AFS Member School’s 4th National Meet (2022-23)
Students of Heritage School, Atharav Dabgotra of CLass 10 D and Ishan Talla of Class 10E, along with teacher representative Dr. Ajeet Bali and the Principal, Mr Akash Pradhan, represented the school at the AFS Member Nations 4th National Meet from 17th to 19th November 2022, on the theme “Embrace Diversity and Inspire”. The three-day mega event was convened at the Sunbeam School Varuna Varanasi; and collectively organised by the AFS and the Sunbeam Schools of Varuna, Lahartara and Suncity.
Over 60 AFS member schools represented themselves at the event, with the presence of nearly 60 Heads of Schools, 60 Student Representatives and 120 students from all over India. The gathering of young minds from all walks of life and all areas throughout the nation was indeed a “Little India” in itself.
The schools were welcomed warmly on the evening of 17th October through the means of an interactive and informative session- “Introducing Varanasi”- conducted by the young and influential Saurabh Chakravorty. The session was an immersion into the etymology, mythology, cuisine, culture, and the common life of Varanasi. The lesson of unity in diversity is indeed the very soul of the oldest living city in the world. The highlight of the session was definitely the alluring session of the Banaras Gharana of Kathak, presented by legendary kathak dancer Vishal Krishna, perfectly complemented by classical musicians. The masters of their crafts showcased the intricate details of the Banaras Gharana and captivated their audience.
18th November 2022 began with the formal Inaugural Ceremony in the school’s Ninaad auditorium. The host schools welcomed the guest schools and esteemed AFS board members by the sunbeam orchestra- Sur Pravah- and their enthusiastic music. The peaceful Sufi dance by girls from Sunbeam Women’s College, and the dynamic theatre by students from Sunbeam lahartara were also inspiring. AFS board members had an interactive and extremely informative panel discussion with the students, and also felicitated exceptional member schools for their performance towards the goal of the organisation, the Overall winner School being the Yadavendra Public School Patiala. Dr. Sumer Singh enlightened the gathering with his keynote address on cultural acceptance, and the release of his book- “The Folklore History of India”- was released and received warmly by all.
The students were also taken to a heritage walk to Sarnath, where the students were taken on a trip through the beautiful history of Buddhism, showcased by the natural beauty, the historical excavation sites, and the informative session by the tour guides. The day ended with a cultural evening- a showcase of India through performances by the students- and an open air disco.
The third day began before the Sun rose, as schools travelled to the Assi Ghat and witnessed the Ganges river in all its natural divinity. The students were taken through a spiritual journey as they visited the Kashi Vishwanath temple and Kashi Vishwanath corridor. As the students returned, they were welcomed with two equally enlightening keynotes on equality and acceptance- the spirit of Vasudeva Kutumbakam- and a nationwide eye camp facility- ICU2. A valedictory session awarded the exceptional artists who participated in the poster making competition- those who truly encompassed the theme of the meet. Heritageans once again brought laurels to the school, securing 2nd position in Category B (Senior Category of Painting) by Atharav Dabgotra. The meet ended as schools bid each other goodbye, and departed with a new experience, new stories, new friends, and a new-found admiration for diversity worldwide.