean of Chamarajendra Government College of Visual Arts graced the occasion as the chief guest of the event. The Guest of Honour for the event was Shri Dr. N. Someswara. He is a renowned quiz master, television presenter and writer. Vishwa Vidyapeeth group of Schools felicitated Smt. Padmapriya S, Ph.D. Research Scholar, Tumkur University, Karnataka. She has been instrumental in organising workshops and guiding the students as they geared up for their heritage site visits.
The guest performer for the evening was Smt. Savithakka. She has dedicated her life to preserving the rich cultural heritage of Karnataka. She has established ‘Savigana’ and ‘Samskruthika Kala Kunja’ institutes to preserve the folklore. The musical notes of her Janapada song amped up the atmosphere with energy and enthusiasm and had the audience swaying to her music.
The student performance began with Yakshagana-a form of dance drama prevalent in coastal Karnataka performed by the ICSE students. The enchanting performance had the audience in awe and set the tone of the programme. The place was buzzing with expectation for the upcoming performances after such a scintillating beginning.
This was followed by a Goan dance by the pre-primary students. The tiny tots with their skilful moves were a sight to behold. Our pre-primary students were accompanied by the IGCSE seniors for the Vesh Bhooshana performance. This was a representation of various costumes worn in different regions of India. The youngest and the senior most representatives of the school and their camaraderie won everyone’s heart.
Following this was the riveting Dance Drama on Ramayana performed by students of ICSE. The captivating performance transported the audience to the mystic world of Panchvati Forest. The beautiful dance drama depicting Sita haran mesmerized the audience with breath taking visuals, haunting music and picture-perfect dance performance.
Kerala is home to one of the most emphatic dances-the Kathakali. Students of CBSE came together to present an enticing performance depicting a scene from Ramayana. The enchanting performance of the students made it hard to believe that they were not life long practitioners of the art. From the land of East Indian region, IGCSE students brought the Chaau dance to the BKV stage. This dance is known for the use of martial arts, elaborate costumes, and enactment of local folklore.
The last but not the least was the Mayura Varma skit bought alive on the stage by the masterful performance of ICSE students. The powerful oratory skills of the students forced the spectators to reminisce the movies of Dr Rajkumar where the conflict between Mayura Varma and Pallava King was a common theme. The three-day gala came to an end, leaving its participants richer in knowledge and experience with a plethora of memories they will cherish all their life.
The theme of the entire room was set to monochrome. Informative display of the various temples that the students had visited in their heritage walks were put up. A grand model of the Chennakesava temple of Haleibedu was the Center piece in the room. The sculpted Shiva Linga and the beautifully made Nandi of Belur created a divine atmosphere. Students chanted shlokas in front of the deity.
The room was decorated to showcase the heritage walk to Pondicherry. The centerpiece was the Auroville Matri mandir model. Various charts displayed details about the Arikamedu archaeological site, the famous Gandhi Statue, Chandramouleshwara temple and the Bharathiyar memorial. An innovative puppet show was presented by the students depicting the kidnapping of Sita.
The room was designed to make the visitors understand the grandeur of Tanjore Big temple with the huge Shiva Lingam and Nandi taking the centerstage. A small model of the Big temple was also on display. Charts about various other places visited by the students like Srirangam, Rockfort temple of Tiruchirapalli were also on the display.
The room depicted the students’ learnings from their Heritage walk to Hampi. The huge model of the Hampi chariot was the main highlight. The Virupaksha temple was portrayed through a chart. Further, the Hazara Rama temple chart, Robert Bruce archaeological museum charts gave information about these places as the students explained. The painting of the Yoga Lakshmi Narasimha statue was an added attraction. The Tungabhadra dam was also explained using a chart. The model of Lotus mahal, a place of retreat for the queens those days was well explained. Charts displaying various local cuisines like Hampi Ladale Manjiri, Muddi Palya, jolada rotti, hampi khar, sunflower seeds chutney, kudla.
The room featured a captivating dance drama that narrated the glorious history of the Hoysala dynasty, bringing the past to life through storytelling and performance. In addition, the students presented meticulously crafted models of the anti-gravity pillar, narrative panels and clay tablets, offering a tangible glimpse into ancient craftsmanship. Other highlights included the Shiva Linga, Channakeshava Padaraksha and Exam Ganapathi—each reflecting the spiritual and cultural significance of the Hoysala period. Educational charts explaining various historical topics were also displayed, providing further insights into the ancient world.
As a part of the heritage Walk, students of grade VII undertook the task of creating models, charts and presentations of Badami caves, Aihole and Pattadakal – UNESCO World Heritage site under the name ‘Chalukya Sampada’ which was aimed to show the richness and culture of the Chalukya Empire and the places they ruled. The objective was to explore the architecture and construction techniques of the Chalukyas, fostering teamwork, creativity and research work.
As part of the Bharatiya Kala Vaibhava event, our students delved deep into the world of ancient Indian art and architecture. They created intricate scale models of the mesmerizing Veerabhadra Temple, with its unique carvings and the awe-inspiring hanging pillar, exploring the brilliance of Indian craftsmanship. The majestic Lepakshi Nandi, a marvel of Indian artistry, the monolithic Nagalinga, the Ganapati Temple, Sita Mata’s footprint, the incomplete Mantapa, and three-headed cow scale models were displayed, providing visitors with an immersive experience of the temple’s history and significance.
Their exhibition was a testament to the depth of understanding they gained,from exploring Mysuru’s royal history to delving into its engineering feats. The event also featured a captivating video presentation, which provided a virtual tour of the places they visited, allowing the audience to experience the beauty and significance of these landmarks through the eyes of the students. A video presentation was also made to showcase the places visited.
The exhibition featured intricately designed models of the Brihadeshwara Temple and the Gangai Konda Cholapuram Temple, as well as informative charts that explained the unique features of these places. The event was a testament to the hard work and creativity of our students, who were able to present the history and architecture of these heritage sites in a way that was both informative and visually appealing.
As part of the Bharatiya Kala Vaibhava celebrations, Grade 10 students presented an impressive indoor display of Srirangam, showcasing the grandeur of the Sriranganatha Swami Temple in Tanjavur. The exhibition highlighted the temple’s rich history, art and architecture, with a striking giant sketch of the Gopuram blueprint, illustrating its intricate design.
Students crafted a detailed model of the Vimana Gopuram and depicted the irrigation system around the temple premises. An idol of Lord Ranganatha Swami was displayed, accompanied by offerings of various prasadam on banana leaves, symbolizing traditional rituals. The highlight of the display was a skit, portraying the significant event when Lord Rama gifted the idol of Ranganatha Swami to Vibhishana, emphasizing its cultural and spiritual importance.
The IGCSE heritage walk display room focused on the cultural and architectural heritage of Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Tamil Nadu based on the students’ learnings during their field visit. The entrance to the room resembled that of a temple gopuram and the lighting in the room mimicked the ambience of a garbha griha (sanctum sanctorum). The room consisted of realistic cardboard models of the Pancha Rathas (Five Chariots), each representing the monolithic structures attributed to the Pandavas from the Mahabharata. Accompanying the models were clay sculptures of lion, elephant and Nandi (the bull), symbolizing the original carvings that adorn the site. Adjacent to this was a crafted model of the Krishna Mandapam, one of Mahabalipuram’s finest rock-cut temples. A stunning painting recreated the intricate carvings of the massive open-air rock relief, Arjuna’s Penance. The painting showcased the mythical scenes, including animals, celestial beings, sages, and the iconic figure of Arjuna performing penance. Another standout was the painting of the iconic Shore Temple. This artwork captured the beauty of the temple against the backdrop of the Bay of Bengal, emphasizing its structural elegance and enduring legacy. A lighthouse model was also recreated near this. One corner of the room was dedicated to display the transcript of the students’ interview with the sculptors during their field visit.
Sanskrit department participated in this program through this display room and unveiled the importance of Indian culture. This room was well decorated to depict a typical village set in the olden days. Further, the history and evolution of Sanskrit was also explained with great fervour.
The students in the Sanskrit village talked about:
This room gave the much-needed insights into how Yoga acts as a healer for various health issues. The students of CBSE explained how Yoga helps in treating health conditions like Polycystic Ovary Disorder, Cervical Spondylitis, Back pain etc. Yoga poses were demonstrated by the students to the visitors.
This room depicted the rich heritage and traditions of India. It also encompassed the cultural significance speeches that students have been giving over the days in the assembly. Various things used traditionally were on display. The room had various charts that portrayed the various months in the Hindu calendar and how students are imbibed and instilled traditions even in modern lifestyle.
This room set-up by the students of the IGCSE curriculum showcased a vibrant and meaningful tribute to India’s rich cultural heritage. The focus was primarily on festivals, with special displays dedicated to Krishna Janmashtami and Lakshmi Puja. Each display highlighted the traditions, rituals, and significance associated with these festivals, offering visitors a deeper understanding of their importance.
A key feature of the room was an emphasis on the importance of Rangoli in Indian culture, showcasing its role as a symbol of positivity and auspiciousness. The students also portrayed various Indian dance forms, celebrating the diversity and artistry of the nation’s performing arts. The cultural essence of Yoga was highlighted through a display of different yogasanas performed by students, emphasizing its benefits and significance in Indian heritage.
The event Our Culture, Our Pride showcased a wide array of activities conducted at Vishwa Vidyapeeth, reflecting the essence of Indian culture and traditions. Fifteen enthusiastic students from Grades 5, 8, and 9 brought this unique portrayal to life, leaving the audience captivated. Programs initiated by the school, such as Arivu, Annadata, and Prajatantra, were vividly presented through three-dimensional models, offering an immersive experience. Students of Grade 8C from Gnanavatika shared their experiential learning journey through engaging interactions and creative collages. The highlight of the event was the Dashaprabodha depiction, where every activity was meticulously presented by the in-charge students, showcasing their dedication and creativity. Adding to the cultural ambiance, all students were dressed in traditional attire, reflecting the Paramparike Veshabhushe ethos upheld by the school. Guests were welcomed warmly with a Namaste and the application of kumkum on their foreheads, symbolizing respect and auspiciousness. Overall, the event was an enriching experience that allowed every participant to nurture their skills to the fullest while celebrating the richness of Indian heritage.
Students conducted quiz based on the learnings in all the heritage walk display rooms. Visitors could engage in playing crosswords, jumbles, puzzles and multiple-choice questions. Each curriculum took turns to manage this room on the three days.
