“The Gift of Spring”, a cultural event, was organised by the Springdales School, Dhaula Kuan, as its first annual day function after the Covid pandemic. At the event, students of the school showcased Springdalian ethos of love, peace, friendship, and harmony – a legacy of Late Dr. Rajni Kumar, founder of the school – with aplomb.

The performance of the children during the Senior School Annual Day Celebrations was so riveting that it kept the audience spellbound throughout the programme and evoked spontaneous applause.

Prize distribution ceremony to felicitate the students for their performances was held on December 30. Mrs. Salma Ansari, wife of Shri Hamid Ansari, former vice-president of India, was the chief guest for the occasion while Justice Mini Pushkarna, Hon’ble Judge, Delhi High Court, and a former student of the institution was the guest of honour.

One of the awards, the Principal’s Special Award, went to Aditya Gupta, Reyaan Vikram Singh and Teesta Gunhaganguly, the budding singers from the school.

The evening commenced with a floral tribute to Dr. Rajni Kumar. Dr. A. Sankara Reddy, Chairman, Managing Board welcomed the august gathering, Dr. Jyoti Bose, Director, Springdales Schools, Mrs. Ritu Madan, Principal, along with the Prefects, presented the annual Report.

After giving away the Special Awards to the multifaceted students who had excelled in the sphere of academics, performing arts, science and IT, Mrs. Ansari paid rich tributes to Dr. Rajni Kumar for her contribution to education. 

Walking down the memory lane, Justice Mini Phushkarna, an alumnus of the institution, expressed her gratitude to her Alma Mater and advised the students to tread the path of success with confidence, perseverance and dedication to achieve their goals.

She expressed her gratitude to the school for the role it played in her life. Speaking to The Statesman, the ex-Springdalian said while the programme on the whole was entertaining, it also carried a message for children that the whole world is a family, and hence we need to include everyone.”

She said, “The school age is such that you get to learn many things. These are the foundations that ultimately help shape our lives. The school is giving all kinds of lovely lessons to the children.”

Remembering Padma Sri Awardee Late Dr. Rajni Kumar, on the occasion, as one of the most courageous, strong, and beautiful women, Mrs. Salma Ansari and Dr. Jyoti Bose, Director of Springdales Schools, praised her divine consciousness. They called her a force to reckon with and a constant inspiration. They said the void she has left can’t be filled.

Mrs. Ansari went on to say that Dr. Rajni helped the children’s souls, even the ones who nobody really cared for. It was the result of her understanding and contribution to humanity, the fight against racism and violence.

Mrs. Ansari further said that she will never be forgotten. She was a mother-like figure to many. She had self-confidence, and it is amazing to note the values that she instilled in all of the kids. One example is Springdale. The new generation understands that our future lies in coming together in love, freedom, equality, unity, fraternity and peace.   

Speaking to The Statesman, Mrs. Salma Ansari said, “We should have more schools like Springdales in the country to solve the problem of disharmony.” 

The School Choir captured the ethereal beauty of music in all its nuances through their soulful renditions of “We know the way” – a song in Tokeluan language from Disney’s animated movie “Moana” followed by the Sufi song “Chaap Tilak”.

The ‘Vote of Thanks’ was proposed by Dr. Neerja Sharma, Manager, Springdales School, Dhaula Kuan.

After speaking to a couple of the parents, we learned that they truly believed the cultural performance gave a glimpse into Dr. Rajni Kumar’s journey. She is still living in Springdale and has not gone anywhere. Children are benefiting from her blessings, which is leading the school to flourish more and more each day. Additionally, parents expressed their gratitude for Dr. Jyoti Bose’s inspiring leadership.