Woodstock School bolo 'Jai Hind'!

India's Independence Day was welcomed by Woodstock School in its characteristic style on the 15th of August. Students, staff, and guests made their way to the school on a cloudy Saturday morning. The tricolour flag of India was raised amongst school's multicultural and multinational community, all of whom came together as one under the Woodstock umbrella.

Staff and students associated with the Indian Music department provided a prelude to the morning's events. The Principal Dr. David Laurenson welcomed the school and introduced the guests, which included Mrs. Mrinalini Sarabhai, Dr. Mallika Sarabhai, Woodstock Alumnus Mr. Tom Alter, and 17 members of the Darpana Academy of Performing Arts (Ahmedabad).

Dr. Mallika Sarabhai, who was the guest speaker on the day, addressed the gathering at Parker Hall, which was followed by another song by the Indian Music students and staff.

As per tradition, the flag of India was raised by the senior-most Indian student who has been a Woodstock student for the longest period. This year, Aradhna Roberts was given the opportunity to raise the Indian flag, which was followed by the Indian National Anthem, led by Indian music singers and the school's Advanced Orchestra. Grade 12 student Dhruv Mathur then took the stage in another Woodstock tradition and led the school to say 'Jai Hind'!

15th August also marked the South Korean Independence Day, and several of the school's Korean students performed a traditional Korean children's game on stage, called 'Kimajen'. This was followed by a special performance of dance and poetry by a few of the members of the Darpana group.

Afterwards, staff and students enjoyed an opportunity to shake a leg to bhangra music at the Parker Hall. A special Indian food court was laid out in the Quad for all the Woodstock community and the guests. Staff and students were out in their best Indian clothing or traditional dresses from their respective countries, adding colour and fervour to the gathering. The Quad Dining Hall also played host to a 'Laptop Bazaar' which caught the imagination of the tech-heads at the school.