Deepalaya School, Kalkaji Extension – one of the two formal schools run by New Delhi based NGO Deepalaya – celebrated its annual day at the school auditorium with great zeal and enthusiasm.

The event commenced with the traditional lighting of the lamp and a prayer song. AJ Philip, secretary and chief executive, Deepalaya and manager of the school welcomed the august gathering and informed everyone about the upcoming NCC unit that will be soon inaugurated in the school. This was followed by a welcome song by the school choir. 

CP Davis, principal, Deepalaya School, Kalkaji Extension presented the annual report of the school for the year 2017-18, highlighting the school’s achievements.

A wonderful dance drama portraying the life of the revered St. Mother Teresa was presented by students of various classes. In a spectacular act, the students portrayed the dilemma she faced while leading a life of service, how she followed her heart and left her family for serving the mankind. In her pursuit of reaching out to the poorest of the poor and the marginalised, numerous people who stood against her eventually gave in and supported her cause. The 20-minute-long skit was filled with songs, group dance, voice-overs and brilliant stage acting by the students of the school. While the tiny-tots overjoyed the audience with their cute dance steps, the girl who portrayed the character of Mother Teresa was the centre of attention and put up an awe-inspiring performance, winning applause from all. The message “Each one, serve one” that we all have forgotten was conveyed by the children effectively through the dance drama. 

Gourab Banerjee, senior advocate, Supreme Court, who is also an all-weather patron of Deepalaya, was present as the chief guest on the occasion. He lauded the efforts of the students and spoke highly about the credibility and inspirational community service of Deepalaya. 

Subu Rahman, commissioner (land), Delhi Development Authority, who graced the occasion as the guest of honour, advised the students to embrace the two great virtues of “love” and “compassion, in order to become dignified and reputed citizens of the country.

Among other noted dignitaries present on the occasion were TM Abraham, chairman, DSKE (and one of the founder-members of Deepalaya); Jaswant Kaur, executive director, Deepalaya; and Mohini Sethi, a sponsor and supporter of Deepalaya.

Towards the end of the event, a group song by the students of Deepalaya choir enthralled the audience. This was followed by a vote of thanks by Shipra (the head girl of the school), and the national anthem to culminate the event.

Deepalaya School, Kalkaji Extension, New Delhi provides quality-oriented, value-based education to underprivileged children mostly from the neighbourhood communities in and around Transit Camp, Kalkaji, and provides opportunities for all pupils to learn, grow, and to become contributing citizens of the nation.

Promoted in 1979, Deepalaya is an ISO 9001:2008 certified NGO that believes in enabling self-reliance and is committed to working on issues affecting the urban and rural poor, with a special focus on women and children.