Expressions 2019, the Annual Cultural Eve extravaganza of St. Joseph’s was celebrated on Saturday in the school premises at Sector 44-D, Chandigarh. The event consisted of a series of thematic performances ranging from devotion to celebrating the empowerment of women. A galaxy of dignitaries who graced the occasion as Guests of Honour, were greeted graciously with exquisite bouquets. The Chief Guest of the evening Shri DebendraDalai, Chief Conservator of Forests, IT Chandigarh; was full of praise for the efforts put in by the staff and students in presenting a show that embraced various facets of society and culture.The presence of the members of the Management- Director Shri Rupinder Grewal, Mrs Harjinder Kaur, Mr. Sukhdeep Grewal, Mr. Paramdeep Grewal and Mrs. Lily Sebastian added to the charm of the evening. Honourable Amarinder Sharma, Additional District and Sessions Judge, Yamunanagar and Shri Pramod Sharma-ambassador of Peace and Coordinator of the Yuvsatta were also enamored with the spectacular events unfolding before their eyes.The function commenced with the time honoured tradition of the Lighting of the Lamp by the luminaries followed by the first performance- a soulful rendition of ‘Banafsheh’- a Sufi dance in praise of the Almighty,representing Oneness. In sharp contrast to the soothing strains of the Sufi music was the next item- The ‘Maestros of Tollywood’which as the name suggests had the students rocking the stage with some of the most popular and trendy Southy signature moves to the jazzy Tollywood numbers.The hearty tribal dance Anibina Bulawanul transported the audience to the land of the Philippines while the Hindi play ‘Shugli ki Chugli- ral ke Paawange Hasi di Gugli’ quite literally had everyone in splits at the witty one liners. The quite aptly named dance ‘Glowdiators’ which showcased the students performing with LEDs and ‘Mirage- an optical illusion dance were also well received by the viewers.‘Mystical Alchemy’ was an unusual Kathak fusion wherein the mystical aspects were depicted as an alchemical transmutation process in a kind of mystical purification. Undoubtedly, the apogee of the show was the depiction of ‘Mahishasur Mardini’ the powerfully emotive portrayal of the nine appellations of Goddess Durga as She constantly transformed herself to destroy the demon Mahishasur. The flavours of Punjab were characterized by the children performing the ‘Luddi’ a dance that celebrates womanhood.
The entire show was interspersed with specially prepared LED slides that highlighted the numerous achievements and the accolades recently bestowed upon the institution thanks to the laudable efforts of Principal Ms. Monica Chawla and her team of equally dedicated Josephians who leave no stone unturned in bringing laurels to St.Joseph’s. The Cultural Eve culminated on a happy note with the Vote Of Thanks. While addressing the audience, Ms Chawla expressed warm approval for all the facilitators and pupils who put together such a remarkable show. Quoting APJ Abdul Kalam who said that it is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative knowledge and expression, she added that it gave her immense gratification to see that this has been made possible at St. Joseph’s due to the team spirit and commitment of the Josephian family. She also thanked the Management for the invariable support and guidancethat helped in making the Event a resounding success. Before bidding adieu, she especially thanked the Parents for their cooperation at every step of the way, without which such shows would not be possible.
