St. Mary’s High School, Kalyan(E)hosted its spectacular Annual Day Celebration – a whirlwind journey of Wit, Wonder and Will on 9th September 2025, at Acharya Prahlad Keshav Atre Rang Mandir, Kalyan bringing to life the enchanting world of Matilda, the beloved character from Roald Dahl’s classic novel. The event was a resounding success, filled with vibrant performances, heartfelt moments, and a celebration of student creativity and courage.
The evening opened with a warm welcome from Principal, Ms. Prerna Singh, followed by a series of captivating performances that echoed Matilda’s themes of intelligence, resilience, and the power of imagination. Students dazzled the audience with dramatic skits, musical renditions, and dance sequences that paid tribute to Matilda’s journey and her love for books and learning.
Dr. Neelam Malik, Director of Arya Global Schools, emphasized the significance of reading skills in fostering academic and personal growth among students. She proudly announced that the school has successfully integrated a reading challenge activity into its curriculum over the past three years. Dr. Malik underscored the importance of cultivating strong reading habits in today’s fast-paced digital era, highlighting that reading serves as the foundation of learning. Mr. Bharat Malik, Chairman of Arya Global Groups of Schools, extended high praise to the school for its efforts in fostering holistic development among students through a diverse range of activities and programs.
We were deeply honored by the presence of Ashwini Mukadam, a distinguished actress and a renowned Bharatanatyam dancer. Ma’am commended the students for their confidence and originality, noting that their performances were not only entertaining and inspiring but also beautifully embodied by the essence of Matilda.
The grandeur of the occasion was further elevated by the esteemed presence of Mrs. Simrat Satish Gaikwad, former Kabaddi Coach at the Sports Authority of India, a distinguished recipient of multiple accolades, who was deputed by SAI to train the National Kabaddi Team of Tanzania, a testament to her exceptional expertise and dedication to the sport. Ma’am praised the school’s commitment to nurturing creativity and critical thinking and expressed that it was heartening to see a school adopt a theme that encourages children to be brave, curious, and kind.
The occasion was rendered even more memorable by the gracious presence of Mr. Subhash Avate, the former Deputy Inspector General of Police, and Mrs. Reeta Sonawat, the director of Ampersand Group and former reader at Ambedkar University.
The magnificence of the day was made much brighter with the presence of the Guests of Honour, Ms. Aishwarya Dilip Gaikwad and Dr Adarsh Pravin Kumar, the very own alumni of the school. Miss. Anagha Ajith rocked the stage with her electrifying musical performances.
Among the other dignitaries present were Mr. Bharat Malik, the Chairman of Arya Global Schools, Dr. Neelam Malik, the Director, Mr. Krishank Malik, the I.T. Director, Bhumika Ray Malik, the Design Director, Dr. Vinda Bhuskute, the Compliance Head of Arya Global schools, Sports Director, Mr. Deepak Verma, Shobhana Jha Ma’am, H.R. Head, Shiv Bhaskar, the Principals, Vice-Principals and Head Mistresses of Arya Global Groups of Schools.
SSC achievers and subject toppers were also felicitated to acknowledge their hard work and dedication to their studies.
Parents and alumni filled the auditorium with applause and appreciation, making the evening truly memorable. Through vibrant performances and heartfelt moments, the program highlighted creativity, growth, and togetherness.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks and a message of encouragement for students to continue embracing their inner brilliance. It was an unforgettable celebration of young brilliance and the magic of learning! As we move forward, we carry the spirit of “Matilda” — embracing change, beauty, and strength in all that we do.
