Balvatika 1 Orientation Programme

The Balvatika 1 Orientation Programme at The Indian School was organised on the  pleasant Spring evening of 14 March 2026, to warmly welcome the parents of the newly enrolled students, and acquaint them with the School ethos and learning environment. Thoughtfully curated and seamlessly executed, the programme reflected the core values of the Sanskara Curriculum and the timeless Indian tradition of “Atithi Devo Bhava,” where every guest is treated with warmth, dignity and reverence.

The School lawn was transformed into a vibrant and inviting space, artistically adorned with colourful paper flowers and eco-friendly lanterns crafted from recycled materials at home. The setting exuded a sense of joy and celebration, creating a perfect backdrop for the evening.

As the parents arrived, they were welcomed by a captivating musical performance by the School orchestra. Our talented Indianites enthralled the audience with their skilful rendition on a variety of instruments, setting a lively and uplifting tone for the programme.

The council members from class V graciously guided parents to the lawn to an elegant tea. This informal interaction provided a valuable opportunity for the new parents to connect with one another and experience the welcoming spirit of the School community. A thoughtfully curated spread of refreshments, including  vegetable fritters, sandwiches, dhokla and cake, enhanced the hospitality extended to the guests.

The evening was honoured by the gracious presence of Dr Ms Nayana Goradia and Ms Madhavi Divan, esteemed members of the School Governing Board. Ms Madhavi Divan’s visionary contribution to the School’s Citizenship Programme has played a pivotal role in shaping learners who are not only academically proficient but also empathetic, socially conscious and responsible global citizens.

The Citizenship Tableau titled “A Journey of Community and Creativity,” a major highlight on the lawn, offered a glimpse into the rich and meaningful learning experiences across classes. From innovative reuse of materials and exploration of traditional food preservation techniques to insightful studies on India’s lesser-known tribes, the display beautifully showcased the School’s commitment to experiential and value-based education. Complementing this was the Youth for Environmental Stewardship (YES) Programme display, conducted in collaboration with Chintan and Welspun. It showcased the students’ engagement with contemporary environmental concerns such as airport pollution, textile waste, e-waste and biodiversity, along with innovative solutions like recycling old clothes, creating bio-plastics and designing bee beacons to support pollination.

Infusing an element of creativity and participation, parents engaged in a lively design thinking activity centred around shapes. With imagination and enthusiasm, they transformed simple geometric forms into creative illustrations, making the experience both interactive and enjoyable.

The programme then transitioned to the auditorium for the ceremonial diya-lighting, a moment imbued with symbolism and grace. The diyas lit and carried into the auditorium by the parents embodied the light that would guide their child’s journey at The Indian School. The glowing lamps stood as a powerful metaphor for the trust reposed by parents in the institution and the promise of a bright, enlightened future for their children.

The formal proceedings commenced with the serene Ganesh Vandana, invoking divine blessings for an auspicious beginning. The Bharatanatyam performance by Alina Lal and Aaishi Sengupta of Class VIII was a visual and spiritual delight, setting an uplifting tone for the evening.

Welcoming the gathering, Principal Ms Tania Joshi shared her vision for early childhood education. She emphasised the significance of the foundational years in nurturing curiosity, confidence and a lifelong love for learning, while also reflecting on the symbolic importance of the diya as a beacon of knowledge and new beginnings.

Vice Principal Dr Anu Singh offered valuable insights into the evolving landscape of education, highlighting the need to nurture learners who are innovative and future-ready, yet deeply rooted in strong ethical and cultural values, especially in an era shaped by rapid technological advancements and artificial intelligence.

A delightful highlight of the evening was a vibrant dance performance by the Pre primary students. With infectious enthusiasm and charm, the young performers presented a creative fusion of robotic movements and semi-classical Kathak, beautifully portraying the harmony between technology and tradition at our School, and leaving the audience thoroughly captivated.

The academic segment was led by Head Teacher Ms Vandana Tewari, who presented a comprehensive overview of the Pre primary curriculum. She elaborated upon the pedagogical approaches, classroom practices and developmental opportunities designed to foster holistic growth. Her insights also guided parents on how best to support their children as they embark on their first structured learning journey.

As a thoughtful gesture of appreciation, the parents were presented with a sapling and a tote bag adorned with artwork created by the Pre primary students. The sapling symbolised growth, care and the nurturing environment in which the children will flourish, while the tote bag celebrated the creativity and imagination of the young learners.

The programme concluded with the soulful rendition of the School song by the student choir, echoing the values and spirit of the institution. The evening drew to a close on a note of warmth, pride and optimism, marking the beginning of a meaningful and collaborative partnership between the School and parents in nurturing confident, compassionate and curious young learners.