The Indian School Mega Arts Fest is a manifestation of master talents in Kuwait. Never before in the history of Indian schools in Kuwait had such opportunities to express and expose the hidden talents of the young minds. So, for the first time, the Indian Community School Kuwait organized Mega Arts Fest, with more than 80 different types of items in various categories in 2 days, 3 venues, 6 stages from 8.00 am to 8.00 pm with participation of more than 2000 students from all the Indian Schools in Kuwait. This was an epoch making event in the Middle East.
The inauguration of Mega Arts Fest began with the recitation of the traditional Islamic Prayer and Prayer song followed by the rendering of the National Anthem of Kuwait and Britain. Dr. V. Binumon, Principal and Senior Administrator of ICSK welcomed the guests followed by the Lighting of the Lamp. In the inaugural address by the Chief Guest, His Excellency Mr. Matthew James Lodge, Ambassador of Britain to Kuwait, gave an inspiring speech. The address by Guest of Honour, Mrs. Sudha Chandran, Cine Artist and Dancer was an eye opener for the listeners. She was magnanimous enough to show few dance steps to our students. They did benefit from her expertise. The words of Special Guest, Mrs. Maryam Abdul Rahman Dashti, Dept. of Middle & High School, Ministry of Private Education, Kuwait, too was an energizer. Representing the Organising Committee, Mr. Agnello A.S. Fernandes, Joint Secretary, Board of Trustees, ICSK addressed the gathering.
Although Gurupranam is not a new concept for Indians, in the Gulf region it was considered to be a novelty. It has shattered the barriers and boundaries of nations. It was a custom in ancient India, especially in the field of education to get the blessings of Guru. Guru is given the highest respect in Indian society. From 21 schools 20 principals took part in the Gurupranam. They were honoured with ‘ponnada’, covering the individual with linen cloth signifying high thinking and simple living.
There were off-stage and on stage programmes. Off-stage items were conducted well in advance and the results were kept ready. The two days of competitions were the highlights of the Mega Art Fest. Individual and group items were conducted on various stages at different locations for five categories from 8am to 8pm. The thundershower on both days could not dampen the spirit of the participants. Neck to neck competitions put the Judges in a hot spot to choose the winners.
The Valedictory Ceremony began with recitation of Islamic prayer and rendering of Kuwait and Indian National Anthem. The welcome song was sung by the Swaranjali the ICSK choir. The welcome address given by Dr. V. Binumon, Principal ICSK & Senior Administrator which was followed by the lighting of the lamp by H.E. Mr. Sunil Jain, Ambassador of India to Kuwait and Padmashri.Dr. Resul Pookutty, an Oscar Award Winner and Golden Reel Award Winner. The Special Guest for the day. His Excellency Mr. Sunil Jain in his inaugural speech showered praises on ICSK in organizing this event in such magnitude. The words of wisdom from the Special Guest, Padmashri Dr.Resul Pookutty made everyone to think and re-think the value of education.
The Special guest, Padmashri Dr. Resul Pookutty had kindly consented to give away about 600 prizes for Category 1, 2 and 3 (individual and group) . That was indeed a wonderful gesture by the Special guest for having agreed to hand over all these prizes individually to each and every winner and take snaps too. Kala Prathiba and Kala Tilak (in each category) were given 4gm. of Gold and a Crystal Trophy. The organizers as well as the parents and participants were deeply touched by this gesture.
Cultural events presented on stage by ICSK students mesmerized the audience prior to the distribution of prizes for Category 4 and 5 (Individual and group) and the Kalathilak and Kalaprathiba, special awards for Categories 1,2,3,4,5 and the distribution of the overall Trophy. The live concert by Stephen Devassy, a gold medalist from The London School of Music, picked up the momentum to give it a befitting finale to the Mega Arts Fest. Though the performance was short, he made everyone in the auditorium to be on their feet, forgetting the hard times they had due to spoiler rain.
With the vote of thanks proposed by Mr. Rajesh Nair, Principal, ICSK Amman Branch brought the Mega Art Fest 2016, to the close.
The following winners in different categories were declared to be the Kala Prathiba and Kala Thilak of Mega Art Fest 2016.
In category -5 Muhammed Basil Habeeb of ICSK Senior and Parvathy Sudeer Nair of United Indian School declared to be the winners of Kalaprathiba and Kalathilak.
Under category- 4 Abel Chris of ICSK –Senior claimed the Kalaprathiba while Aishwarya Shaji of FAIPS PVT.School became the Kalathilak.
Milan Abraham Mathew of ICSK –Khaitan and Batul Rokadiya of Salmiya Indian Model School declared to be the Kalaprathiba and Kalathilak respectively.
The winners of Kalaprathiba in category -1&2 were Aibel Praveen Panampally,FAIPS Pvt. School and Aaron Varghese James, ICSK – Junior respectively.
Nakshatra Neeraja Binu, and Reine Mary John, both from Indian Educational School declared to be the winners of Kalathilak in category 1&2.
SCHOOL WISE POINTS POSITION AS FOLLOWS: ICSK Senior secured 186 points under category 5and FAIPS PVT SCHOOL 102 points under 4category.In category 3 ICSK AMMAN scored 94 points and in category-2 INDIAN EDUCATIONAL SCHOOL 56 points. In category -1 INDIAN EDUCATIONAL SCHOOL secured 42 points.