Dehradun: The Exhibitions this year aimed at exploring the hitherto uncharted frontiers concerning Artificial Intelligence, Robotics and Game Theory to name a few. The students researched, compiled, collaborated and created presentations on a large range of subjects to display their learning and manifold talents. The topics unravelled included Bioethics and Gene editing, minimizing oxidants, removal of pesticides from fruits and vegetables; wireless electricity and artificial lightening; facial recognition and its uses in workplaces.
The young students of classes 6 & 7 created and programmed Robots using Lego Mindstorm in a bid to solve vehicular parking problem by making use of ultrasonic sensors. The students also depicted imaginative futuristic civilizations governed by machines and humans in this multiverse; presented a short film on Sci-fi, ‘Back to the Future’; created a lie detecting instrument and explored the use of Artificial Intelligence and Virtual reality in facilitating diagnostics and therapeutics in mental health. The transition of the Welham Bank from manual to its present digital form and the use of ‘Total Station’ in predicting weather and conducting surveys
demonstrated the application of technology in school.
Plays, songs and monologues in Sanskrit, Punjabi, Spanish and French noticeably revealed the egalitarian culture of the school. Besides, the students also showcased their special interest and talent in Art and Craft, Photography, Pottery and Design through their exhibits. The exhibitions once again corroborated the school’s commitment to decimate compartmentalized learning and create opportunities for making connections across disciplines. The Nukkad–Nataks along with the dance shows made the Exhibitions literally come alive and clearly illustrated why the school has been rated as the best among the girls’ residential schools in the country for the past many years.
Award Ceremony and Evening Cultural Programme: (5 p.m. – 8 p.m.) The main Founders’ Day programme included Speeches, Prize Distribution and Femme Guerrere: Woman, Warrior Saint, a beautiful play of a simple girl, Joan of Arc or the Maid of Orleans, who transcended gender roles and became an inspired warrior to save France from the English. Ms. Devika Bulchandani, the Global CEO of Ogilvy and a world-class marketer who leads with passion, purpose, and uncompromising focus presided over the celebrations. Ms. Bulchandani firmly believes in the power of creativity to make a positive impact on society. She played a key role in launching the iconic ‘Fearless Girl’ statue on the Wall Street, New York that stands till date as a beloved global symbol of women’s equality.
Through the numerous advertising campaigns, she aims to address various social issues and inspire young people to turn their social media feeds into a positive space. The former Chairman of the PwC India Foundation and the President of the Board of Governors of Welham Girls’ School, Mr. Deepak Kapoor shared the dais along with Mrs. Neelu Khanna, Dr. Jagpreet Singh, Headmaster, The Doon School and Mrs. Sangeeta Kain, Principal, Welham Boys’ School along with other members of the School Board. The School Annual Report was presented on the occasion by the School Principal, Mrs. Vibha Kapoor where after, she urged the students to “follow the road not taken” and stand for their beliefs by daring to defy the herd, without being afraid to be their own selves. She requested the parents “to be equal collaborators” in their daughters’ journey by “encouraging them to fight their own battles.”
She further said, “The American author Susan Cain says: ‘Everyone shines given the right lighting. For some, it’s a Broadway spotlight; for others, a lamplight desk.’ And I think this thought echoes with what I personally believe we do here. Welham, with its army of caregivers, fosters each girl to become a woman who carries her own light, be it a spotlight or a lamplight.” Ms. Devika Bulchandani also addressed the gathering and encouraged the students by marking out the five lessons she learnt in school that helped her in moving ahead in her life’s journey. She urged the girls to be fearless, to be articulate, take risks, master the art of persuasion, imbibe the life lessons that go beyond the curriculum and controlling one’s reactions can be extremely liberating. She said, “I want to say to all you teachers today: you play a critical role in shaping who we become.
The lessons you teach us go well beyond the classroom; humour, teamwork, friendship, perspective, spontaneity. Lessons that we take with us for the rest of our lives. While the girls still in school may not realize this now, your contributions to their future will be unparalleled. Here’s a fact: not everythingimportant is achieved by men. Woman have also changed the world. And we will continue to do so. As you sit here today, I want you to believe in yourself, because if you don’t, how do you expect others to? Believe in your ability to do anything. Believe that a barrier is just an invitation to climb that tree and if you fall you can climb it again. Believe that your potential is your beauty.”
True to the School’s traditions, the Awards given out were not just to recognize marks alone or achievements in Sports etc., but to extol those qualities which build a person’s character – Good Citizenship, Helpfulness, Creativity, Compassion and Community Service. ‘Long Service Awards’ were also presented to three Staff Members including Mrs. Vibha Kapoor herself for having served the institution for 25 years. The event was also graced with the presence of the former Vice Principals, Mrs. Dayita Datta and Mrs. Gita Sharma as well as many old staff members. Femme Guerriere: Woman Warrior, Saint: Based on the French play L’Alouette or The Lark by the playwright, Jean Anouilh, Joan of Arc tells the timeless story of a girl with indomitable will and courage. Directed by Mr. Feisal Alkazi and choreographed by Mr. Vishwakant Singha, the play covered the trial, condemnation, and execution of Joan, a simple girl in France, who was burned alive at the stake of hearsay and then later, was canonised as Saint Joan, one of the patron saints of France. In Joan, we saw an intricate character – a saint, a martyr, a feminist who lacked female solidarity, and a monarchist poster child for democracy who remains in all of her forms and guises, a captivating and inspiring historical figure even today.
The production was a huge success owing to the Actors and Dancers who performed brilliantly; their costumes and special effects. The presentation engaged the audience completely as they became extremely involved with the fluctuating fortunes of the protagonist through the course of the drama. The celebrations ended with a grand dinner for parents, guests, staff and students, accompanied by the students’ Live Band.
