Led by the invitation of Smt. Meenakshi ji and the school’s leadership, the event welcomed top officials, artists and more than 5000 attendees in celebration of creativity and discipline
A wave of applause echoed through the grounds of Pt. Uma Dutt Public School and EuroKids International Dholpur Centre as students staged NAVRAS 2025, the institution’s flagship cultural showcase. This year’s edition, themed “A Bollywood Saga,” brought together a powerful blend of cinema-inspired storytelling, classical performance and community pride. More than 5,000 people gathered to witness a showcase of student-led artistic expression.
The event stood out not just for its scale but for the sheer inclusivity of participation. Every student at the school contributed to the evening’s program, from on-stage performance to backstage coordination. In a district where educational celebrations often stay within formal lines, NAVRAS 2025 broke through with an immersive, theatrical format rooted in Indian cinematic history and cultural depth.
The evening was graced by dignitaries from both national and regional leadership. Among those present were Union Minister of State Prof. S. P. Singh Baghel, veteran actor and Member of Parliament Raj Babbar, senior political leader Rajendra Singh Rathore, MLA Jaswant Singh from the Bari Constituency, and Girraj Singh Malinga, former MLA of Bari. Former MLA of Dholpur Abdul Sagir also joined, along with key administrative officials including A. N. Somnath, IAS and CEO of Jila Parishad Dholpur, and Vikas Sangwan, IPS and Superintendent of Police.
The presence of artist and DJ Shilpi Sharma, former RCA Secretary Somendra Tiwari, and cricket mentor Lokendra Singh Chahar added creative and sports dimensions to the audience. Their attendance reflected the school’s commitment to an integrated, interdisciplinary approach to student growth.
Smt. Meenakshi ji, President Emeritus of Indira Gandhi Shikshan Sansthan and former Pradhan of Dholpur District, played a central role in hosting the evening. It was under her patronage and invitation that many guests attended, a reflection of her longstanding influence on both civic and educational fronts in the region.
The performances paid tribute to different eras of Bollywood, infusing scenes with classical choreography, dramatic interpretation, and modern fusion. Each act not only mirrored cinematic themes but also conveyed lessons on teamwork, identity, and collective effort. Behind the curtain, hundreds of students worked in sync on light, sound, costume, and coordination, guided by teachers and volunteers who spent weeks preparing the production.
School Captain Udayan Dutt Sharma addressed the crowd, stating, “We wanted this to be more than just a cultural program. Our school believes in versatility, and NAVRAS is where that belief becomes visible.”
Dr. Pankaj Vashishtha, Principal of Pt. Uma Dutt Public School, added, “What people see tonight is the result of months of planning and every student’s commitment. This event is our annual promise to the idea that education must nurture both discipline and imagination.”
Director Mr. Upendra Dutt Sharma echoed this sentiment, noting that the true achievement of NAVRAS is in its inclusivity. “Every child participated in some form. This isn’t just a performanceit’s a process that belongs to the entire school.”
Chairperson Mrs. Sonali Dutt Sharma emphasized the emotional impact of the stage experience. “When children perform, they become aware of their own presence, their voice, and their value. That’s what NAVRAS offers,” she said.
Speeches by guests of honour praised the school’s emphasis on holistic education. Prof. S. P. Singh Baghel remarked on the institution’s parallel legacy with his own political journey. “It has been 27 years since I became a Member of Parliament. It is a moving coincidence that this school also began its journey 27 years ago,” he shared, to strong applause.
Veteran actor and Member of Parliament Raj Babbar highlighted the importance of encouraging artistic expression in young learners. “Performance is an extension of thought. What these children have done here tonight is not imitation, it is interpretation,” he said.
NAVRAS 2025 affirmed the vision of the school’s governing body to nurture talent beyond textbooks. Through intergenerational attendance, vibrant performances and civic engagement, the event strengthened the institution’s identity as a centre for both academic and cultural excellence.
As the night concluded with group performances and a standing ovation, it became clear that NAVRAS is not an annual event alone. It is part of a living culture within Pt. Uma Dutt Public School and EuroKids Dholpur where learning steps confidently onto the stage and every spotlight reveals not just skill, but purpose.
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Really valuable content, thanks.