By Jansen Vaz for BIS Mumbai

The Annual Lit Fest—Reuphoria Festival 2024 was celebrated with great pomp on September 21, 2024 at St. Dominic Savio High School, Andheri. This year’s theme, “Dreams That Make You Dream - Vision with Heart,” marked a decade of literary celebration, inviting students to delve into their aspirations and emotions through the transformative power of storytelling. 

The festival was declared open by the Principal Ms Valerie Mascarenhas along with Dn Jeswin Mastan during an engaging inaugural assembly. Students from the Bibliomania book club presented a colourful float depicting characters from the novel ‘Charlotte’s Web’. The skit ‘The Bookshop of Dreams’ took the audience on a lively library tour, followed by a choral recitation. The entire ambiance recharged as “The World Through Pages” was recited in unison, creating a vibrant atmosphere. 

In her address, Principal Ms Mascarenhas emphasized the influence of books to shape our worldview and turn dreams into reality. She highlighted how reading fosters resilience, creativity, and understanding. An audiovisual report was also presented, showcasing the Lit Fest’s journey since its inception ten years ago.

The day unfolded with a variety of activities. The Prop Story Adventure competition saw groups of students spinning imaginative tales using props. In the ‘Popped Out of the Book’ competition, students from grades V and VI dressed as characters from classic books, narrated excerpts. The senior secondary students showcased their oratory skills in Hindi and Marathi elocution competitions, discussing compelling topics such as gender equality, education, and the challenges faced by today’s youth.

Notable highlights of the day included the 19th M.R. Pai Memorial English Elocution Competition for grades IX and X and an inter-house Science Debate competition. Students also enjoyed a workshop by Mr Jeevan D’Cunha, titled “The Lesson I Learned from Books,” where they gained tips for smart reading. Scriptwriting workshops led by alumnus Mr Haydn Dias and a display of French cuisine added excitement to the day.

In the primary and pre-primary section, students participated in a special storytelling session with Mr Yash Thakur, a writer for animated shows and DEAR Time (Drop Everything and Read), who encouraged them to explore the world of books in a relaxed setting.

The day concluded with Vocabingo, which was thoroughly enjoyed by both students and teachers alike. The festival ended with a vote of thanks by the School Captain Karthik Sharma. The Reuphoria Festival 2024 truly reaffirmed St. Dominic Savio High School’s commitment to nurturing a love for literature in all its forms.

Reflecting on the day, Jason Cerejo of Std. IX remarked, “The workshop was enriching; it helped me discover tips to increase my reading capacity. I feel more inspired than ever to dive into my books.” Similarly, Gabriel D’Souza of Std. V said, "This was the first time I participated in so many events. Wearing Noah's costume and performing in front of everyone was incredible.”