“Reach high for stars lie hidden in your soul. Dream deep, for every dream preceeds the goal.”

– Pamela Vaull Starr

Which age group glows with the infinite promise of immense potential? Which group automatically fills the heart with unbridled joy at the plethora of talents displayed with flair and confidence? It is the youngest students belonging to the Kindergarten Section and the Juniormost students of the Primary Section, that is classes 1 and 2.

Ever ready to motivate students especially at the foundational stage- NEP, St. Joseph’s College, Prayagraj hosted the second edition of Kids Fest, a Cultural Soiree on 7th December, 2024.

The event began with the welcoming of the Chief Guests, Rev. Fr. Reginald D’Souza, Rev. Fr. Vipin D’Souza, and Rev. Fr. Jacob Bona D’Souza  and the Honourable Guests, Justice (Mr.) Anish Kumar Gupta, Rev. Fr. Lawrence Fernandes and Rev. Fr. George, being escorted by the Principal, Rev. Fr. Walter D’Silva, the Headmaster, Rev. Fr. Melvin Pais, the Additional Administrator, Mr. A. McGowan, the Middle School Administrator, Rev. Fr. Gladwin Fernandes and Senior Staff Coordinator, Mr. J. Dube. 

A comprehensive and compelling video presentation of the previous year’s Kids Fest by Mr.James Martin set the perfect background for the first performance of the day. The students of UKG F, sung two prayer songs, invoking God’s precious blessings for the successful completion of the event.

A symbol of growth and prosperity, the Chief Guests, were then escorted towards the stage to plant a sapling. The act of planting it, and watering it, being a symbol of the growth and nourishment every child receives at St. Joseph’s College, Prayagraj.

Chief Guest Rev. Fr. Reginald D’Souza is currently working as the Principal of St. Peter’s School and College, Raebareli. He has been the Director of Nazareth Hospital, Prayagraj. He has also made incomparable contributions in the field of both education and medicine. 

Chief Guest, Rev. Fr. Vipin D’Souza is currently working as the Director of Nazareth Hospital, Prayagraj. He has also worked as the Vice-Principal of St. Joseph’s College Prayagraj. His contribution in the field of medicine is highly commendable. 

Chief Guest, Rev. Fr. Jacob Bona D’Souza is currently working as the Principal of St. Mary’s School and Convent Mirzapur. He is also the former Vice-Principal of St. Joseph’s College, Prayagraj. He has also made significant contributions in field of education.

The Chief Guests were then each presented a sapling by the Principal, Rev. Fr. Walter D’Silva.

The first performance for the day was called, “Porque Nos Encanta Bailar,” wherein the students of 1 A and 1 B, performed a vibrant and composite dance, leaving the audience in awe.

Who makes the world a softer, kinder place to live in by just being in it? Nobody cares for children and guides them better than the ever loving, patient and wise grandparents. A tribute to the selfless love and care of grandparents, the performance of students of classes LKG B, aptly titled Timeless Treasure, brought smiles aplenty to the Senior citizens present in the gathering. The performance was graced by the benign presence of the LKG and UKG Coordinator, Mrs. Preeti Mehta and the Seniormost Office Staff, Mr. Paul Horo.

Zumba, a dance and workout like none other. The students of classes 1E and 1F, were all smiles as they grooved to the party poppers, while the LED screen displayed the History of Zumba, a popular fitness program founded by Colombian dancer and choreographer, Beto Perez in 2001. Indeed, their Step It Up For Fitness, motivated people to be cognisant of the absolute importance of Fitness.

Faire La Fete, a medley of energetic song and dance performances, transported people to beaches and the holiday vibes associated with it. Despite their tender years, the joie de vivre of classes LKG C and UKG C, as displayed in their foot tapping moves, was worth  appreciating by one and all, witnessing the Kids Fest.

While addressing all the dignitaries, the Principal, the Headmaster, and all the students and parents, Rev. Fr. Vipin D’Souza thanked the Principal, for inviting him to Kids Fest 2024. He praised the performances of all the little children and said that activity based education is the main need of today’s society. He also praised all the teachers for educating the students with love, care and patience. He was then presented a memento by the Principal, Rev. Fr. Walter D’Silva.

Cartoons and childhood are synonymous, aren’t they? The performance by 1G and 1H, titled Fun Toons in Rhythm, brought alive many fond memories of childhood in the form of various childhood in the form of various childhood favourite cartoon characters and shows, such as Shin Chan, Ninja Hattori, Doraemon, Chhota Bheem, and Scooby Doo. Afterall, there is a certain undeniable magic to these shows. 

Catch them young and you have trained sportsmen in no time. The Kiddie Sports Bash, next time dedicated to fostering talent, showcased the need to excel in multiple sports like cricket, football, and hockey. Of course, the selection of popular Bollywood songs, added zest to the spirited performance.

A poignant reminder of the need to conserve environment, Plant Today, Breathe Tomorrow by the students of classes LKG E and UKG E, felt like a sharp wakeup call to everyone. An exhortation to be proactive before nature gets replaced by urban jungles everywhere, the thought provoking performance performance by the students was truly an eye-opener. Is there any future without Mother Nature?

The “Jungle Jive” performance of classes LKG E and UKG E, was a vibrant and enchanting dance performance highlighted the various tribes of India in a playful manner. Students took the stage and let their energy flow, as they danced dressed up as tribemen and animals.

Following the performances, the Chief Guest, Rev. Fr. Jacob Bona D’Souza addressed the gathering. In his speech, he thanked the Principal for inviting him to Kids Fest and appreciated the plays performed by the students. He appreciated the the fact that the students are learning the importance of teamwork. Concluding his speech by saying that we reap what we sow, and that the skills learned by the students at such a young age would surely help them in the future, he thanked the Principal, Rev. Fr. Walter D’Silva and the Headmaster, Rev. Fr. Melvin Pais for putting up such an event. He was presented a memento by the Headmaster, Rev. Fr. Melvin Pais.

Pancha Tattva, a Harmony of the five. It is only when the elements of earth, water, air, fire and space are repected that life systems can flourish.Our ancient wisdom as espoused by the Rig Veda, emphasisedon the beautiful policy of Live and Let Live, can serve as the benchmark for life even now. The students of classes 2 B and 2 C played a pivotal role in driving home the message of peaceful and harmonious coexistence.

Is there any heart which doesn’t appreciate the vibrancy of folk music? As long as we keep alive, our culture through a rich tapestry of folk music, our future generations will stay connected with their roots and learn to fly. Afterall, a tree can only soar up to the sky if it grows deep roots. The vivid hues and the multilingual songs did full justice to the Folk Fusion presented by LKG G and UKG G.

Apparently everything in the universe has a rhythm and dance to its own beats. What can be more appropriate in the Sangam city of Prayagraj than a dance performance dedicated to a confluence of dances? Sangam: A Confluence of Dances by students of classes 2D and 2E, performed on some of the most iconic songs of Bollywood- songs which have been enjoyed by generations and which still find their ardent takers. Of course, some songs were fairly recent chartbusters, which find a niche following too.

To be a parent is to love your child unconditionally, to be there for him or her no matter what and to be the safe place for your child to return to. A Symphony of Love by students of LKG A and UKG A, celebrated the protective love of parents, the first teachers, the first guides and the first idols we all have. The sheer innocence of the youngest performers as displayed in a curated selection of songs, was an audio-visual treat for the entire audience.

In his speech, Rev. Fr. Reginald D’Souza, congratulated all the students that performed in the event and the teachers that trained them. He congratulated the school for producing incredible men, contributing to the growth of the nation. Praising each and every performance, he called them, “Mini India on Stage.” He thanked the Principal, Rev. Fr. Walter D’Silva and the Headmaster, Rev. Fr. Melvin Pais. He was then presented a memento by the Princiapal, Rev. Fr. Walter D’Silva.

What is the month of December if not reminiscent of the lovely melodies of Christmas? Joyful Noel Melodies by students of classes 2A and 2H, was a delightful mix of festive songs that are the soul of Christmas. Needless to say, the soulful rendition by the students, grinning from ear to ear was an experience truly worth chasing.

Enacting the birth of Christ and the angel talking to Mother Mary, the students of classes LKG D and UKG D, put forward a wonderful play and dance, “Christmas Wonderland,” enchanting the audience making them groove to the energetic Christmas beats.

The students then showed their gratitude by thanking the Principal, Rev. Fr. Walter D’Silva and the Headmaster, Rev. Fr. Melvin Pais for their immense support and guidance. They thanked the teachers for their efforts and guidance, and the parents for supporting their children. They thanked the support staff, the management team and Asha and Co. for their efforts in the smooth running of the event.

The rock that buttresses our country-the soldiers who sacrifice the comfort of their homes, the company of their loved ones, the sense of self-preservation, all for the sake of protecting the country. Our soldiers personify valour and they are the true guardians of our national integrity and territorial sovereignity. A tribute to the guardians of our nation, by classes 1C and 1D, commemorated 25 years of Kargil Vijay Diwas. Is there anyone who can be so thoughtless to deny the heroic efforts made by all the armed forces?

The event concluded with the singing of the National Anthem.