Sishya Lit & Arts Fest: A Celebration of Literature, Culture, and Creativity

The Sishya Lit & Arts Fest, held on December 13-14, 2022, was a spectacular confluence of literary and artistic minds, bringing together authors, artists, students and educators in an engaging and thought-provoking environment. Designed to celebrate literature, art, and creative expression as a part of the School’s 50th year celebration. The festival offered a rich line-up of panel discussions, workshops, performances, and exhibitions, making it an unforgettable experience for all attendees.

Day 1: A Grand Opening and Thought-Provoking Discussions

The festival commenced on the evening of December 13 with an inauguration at 4:15 PM, led by Dr. Salim Thomas, President of the Kit Thomas Trust, followed by the lighting of the lamp by Thiru. Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi, Honourable Minister for School Education. The keynote address, Masala Shakespeare, was delivered by the distinguished Chief Guest, Dr. Jonathan Gil Harris, Professor of English at Ashoka University, who captivated the audience with his insights on literature and culture.

The first panel discussion, Travelogue, explored the theme of travel and documenting enriching experiences. Moderated by Mrs. Lekshmi Nair and Mrs. Kaveri Bharath, the panel featured insightful contributions from Dr. Salim Thomas, Mrs. Sarala Unni, and Samit Sawhney. The discussion delved into the transformative power of travel writing, shedding light on how literature expands perspectives and enriches personal experiences.

Following a short break, the audience was treated to a mesmerizing Bharatanatyam performance titled Sampradaya – From Myth to Modernity, by Padma Shri awardee Ms. Shobhana and her ensemble. Her presentation seamlessly blended storytelling and dance, demonstrating the profound connection between movement and narrative.

Day 2: Immersive Workshops and Engaging Discussions

The second day of the festival, December 14, began early when the stalls opened, allowing attendees to browse a diverse selection of books and enjoy delicious treats.

The first major session was an interactive moderated session on Listening to Shakespeare, led by Dr. Jonathan Gil Harris. This engaging session introduced high school students to the sound and rhythm of Shakespearean language, bringing the Bard’s works to life through live readings and discussions.

Throughout the morning, multiple workshops were conducted across the campus, covering a range of creative fields across all classes. Some of the workshops included:
Business of Book Publications & Selling, Creative Art, Terracotta Sculpture, Origami, Wall Painting, Pottery, Kathak Dance, Theatre, Zumba, Photography, Fashion Design, and Short Stories. There were also Quizzes and Fun Games, keeping the little ones on their toes.

Following the workshops, there were two significant discussions. The first, Session on Reading & Writing Habits, explored the impact of reading on creativity and critical thinking. This was followed by a compelling session on Gender Representation in India, conducted by Sishya MHGSA under the guidance of Ms Sandhya Thomas, highlighting the evolving narratives of gender in contemporary media and literature and empowering the young adults to ask the right questions.

The other attraction was the fabulous array of art exhibitions by students, studded with a few shows by Sishya alumni Chaitanya Rao, Kaveri Bharath, Kaveri Lalchand and Sumakshi Singh, engaging students and inspiring them to follow their dreams.

A Fitting Finale

The festival concluded with a spectacular grand finale, featuring musical and theatrical performances by alumni and students, including a special act by distinguished alumni. The final moments of the event encapsulated the essence of the Sishya Lit & Arts Fest – a celebration of creativity, learning, and artistic expression.

Looking Ahead

The success of the 2022 Sishya Lit & Arts Fest has set the stage for even more ambitious literary and artistic engagements in the future. By fostering a love for literature, encouraging critical discussions, and providing hands-on creative experiences, the festival has reinforced Sishya’s commitment to holistic education and ensuring that the arts are a way of life for its students. As the curtains close on this year’s edition, the anticipation for the next festival begins, promising another enriching journey into the world of stories, art, and imagination.