India’s rich cultural heritage and vibrant diversity - hallmarks of its stature as a global leader, came alive in a spectacular way at Chinmaya Vidyalaya, Bokaro, on 21 November 2025. The Inter-School Cross-Cultural Dance Competition brought together 152 students from 10 schools, each presenting a dynamic fusion of art and culture through their performance.

The programme was graced by Swamini Samyuktananda of Chinmaya Mission Bokaro, as the Chief Guest, while the distinguished panel of judges included Smt. Ankita Tah, Smt. Rajani Padhi and Shri Debapriya Choudhary.

They were accompanied by eminent educationists including Shri Sanjeev Thakur, Director and Smt. Reena Thakur, Principal of Mount Zion School; Shri Mukesh Kumar Gupta, Principal of Dr. Rajendra Prasad Public School; and Shri Bipul Kumar Singh, Principal of Rainbow Public School.

Also present were Chinmaya Vidyalaya’s leadership team - President Shri Biswarup Mukhopadhyay, Secretary Shri Mahesh Tripathi, Principal Shri Suraj Sharma, Vice Principal Shri Narmendra Kumar and Headmaster Shri Gopal Chandra Munshi.

The programme began with lamp lighting, followed by a soulful welcome song and a captivating Jharkhandi folk dance, performed by Chinmaya Vidyalaya students.

Soon, the auditorium brimmed with energy and joy as participating schools - Sarala Birla Public School, Ranchi; Guru Gobind Singh Public School, Bokaro; Guru Gobind Singh Public School, Chas; MJM, Bokaro; DAV, Sector 6, Bokaro; Rainbow Public School; Mount Zion School; Dr. Rajendra Prasad Public School, Bokaro; Crescent Public School, Bokaro; and Chinmaya Vidyalaya, Bokaro - took the stage with mesmerising performances.

Overall champions were the team from Chinmaya Vidyalaya, Bokaro, followed by GGPS, Bokaro in second with Sarala Birla Public School, Ranchi in third place.

To honour the unique strengths of each team, special titles were awarded to them as follows:

DAV Public School - Sector 6: Melody in Motion

GGPS, Bokaro: Elegance in Motion

MJM Public School: Outstanding Expression

Crescent Public School: Flawless Footwork

GGPS, Chas: Best Theme Presentation

Chinmaya Vidyalaya, Bokaro: Best Choreography

Sarala Birla Public School: Most Energetic Performance

Mount Sion School: Best Costume

Dr. Rajendra Prasad Public School: Outstanding Performance

Rainbow Public School: Rhythmic Performance

In her inspiring address, Swamini Samyuktananda Saraswati emphasised the spiritual significance of dance, noting that it is deeply rooted in scriptures, with statues of Lord Shiva and Goddess Durga often depicted in dance postures. She reminded the audience that participation is more important than victory.

Echoing this sentiment, Principal Shri Suraj Sharma welcomed the students warmly and highlighted that honest participation itself is a remarkable achievement. The programme concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks proposed by Vice Principal Mr. Narmendra Kumar, leaving behind an unforgettable celebration of India’s unity in diversity and the timeless beauty of its cultural heritage.