“Sapno Ki Udaan: Skit Fest Celebrates Inclusion at St. Thomas’ School”

Shimla, 28 May 2025:

As part of its centenary celebrations, St. Thomas’ School, Shimla organized a vibrant and socially impactful interschool skit competition titled “Sapno Ki Udaan” – a youth theatre festival dedicated to celebrating the dreams, talents, and resilience of children with special needs.

The event served as a powerful platform to promote inclusive education and mental health awareness, welcoming participation from 18 reputed schools across Shimla. Each participating team presented thought-provoking skits that highlighted the strengths and aspirations of specially-abled children, emphasizing a shared message of unity, empathy, and acceptance.

The closing ceremony was graced by Hon’ble MLA Mr. Harish Janartha, who awarded trophies and certificates to the winners and lauded the school for its heartfelt initiative. He applauded Principal Mrs. Vidhupriya Chakravarty and her dedicated team for organizing a festival that sensitized young minds to the importance of inclusion. “By giving a voice to children with special needs through theatre, St. Thomas’ has set a beautiful example of compassion and creativity,” he remarked.

In her welcome address, Principal Mrs. Chakravarty emphasized that the festival offered a unique opportunity to celebrate the dreams of every child, regardless of ability, and reaffirmed the school’s unwavering commitment to inclusive education.

List of Participating Schools Included:

Auckland House School, Auckland House School for Boys, Bishop Cotton School, Convent of Jesus & Mary, Chapslee School, IVY International School, Loreto Convent Tara Hall, Monal Public School, Mount Shivalik, Sacred Heart Convent, St. Mary’s, Blue Bells Public School, Swaran Public School, Shimla Public School, DAV Tutu, JCB School, Dayanand Public School, and Govt. Senior Secondary School Lalpani.

Award Winners:

• Overall Winner: Group Henry Ford – Monal Public School
• 1st Runner-Up: Group Preeti Pal – Auckland House School
• 2nd Runner-Up: Group Albert Einstein – Auckland House School for Boys

Special Category Winners:

• Best Actor (Male): Steve (Auckland House School for Boys)
• Best Actor (Female): Laila (Group Thomas Edison)
• Best Prop: Preeti Pal (Auckland House School)
• Best Costume: Arunima Sinha (Sacred Heart Convent School)
• Best Background Music: Group Albert Einstein (Auckland House School for Boys)
• Best Stage Setup: Preeti Pal (Auckland House School)
• Best Platform Utility: Henry Ford (Monal Public School)

The panel of judges included Nandini Banerjee,  Ankur Saxena, and  Vikas Gautam, who commended the creativity and sensitivity reflected in each performance.

The event concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks by Vice Principal  Sharon Nanda, who expressed her appreciation to the participating schools, faculty members, and volunteers. She acknowledged the collaborative effort that made the festival a resounding success and a fitting tribute to inclusive education.