The Heritage School is one of the prestigious schools committed to quality education in Vasant Kunj, Delhi. Some of our Shaktis work as Interns in the school. The school conducts an arts fest called Kalaatmak every year. And on December 23, 2023, ‘Kalaatmak 2023’ was a smash and spread a joyous aura in the ground. The theme of this event is ‘Vasudeva Kutumbakam’ which means one place, one family, one future. Shaktis received an invitation from The Heritage School to perform in the fest and had a warm welcome that day.
About 90 Shaktis took part and performed in the event. The girls dressed up and helped each other with the beauty aids and their faces looked radiant. Oh Yeah! they are bold and beautiful. Everyone looked elegant in their dance suits. Three Shakti Sadhanas (Dance) and a Shakti strong (Yoga) Performance were planned that day. It was an open ground surrounded by the audience. When their performance was about to start the Shaktis were a little nervous. Ms. Hemangi Bhatnagar was their energy drink and she was beside them throughout all the performances and didn’t sit even for a minute.
Shaktis first performance was Shakti Strong (Yoga). When the ‘Bharat Ki Beti’ song was played the girls showcased beautiful yoga poses which implied that they are the empowering daughters of India. The crowds were as loud as the sea when the girls lifted both their legs and were stunned by their graceful yet challenging Asanas.
The second performance was the Shakti Sadhana (Dance). The girls danced to ‘Gyan Ki Roshni’ and showed their kathak and Bharatanatyam dance skills. With their elegant and intense moves, they expressed the importance of hunger and education. The Shaktis were drenched in thunderous claps as the audience was completely moved by their performance.
The third and the fourth Sadhana were the Garba and Bhangra performances to enthrall the audience. When the girls started dancing the whole crowd started cheering and making noise. At the final performance of the Bhangra dance, the whole crowd stood up and joined the girls and followed their moves. A good dancer should make others dance. Isn’t it?
The Shaktis received a huge round of applause after all the performances. A happy group picture was taken to mark this success story in the girl's lives.
Dreams Are Real
“A dream doesn’t become reality through magic it takes sweat determination and hard work”- Colin Powell.
Every Shakti in our Sarvam has dreams filled with desires and aspirations. Despite being marginalized girls, they believe in hard work and perseverance to achieve their dreams. As a torchbearer in their lives, Sarvam supports and empowers Shaktis through classical dance, yoga, and English training and also provides them with wholesome food. Opportunities like these events make them move closer to their dreams, boost their confidence, and they feel more dignified and happier. These moments are the rewards for their grit and determination. And yes, they are turning their dreams into reality.
The Golden Voices
Fulfillment comes through words and appreciation.
Sudha, one of the teachers at The Heritage School, expressed that she was so proud of the girls for uplifting their lives and appreciated the interns at their school. She was mesmerized by their performance that day and her eyes wished for a never-ending performance from the girls.
These golden words fulfilled our hearts and the Shaktis will feel more positive. We are more than thankful to The Heritage School and the Principal for giving Shakti a platform to show their talents.
Written by: Shagunthala Ravi
Proofread and Edited by: Kritika Saraf