Mumbai :  Ryan International Group of Schools inaugurated the 13th edition of the ICFPA (2013) with the theme “A Brighter Tomorrow” at the

Talkatora Stadium, Connaught Place, New Delhi.

The eminent dignitaries present at the Grand Opening Ceremony were Prof. K.V.Thomas, Hon’ble Minister of State (IC) for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Shri. E. Ahamed, Hon’ble Minister of State for External Affairs, Shri. Jesudas Seelam, Hon’ble Minister of State for Revenue

The aim of the festival is to provide the children of the world, the opportunity to come together and exchange ideas and learn various cultures while also exposing them to various genres of performing arts to discover their talents and express their aspirations. More than 12000 Ryan students presented, Ballet – Brighter Tomorrow, Music Extravaganza – Tribute to 100 years of Indian Cinema and the Giant Puppet Show while the International artists from 21 countries performed dance ballets, musical dramas and traditional genres of their respective countries.

The festival began with a grand opening parade from DeenDayalUpadhya Park, Minto Road to National BalBhavan where all the national and international participants from Bangladesh, Egypt, Finland, Germany, Indonesia, Iceland, Italy, Iran, Latvia, Lithuania, Nepal, Norway, Morocco, Russia, Spain, Sri Lanka, Thailand, United Kingdom, Zambia and India walked hand in hand propagating international peace and unity.

It was a colorful extravaganza as circus jugglers, acrobats and other entertainers joined this cosmopolitan march.

The highlight of second day of the festival was World Village, which provided an opportunity for students to pick up mementoes, souvenirs & artifacts from various countries.

Mr. Ryan Pinto, CEO, Ryan International Group of Institutions stated, “The whole idea of the World Village revolved around opening to the youth of the world, the doors to countries other than their own, so that the young minds open and relate to other cultures too.”

Yet another novel initiative was White T- Shirt Ceremony.  The performers adorned in pure White T-Shirt scribbled messages of peace and harmony in different languages on the T-Shirts to give and take home a message that there is no replacement for peace for a Brighter Tomorrow.

Commenting on the event, Madam Grace Pinto said, “Theatre is a powerful medium, it binds people and brings out the best in them.  This 4-day festival brought together children from 21 countries instilling in them a sense of respect for each other and deepen international bonding and broaden their cultural horizons.”

Source : Lokesh Shastri