Indian holidays have always captivated me since I was a child, whether it’s Diwali, Holi, or Christmas. One among them is Navratri, a celebration of Gujarati ethnic music and dance known as Garba. The senior school Garba celebration, also referred to as the Garba fest, is one of the activities that my school is well-known for. Every year on this particular evening, all of the students dance to the rhythm of Garba and forget about their studies. Since I enjoy doing art and craft projects and this was a great chance to learn about a celebration that is rooted in a rich and intricate culture, I was thrilled to be assigned to the Garba Fest decor team.

LO1: Identify own strengths and develop areas for growth

When I was assigned to the decor team, I began to consider what area I could contribute the most to, whether it was creating the wall hangings, creating the event’s ornamental charts, or preparing the space for the celebration on the day. After giving it some thought, I made the decision to design something that had never happened at the event before and about which I was confident and well-versed. I chose to use used newspapers and plastic crates to create a one-of-a-kind sculpture that depicted Gujarati culture. Working in a team also helps me get better at communicating, cooperating with others, and most importantly being patient.

LO2: Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills in the process.

It was challenging to work with a group of people that have various interests and ideas. There were times when our team members disagreed about things like the event’s theme, how much work each person would be expected to do, or what decorations would need to be made for the occasion. However, in order to have seamless preparation sessions and an ideal result, we all agreed to listen to one another patiently and respect each other’s viewpoints. Additionally, it was particularly challenging for me at first because the members of the décor team had to arrive at school early in order to work on the event decorations. However, it gradually turned into a habit that I still continue, which enables me to save a lot of time and devote it to my academic and holistic growth. I completely agree that I’ve gotten better at things like teamwork, efficient time management, and interaction with others. In next projects, the abilities will enable me to work as a team member more effectively.

LO4: Show commitment to and perseverance in CAS experiences.

“Once you have commitment, you need the discipline and hard work to get you there.”

-Haile Gebrselassie

Success is primarily contingent on hard effort and perseverance. I had many difficulties during the preparation process, including instances when the sculpture I was working on did not take on the appropriate shape, instances where the colour would blend together, and other issues. Despite these difficulties, I continued to work on the décor, solicited critique from friends and faculty members, and eventually completed the peacock sculpture. 

LO5: Demonstrate the skills and recognize the benefits of working collaboratively.

Sometimes, the difference in thoughts of group members did cause arguments and hold-ups. Nevertheless we realised that working well with others is a critical ability and an essential requirement for success in a group environment. We all agreed to approach our work with patience and respect for one another in order to guarantee efficient preparation sessions and the best possible result. We not only conquered our obstacles but also promoted a climate of trust and collaboration by actively listening to one another and appreciating the opinions of every team member. Teamwork taught me that openness, empathy, and flexibility are necessary for productive collaboration. In the end, our combined efforts produced a product that demonstrated the genuine strength of cooperation and represented the inventiveness and dedication of each member of the group.

Participating in the Garba Fest as a member of the decor team was an enriching experience that taught me valuable life skills. From managing my time efficiently to collaborating and communicating effectively with my team, this journey was a true learning curve. The lessons I gained will stay with me as I navigate future challenges, and the memories of our hard work and teamwork will always hold a special place in my heart. This experience not only allowed me to contribute creatively but also helped me grow personally and develop skills that will benefit me for years to come.