By Dr Tania Saili Bakshi
Dehradun, 14 May: The stage was set ablaze with talent and creativity at the Second Edition of the Iti Natya Vertical. Showcasing the theatrical prowess of students in this highly anticipated event, Doon International School emerged the Champion, securing the first position, while The Oasis School claimed a well-deserved second place and St Kabeer stood third. The competition witnessed the participation of over one hundred and fifty students from ten leading schools, making it a grand celebration of performing arts.
The Iti Natya Vertical, organised by Young Indians (Yi Dehradun), CII, in association with Valley of Words, is aimed to promote an aesthetic understanding of theatre techniques and acting nuances among school going students. This year’s theme, “Hum”, resonated with the G20 theme of “One Earth, One Family, One Future,” emphasizing unity, bonding and friendship.
Ravinath Raman, Secretary, School and Technical Education, was the Chief Guest. The enthralling plays staged during this annual theatre championship showcased the theme with captivating performances in Hindi, English and Sanskrit. The top two school performances have earned the honour of performing at the Valley of Words Signature Festival in early November.
Expressing her delight at the seamless flow of events, Deepanjali Singh, one of the three Jury members, said, “There has been immense talent and beautiful use of props and costumes in this creative event. Competition is not about winning or losing, it’s about learning.”
“There was such diversity of language and customs. Arts are a subjective field and hence there are no winners or losers,” said an overwhelmed Jury member, Sidhhant Arora.
Jury member Lovelina Modi congratulated the talented young-minds stating, “Theatre has always been an important area in the development of children’s creativity. Drama and theatre are unique forms of creative expression that help children. Choosing an overall winner was tough as each group excelled in different ways.”
This year’s edition of Iti Natya vertical has seen substantial growth since its successful inaugural edition in October last year. The competition was tailored for students aged 13 and above, providing them a platform to explore performing arts techniques, nurture their artistic talents, develop their imagination, and refine their creativity skills. Iti Natya hopes to be an annual feat, giving schools from Dehradun a befitting platform that offers teenage students the opportunity to hone their theatrical skills.
The organisers, Valley of Words, Yi (Dehradun Chapter), and CII, extended their sincere appreciation to the staff and students of leading schools for their enthusiastic participation and making Iti Natya Vertical a resounding success: Doon Global School, Doon International School, Greenwood Hills, Him Jyoti School, Maa Anandmayee Memorial School, Mount Litera Zee School, Shri Ram Centennial School, St Kabeer, The Oasis School and Touchwood School.
