The Indian Community School (Senior) was abuzz with the much awaited Mega Arts Fest, Paradigm, held on its campus on the 12th and 13th of May, 2018. The ICSK (Senior) Annual Mega Arts Fest, Paradigm, provides a mammoth platform to the students to exhibit their talents and build up confidence.

The Paradigm is a festival that besets a wide range of art genres including music, dance, and poetry and isn’t solely focused on visual arts. It largely curates artistic talents of the students. The fifth edition of Paradigm got off to a colourful start with 118 items comprising 58 off stage and 60 on stage items under three categories: Category 3, Category 4 and Category 5.

The inaugural ceremony was dazzling with the presence of star dignitaries. H.E. Mr. Mzolisa Bona, Ambassador of South Africa to Kuwait was the Chief Guest for the day. The other dignitaries included the Board of Trustees – Mr. Shaikh Abdul Rahman (Chairman), Mr. Vinukumar Nair (Vice Chairman), Mr. Agnello A.S. Fernandes (Joint Secretary), Dr. V. Binumon (Principal & Senior Administrator), Dr. Sam T. Kuruvilla (Vice Principal, ICSK Senior). Principal, (Khaitan) Mr. Gangadhar Shirsath & Principal (Junior) Mrs. Sherly Dennis.

The ceremony commenced with the verses of Holy Quran followed by the prayer song by Swaranjali, School choir. To pay homage to the countries, audience stood up to the Kuwait and South African National Anthem .Dr. V. Binumon, Principal and Senior Administrator ICSK delivered the welcome address to the august gathering. He appreciated the students for active participation. Dr. V. Binumon complemented H.E. Mr. Mzolisa Bona for his 24x 7 dedication for work.

The Inaugural Lamp was lit up by the Chief Guest for the occasion. He extended his felicitations for organizing such a grand event for the youth. H.E. Mr. Mzolisa Bona enunciated about the two great leaders of the world: Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela. He called Mahatma Gandhi the torch bearer, who fought for the freedom struggle. As a mark of token, the chief guest was presented ‘the certificate of honour’.

Cultural Extravaganza was a treat to the eyes. A variegation of programmes-Solo Kathak, Mime, Classical fusion dance and Fusion dance left the audience spell bound. Painting a song was a contemporary theme where a student sung an A.R Rahman song and simultaneously, the other student painted the singer on the canvas. Dr. Sam T. Kuruvilla thanked the Chief Guest for sparing his valuable time to be a part of the Art Fest. He thanked the parents, the pillars of support to the school for encouraging their wards for such active participation. Dr. Sam inspired the students to participate in such curricular programmes.

The Inaugural Ceremony set the ball rolling for the unwinding of On-stage competitions and events on 12th and 13th May 2018. The school campus witnessed the spectrum of dance, music, drama and poetry. The vibrant students displayed their talents and enjoyed participation more than competition.

The off-stage items were organized well in advance across classes VI to XII for various items including vegetable and fruit carving, pencil sketching, bottle designing, art from scrap to name a few. The participating students exhibited their artistic and creative flair to their best. A variety of classical and western performances mesmerized the audience.

The artistic, literary and creative skills of the participants enthralled the audience and gave a tough choice for the judges to choose the best ones. The two day cultural extravaganza gave prospects to the budding artists to display their innate talents .There was a soul to the event. A soul that was vibrant, contagious and exuberant.

The two day fest culminated with a valedictory ceremony held on 13 May, 2018. General Ali Hamadan Al-Daihani, Manager Farwaniya Governorate of Kuwait, the Chief Guest graced the occasion. Luminaries, Mr. K.G.Abraham- Managing Director, NBTC Group, Dr. T.P Sasikumar -Space scientist, Life Mentor, Thought Leader, Writer, Hypnotherapist & Educationist, Mrs. Mariam Al Dasti-Head of the Primary and Middle Sections of the Ministry of Private Education, marked their presence to bless and congratulate the participants and winners.

The Board of Trustees – Mr. Shaikh Abdul Rahman (chairman), Mr. Vinukumar Nair (Vice Chairman), Mr. A. Amer Mohammed (Secretary), Mr. S.N Raju (Treasurer) and Principals and Vice Principals of branch schools felicitated the participants and winners. Ms. Nouf Al Essa and Mr. Biju graced the ceremony. Mrs. Mini Shaji Joseph, Joint Convener, Paradigm 2018 welcomed the guests.

Guest of honour, Mr K.G Abraham congratulated the winners and advised them to polish their talents daily. Dr. T.P Sasikumar, eulogized the efforts put in by the teachers under the leadership of Dr. V. Binumon and stated that it is Model Sample for the world.

The much awaited Prize distribution reckoned with Kalathilak and Kalapratibha, the highest honour in the Arts Fest. Under Category 3, Master Sanskar Mishra of class 8 E won the kalapratibha and Christina Susan Viji of class 8 E won the Kalathilak. In Category 4, Master Jove Cheruparambil Jose of class 9 A was awarded kalapratibha and Kaavya Vaidyanathan of Class 10 A was conferred with Kalathilak. Category 5, Master Moses Kurien Mathew of class 12 E was conferred kalapratibha and Miss Diya Ajay of class 11 H won kalathilak.

House points were awarded based on the overall score and ‘Winners’ was declared to be in the first position followed by ‘Victors’ house. Mrs. Elizabeth Philip delivered the Vote of Thanks expressing sincere gratitude to the Guests, ICSK Management, Principal, Students and the fraternity of ICSK for the smooth and successful conduct of the Mega Fest. The well-coordinated programme with the combined efforts by the Joint Convener, Mrs. Mini Shaji and Mrs. Elizabeth Philip, Assistant Joint Convener proved to be a grand success.