“लाभले आम्हास भाग्य बोलतो मराठी, जाहलो खरेच धन्य ऐकतो मराठी.”
~ DPGA’s Marathi Divas; the birthdate of the great कुसुमाग्रज — a day of pride for Marathi
Friday, 27th February, 2026
Dr Pillai Global Academy, New Panvel
Marathi Bhasha Gaurav Din at Dr. Pillai Global Academy, New Panvel is a culturally significant celebration, where students come together to honour the language, alongside all its artistic and cultural contributions. This day marks the birth of revered Marathi writer, Vishnu Vaman Shirwadkar, better known as Kusumagraj, who wrote poetry, plays, novels, and short stories revolving around freedom and justice, making his mark on Marathi and Indian literature. Students at DPGA take part in dances, songs, speeches and much more to commemorate Marathi Divas.
As do most cultural fests, Marathi Divas began with the National Anthem, State Song, and School Song — each one representative of collective pride. In regards to the State Song, the unison of voices all singing the same song, one praising and paying homage to Maharashtra, evoked a true sense of patriotism and cultural appreciation of the Marathi language.
Following this, the day’s hosts introduced the audience to the festival and all that it entailed, before proceeding with the lighting of the lamp, lending the event an air of spirituality. Soon after, the chief guest, Mr. Prashant Shedge was introduced along with the guest of honour, our management representative Ms. Mabel Pillai and were felicitated.
Next, and most importantly, the audience was elucidated on the great Kusumagraj, learning about his unforgettable contribution to the Marathi language through his writings. Most notably, he wrote नटसम्राट (Natsamrat), a tragic play, and विशाखा (Vishakha), a collection of poetry. His memorable writings, coupled with the themes he explored — patriotic, revolutionary — quickly transformed him into the voice of a generation, and brought the Marathi language to the forefront of the Freedom Struggle.
Soon after, the Welcome Dance began — representative of the power of the Marathi language to be woven so effortlessly into dance, of how the rhythm of the language lends itself easily to the steps of a dancer. The audience was enthralled by the mastery of the student performers.
Another informative part of the programme was the introduction of the Marathi language: its origin, contributions, and more. The students of DPGA graced the stage with eloquent and detailed speeches, illuminating the significance of this language taken so often for granted by its speakers. The playfulness of the language, its inherent poeticism and rhythm — all of this was soon understood and recognized by the students.
To further highlight the inherent artistry of Marathi, a group song was sung by the students. The music was magnificent, and well performed, and further showcased both the talents of the student performers and the nature of the Marathi language. The elegance and energy of the students was electrifying, and evidently engaged the audience. The beauty of the language was further shown through the कवी संमेलन — a gathering of poets. Student performers presented poems by famous poets, touching on numerous important themes like human resilience, nature, and society at large. Another wonderful artistic performance was a musical drama — मूल्यांची गाथा, or A Saga of Values. Through this musical, students expressed the significance of morality and value systems. To present such a vital topic through the Marathi language reminded the audience of the linguistic uniqueness of Marathi, the power its words have in sending across messages.
As the performances came to a close, the chief guest, Mr. Prashant Shedge enlightened the audience with his thoughts on the day, followed by Ms. Mabel Pillai and the principal, Mr. Prakash Nair. After the usual conclusion and vote of thanks, students gathered to sing हीच आमुची प्रार्थना (This Is Our Prayer) — a song that echoes the very essence of Marathi culture: the importance of humanity.
All in all, Marathi Divas was one of many successful cultural events hosted by DPGA, with special thanks to the Language Department. The audience was captivated by this breakdown and showcase of the Marathi language. As a school, DPGA believes in this: “To develop local actions… to create global options,” that is to say, without the preservation and celebration of local cultures, one cannot enjoy the variety and diversity of the Global Village. To once again translate, and quote a well-known Marathi saying, “मराठी भाषा दिवस: लोकशाही, लोकहित, लोकप्रिय!” (“Marathi Language Day: Democracy, Commonweal, and Cherished.”)
Author: Mugdha Vinod Patil (IBDP 1A)
Stepping onto the rocky paths of Shivneri Fort felt like stepping into the pages of history itself.
On 7th February 2025, students from Grades 6 to 9 went on an educational trek to Shivneri Fort, near Junnar in Pune district. The fort is historically significant as the birthplace of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
The trek began in the morning with excitement and energy. Guided by teachers, students climbed the rocky trail leading to the fort. The path was moderately challenging, but teamwork and encouragement made the journey enjoyable. Along the way, students observed the seven gates, ancient water reservoirs, and stone structures that reflect the fort’s rich history.
At the summit, the panoramic view of the Sahyadri hills left everyone in awe. Teachers shared stories of Shivaji Maharaj’s childhood at Shivneri, helping students connect classroom lessons with the real environment.
The trek was both adventurous and educational. It taught endurance, cooperation, and respect for heritage. More importantly, standing on the fort’s ramparts gave students a sense of pride and inspiration. The students returned not only with memories of a trek, but with the feeling that they had touched history and carried its spirit forward.
Author: Ayanna Anil Nair, 9B
An exciting Inter-House Throwball Tournament was recently conducted at our school for the senior and intermediate categories. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from all the houses, with each team displaying remarkable sportsmanship, coordination, and determination. The matches were closely contested, keeping the spectators engaged throughout. Players demonstrated impressive skill, agility, and teamwork, making the tournament both competitive and enjoyable.
The event not only promoted physical fitness but also fostered a strong spirit of unity and healthy competition among students, making it a memorable sporting experience for everyone involved.
Author: Parth Kotariya
The Interhouse Extempore held at DPGA was a lively and inspiring showcase of eloquence, spontaneity, and creativity. Students representing all houses took the stage with confidence, speaking on diverse topics that tested their ability to think quickly and communicate effectively.
What stood out was not just the clarity of speech but also the originality of ideas. Each participant brought a unique perspective, demonstrating presence of mind and the ability to engage an audience without prior preparation. The event highlighted the importance of extempore speaking as a skill that sharpens critical thinking, enhances communication, and builds self-assurance.
Judges commended the participants for their creativity and composure, praising the way they transformed off-the-cuff prompts into compelling speeches. The competition fostered healthy rivalry among houses while reinforcing teamwork and mutual encouragement.
More than a contest, the Interhouse Extempore became a celebration of talent, confidence, and collaboration. It reflected the school’s commitment to nurturing articulate individuals who can express themselves with conviction and grace. The event left both participants and audience inspired, proving that true eloquence lies in the ability to think on one’s feet and speak from the heart.
Author: Ayanna Nair (9B)