Culture Cosmos celebrated global unity and diversity

The exhibition at Apeejay’s IB School, Apeejay School International, Panchsheel Park, an esteemed IB continuum school, was a remarkable showcase of core values — fostering inquiry, creativity, and real-world problem-solving. Seamlessly integrating the Primary Years Programme (PYP), the event emphasised critical thinking, global engagement, and meaningful action, culminating in an enriching Language Week celebration.

As visitors made their way through the corridor leading to the AV room, they were greeted with a warm and multilingual welcome. Signage in various languages adorned the walls, setting the tone for a truly immersive cultural experience. The ceiling was alive with an array of international flags, each representing a different country, symbolising global unity and inclusivity. Carefully curated cultural artefacts were strategically placed around the room, offering glimpses into diverse traditions and heritage, making the space a vibrant celebration of linguistic and cultural diversity.

Titled Culture Cosmos, the PYP exhibition beautifully embodied the core principles of the IB philosophy, highlighting the power of interdisciplinary learning, fostering cultural appreciation, and celebrating student-led initiatives. The event served as a vibrant showcase of the school’s diverse cultural backgrounds, offering insights into five key elements — food, festivals, flags, famous personalities, and fashion — each thoughtfully displayed to celebrate global diversity.

The exhibition followed an open format, welcoming parents from 9 am onwards. Parents explored various interactive stations, each managed by students who engaged them in discussions and activities. The event was organised into multiple thematic stations, each focusing on different aspects of language and culture.

Station 1: Greetings and Calligraphy

Students introduced parents to greetings in various languages and demonstrated different calligraphy styles. The station was managed by Suhina Khatrapal (PYP-5), Arisha Gudwani (PYP-5), Hetav Singh (PYP-2), and Aarya Nandwani (PYP-3).

Station 2: Language Facts and Quizzes

It featured engaging facts about different languages, accompanied by two interactive quizzes designed for parents. The station was facilitated by Vedant Sehrawat, Arshee Sachdeva, Aidaan Sen Gupta, and Aahana Mathur, students of PYP-5.

Station 3: Global Cuisine

A highlight of the exhibition was the diverse array of global cuisines brought in by students, who proudly presented dishes from their native or chosen cultures while dressed in traditional attire. Indian cuisine included halwa, rasgulla, gulab jamun, dal makhani which was on display by students that included Ayaan Kumar, Aviraj Kapoor, Viaan Dua, and Kiyan Sarna.

The Spanish delicacies featured tacos made by Diaa Arora, a student of PYP-5, and gazpacho by Nayantara Sewak Cecil from PYP-5. On the other hand, Russian food was presented by Viktor Komarov of PYP-1. Kazakhstan’s cuisine was represented by Alimzhan Karim (PYP-1), and French food was showcased by Lavyaa Khanna, Aidan Wani, and Daiwik Khandelwal (PYP-4). English food was introduced by Vaanya Gupta (PYP-2) and Nayra Saini (PYP-4), while Egyptian cuisine was displayed by Enas Khater (PYP-4).

Station 4: Cultural Performances

A series of captivating performances took place, showcasing linguistic and artistic diversity. PYP- 2 students – Aahana Diwan, Shlok Siddharth, Aarika Vikram, Ira Vikram, Vaanya Gupta, and Prisha Singh sang a French song. Rianna Ray (PYP-1) also sang in French. English songs were performed by Suhina Khetrapal, Arshee Sachdeva, Arisha Gudwani, Diaa Arora, Nayantara Sewak Cecil (PYP-5), and Nayra Saini (PYP-4). Aidaan Sen Gupta (PYP-5) sang in Bengali. While Kiansh Chouhan, Aarya Nandwani (PYP-3), Hetav Singh, Liam George Mathew, and Vasvik Kaushik (PYP-2) sang in Spanish.

Aahana Mahur (PYP-5) presented a role play as Frida Kahlo. Pihu Narula (PYP-4) and Shanaya Sharma (PYP-4) performed Kathak; Shanaya also presented a Flamenco dance. Aanya Arora (PYP-1) performed a traditional Lohri dance.

Beyond these stations, the exhibit showcased global festivals, displayed on boards. A dedicated station introduced visitors to traditional street games from Korea and Spain, including a small football game, highlighting Spain’s national sport. Another corner featured cultural artefacts like Spanish and Mexican hats, traditional Indian pagdis (turban), and various paintings, further emphasised the deep interconnection between language and culture.

The students also shared their experiences; Aidaan Sen Gupta from PYP-5 took an insightful approach, sharing fascinating facts about global languages. “Did you know that a new language is created every 14 days? Or that emojis are considered a universal language?” he quizzed the audience, highlighting the importance of linguistic diversity. His exhibit included interactive maps and multilingual greeting boards, encouraging visitors to explore different dialects and scripts.

In another stall, Diaa Arora from PYP-5 showcased her culinary skills by preparing tacos, emphasising her love for Spanish culture. “I learnt how to make tacos and what ingredients go into them,” she shared, underlining the importance of hands-on learning. Her demonstration was accompanied by a presentation on the historical evolution of Mexican cuisine, adding depth to her showcase.

Aahana Mathur, also from PYP-5, transformed her space into an interactive Spanish quiz station, dressed as the iconic Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. “I wanted people to test their knowledge about Spanish culture,” she said, demonstrating her curiosity and research skills. Participants engaged in trivia games and puzzles, making the learning experience both fun and educational.

Vaanya Gupta from PYP-2, serving French delicacies, noted how learning about different cuisines fostered cross-cultural appreciation. “One of my friends is from Canada, and she is very good to me,” she added, reflecting on the social bonds strengthened through such engagements. She also shared fun facts about French gastronomy like the origins of the croissant and the significance of cheese in French culture.

According to PYP Coordinator Ms Sameeksha Bhatt, the event was more than just a showcase — it was a celebration of multilingualism and cultural identity. “While English is the medium of instruction, we ensure that students cherish their mother tongues and cultural roots,” she stated. She also highlighted the importance of cultural exchange in fostering empathy and respect among young learners. The event’s success was evident in the enthusiastic participation of students and parents alike, reinforcing the idea that global education thrives on inclusivity and shared learning experiences.

Parents were equally impressed and amazed. “The efforts put in by students and teachers are commendable. The cultural stalls, performances, and interactive sessions were truly engaging,” shared a PYP parent. Another parent added, “This event truly reflects the power of experiential learning and the importance of nurturing global citizens.”

These projects eloquently illustrated that education at this school transcends the confines of the traditional classroom. Far from mere academic exercises, they serve as catalysts for innovation, leadership, and meaningful societal contribution. Through a blend of service-oriented initiatives and personal exploration, students are empowered to effect lasting change, affirming the profound significance of their voices, ideas, and actions.

The exhibition was an inspiring and immersive experience, reinforcing the IB philosophy of global-mindedness, intercultural understanding, and holistic learning. Through an engaging blend of linguistic, artistic, and culinary exploration, students successfully demonstrated the significance of languages in shaping cultural identities and global perspectives.

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