Kaafila 2019- The First Integrated Arts Festival of Shiv Nadar School
If words were mankind’s sole medium of expression, we would’ve seen much less struggle. As it happens, they convey only a fraction of the myriad thoughts that engulf the human mind. The essence of our humanity lies in the way we look beyond physical appearance and blend beauty with emotion. We derive joy from the iridescent dew drop on a single blade of grass, the weightless flutter of a butterfly’s wings, the white fortitude of a crashing wave. Such exquisite elegance transcends words; it must be felt to be understood. We therefore look upon the world through the arts. They convey thoughts and feelings we wouldn’t dare put into words, stripping away pretenses and inhibitions to bare underlying emotions and offer a glimpse into humanity, in all its beautiful starkness.
It is to celebrate this unfettered expression that Shiv Nadar School organised ‘Kaafila’, an arts festival. As the name suggests, it is a procession of the arts. It brings together the various art forms in a heady amalgamation of vivid colour and snazzy beats, to create something magical. It is a series of performances and interactional events that help explore different perspectives, skills and emotions. Apart from being celebratory, the festival also includes a competitive aspect, with events that seek to challenge our interpretation of the arts, as well as the world, and push us towards a more comprehensive perspective, while broadening horizons and enhancing skills. Music, Dance, Theatre and Art are all doorways that lead to dazzling worlds of whimsical reality. The festival delves deep into each of these worlds, while also offering a glimpse into the new avenues of creativity that open up when these art forms are melded together. It aims to alter our perceptions and reacquaint us with our humanity, while exposing the raw emotion that is the root of all beauty.