Heritage and fantasy shine at school concert

Songs, lights, colours and the energetic pulse of Kolkata filled Kala Mandir recently as G.D. Birla Centre for Education staged its annual concert. The two-day event transformed the stage into a living, breathing celebration of identity, imagination and childhood.
This year’s theme was ambitious yet heartfelt. The two productions explored different worlds but were connected by a shared purpose: to remind students of their roots and the magic of storytelling.

The first day began with the senior students unveiling ‘Tilottama’, an artistic tribute to Kolkata. Tilottama reflected the city’s heritage, soul, contradiction and irresistible charm. Through a blend of music, dance, narrative moments, and visual theatre, the city came alive on stage: the riverbanks, adda sessions, the festivals, and the quiet nostalgia that ties every Bengali to home.

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Speaking to The Statesman, Pritha Sen, Vice-Principal at the institution, shared the inspiration behind the concept. “We find a lot of our young generation right now moving out of the city because of a lack of jobs, but their heart remains in the City of Joy,” she said. Sen further added, “That is the theme. Wherever we are, if our roots remain strong, we will always come back. Kolkata will always be a place of joy and warmth for us. That is what we have showcased in our production.”
The message resonated powerfully with the audience. Thierry Morel, Consul General of France in Kolkata, who graced the first day as the chief guest, appreciated the nuanced portrayal of the city’s many shades. On the second day, retired Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha praised the discipline, coordination and creativity demonstrated by the young performers.
While the seniors emphasised their cultural identity, the juniors embarked on an adventure of their own with ‘The Wonderland Express’. The theatrical musical was a joyous celebration of literature, bringing beloved characters from both Bengali and English literary traditions onto a magical stage.
‘The Wonderland Express’ aims to rekindle the timeless joy of storytelling in an age where screens often replace storybooks. Sen elaborated on its purpose, “Nowadays, children grow up a little too fast. We want them to hold onto their childhood through this show.” The chief guest for this performance was renowned artist Jaya Seal Ghosh. She commended the students for their confidence, stage presence, and artistic flair.
Beyond entertainment, both productions reflected the school’s philosophy of holistic development. “Recreational activities are the most important for the overall development of a child. If we do not give them time for recreation, how long will they be able to concentrate on academics? There has to be fun and play along with the seriousness of life. That is what we want to instill in the children. Recreational activities play a very active role in the lives of children and in the lives of grown-ups as well,” she noted.
This commitment was evident in every detail. From choreography and costumes to the impressive sets, the students transported the viewers into the heart of Kolkata and the depths of literary imagination. As the two-day event came to an end, the evocative concept generated enthusiastic applause from parents and guests.