'Quality of Mercy' Presented by Mumbai School Children at 100TPC 2018
Thank you with many congratulations Menka Rati Dady Wadia, Heta Pandit, Katie Bagli, Delna Mody, for such a beautiful program showcasing children's creativity in the 100Thousand Poets for Change Mumbai series of events.
The celebration was bursting with excitement in the happy book-adorned spaces of Kitabkhana this morning, where smiling visages of the greatest historical figures look upon with their blessings. The morning opened with an address by Chief Guest Heta Pandit, and introductory notes ftom Rati Dady Wadia, Menka Shivdasani, Katie Bagli; followed by wonderful songs by the gifted singer Delna Mody (she presented a hymn - 'the morning has broken'; and a song from The Sound of Music 'the hills are alive', both marvellous renditions that held us spellbound).
The theme of the celebration was 'The Quality of Mercy', starring some of the most amazing schoolchildren in Mumbai. They recited poems they had written, presented collaborations with poetry & dance, performed in groups, enacted a play, gave out thanks to their teachers and guides in the most heartwarming way....
The introduction to the theme ' The Quality of Mercy' presented by Rati Dady Wadia was a wonderful narration about arch enemies- the cobra and the eagle, and how the eagle nursed the cobra in its deathbed, bathing him in the milk of a being's kindness. One of the children shared her thoughts on ' compassion' beautifully in response to Rati's question.
The program brief from the invitation reads 'Rati Dady Wadia’s path-breaking children’s programme, with noted author Katie Bagli, featuring poetry, music and dance on the theme of compassion by schoolchildren in Mumbai. Participating schools and organisations include J.B. Petit High School for Girls, The 71st East Bombay Zoroastrian Bharat Guides group, Universal School, Ghatkopar, Mahapragya Public School, The Somaiya School, Queen Mary School, Writer’s Bug, Fun Ki Pathshala and Young Writers’ Nook.'
Some inadequate photographs of a superb occasion are here from my phone camera...but there will be great photos coming soon from Menka....
Many thanks for reading
Smeetha Bhoumik