JUGALBANDI 2022-23 Annual inter school competition of dance and music

The truest expression of people is in their dance and music. 

-          Agnes de Mille

The Indian School-Second Shift proudly hosted ‘Jugalbandi 2023'- an annual inter-school competition of dance and music on 7 February 2023. Like every year, it was a magical mélange of music and dance. This year our School’s theme, ‘Reclaiming My Planet’ sought to ingrain new sensitivity amongst the students and to nurture future citizens with a deep-rooted value for our natural heritage.

Keeping the above in mind,  Jugalbandi was celebrated with a combination of a folk dance and song of the harvest season, one each from North and South India. The students of nine eminent schools of Delhi participated in the same.

The event was graced by Ms Brinda Goradia Shroff, chairperson of the School Managing Committee and Ms Tania Joshi, Principal.  The vocal music was judged by Mr Neel Ranjan Mukherjee, Hawaiian guitarist and disciple of the legendary Sitar maestro, Padma Bhushan Pandit Debu Chaudhuri. The dance performances were judged by Ms Ritusri Chaudhuri, talented Kathak exponent and an empanelled artist of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR).

The gathering was welcomed by Ms Sheeja Menon, Headmistress who motivated the participants and blessed the occasion. The event commenced with the customary lighting of the lamp by the judges and other dignitaries. The much-awaited event started with a mesmerising invocation- Ganesh Vandana, by the students of the host school.

The amalgamation of folk dances and songs of the harvest season, one each from North and South India was a treat for all. Both venues were ablaze with talent! Everyone was eager to dive into the depths, as it were, of their  music and dance. It was tantalising for the audience to juggle the opportunities, so as not to miss either event or any team!

Each team outdid itself and the previous with its concept, its research and its delivery. The judges would have found their brief hard. But as protocol demanded, the results were tabulated even as anticipation filled the little hearts.

The participants were shortlisted for three positions in each event by the judges of each category. The Third Position in the dance category was bagged by Tagore International School, East Of Kailash, the Second Position by Army Public School, Shankar Vihar and the First Position by The Indian School - Second Shift.

In the music category the Third Position was bagged by Ahlcon International School, Mayur Vihar, the Second Position by Tagore International School, East Of Kailash and the winner was The Indian School.

The winners and the participants received certificates for their achievements and participation respectively. 

Principal, Ms Joshi appreciated all the participants and spoke about an unlimited potential in every individual that can be honed at every opportunity and at every stage of life. Everyone had an enjoyable experience and not just found pleasure in winning. Each School outperformed itself.

This inter-school event was a perfect blend of talent, imagination, creativity and dynamic participation. The performances were richly showcased and India’s unity in diversity was kept beautifully demonstrated. It was a takeaway of some wonderful memories and an unforgettable experience.