The Garba Fest at school was a once in a year, experience that merged creativity, activity, and service into a single mega CAS project. Being the leader, I was in charge of aspects right from conceptualising the event and coordinating logistics to dealing with decor, coordinating emails, and maintaining smooth coordination with bands and crew members. The vision was straightforward but challenging: to design a real and immersive Garba experience that united the school community to rejoice in culture, music, and dance, and obviously do it better than last year. More than an event, it was about building inclusivity, collaboration, and happiness and adopting the rich heritage of Garba.

LO3 – Initiate and plan a CAS experience:
Taking the lead on this project required planning, coordination, and execution from the start. From selecting the right decor to ensuring the performers had what they needed for a perfect night of garba. Managing multiple teams, setting timelines, and troubleshooting challenges tested my leadership skills, making me realize the power of organization and proactive decision-making, early ins to making sure that everybody worked at their fullest extent.

LO4 – Show perseverance and commitment in CAS experience:
Delayed approvals, last-minute changes, and logistical challenges were just a few struggles of the planning and management of the event. However, staying committed to the vision and adapting to obstacles with patience and resilience helped bring everything together successfully and to make sure everybody loved the night. The labor work and things that make everybody tired had to be done with commitment.

LO6 – Engagement with issues of global significance:
Garba is more than just a dance; it is a cultural expression that brings people together, regardless of background. Organizing this fest highlighted the importance of preserving and promoting cultural traditions in a modern, fast-paced world. It was fulfilling to see students who had never experienced Garba before fully immerse themselves in the celebration, bridging cultural gaps and fostering a sense of unity.

Organizing Garba Fest was an amazing experience that challenged me to develop as an organizer, communicator, and problem solver through a school activity. The experience instilled in me the value of teamwork, flexibility, and cultural appreciation as well as student organization and school accommodation. Witnessing everyone gathering together—wearing colorful traditional clothes, dancing with excitement, and sharing a moment of triumph—was a reminder of how experiences such as these leave long-lasting memories and feelings of accomplishment.