Sri Vijaya Puram, October 16: Government Middle School (GMS), Padmanabhapuram, organised its 2nd Annual Heritage Mela-Cum-Cultural Programme for the academic session 2026–27 on October 16, 2026, connecting classroom learning with real-life situations and cultural lifestyles.
The day’s events were graced by Chief Guest Mr. Venkateshwar Rao (Pradhan, Gram Panchayat Sivapuram), Guest of Honour Mr. Govinda Reddy (JE, APWD, Betapur), and Special Guest Mrs. Shanta Kumari (Panchayat Samiti Member), along with school committee members, parents, teachers from nearby schools, staff and students.
The celebration commenced with a ceremonial ribbon-cutting of the Heritage Club Exhibition room by the dignitaries, followed by bouquet presentations and the lighting of the lamp. Welcoming the gathering, Headmaster Mr. Nani Gopal Das underscored the importance of cultural preservation. Mr. J. Ramesh, GTT (Social Science), spoke on India’s multicultural society, Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, Unity in Diversity and heritage club activities. The programme was hosted by Mrs. Sri Vidiya, GTT.
Accompanied by the dignitaries, attendees explored a display of 40 student-crafted models covering historical monuments, traditional attires, village and city life, dance forms, major Indian religions, traditional artifacts, household items, languages, traditional transportation, an Indian Heritage corner, and the indigenous tribes of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Special appreciation went to Eshika and Shruti (Class VII) for their award-winning model of the historic Cellular Jail.
A Heritage Food Cuisines segment followed, where students prepared and served traditional delicacies under hygienic practices. The Heritage Club Cultural Programme featured songs, dances and traditional attires representing Telugu, Tamil, Bengali, Malayali, Sadri, Punjabi, Nicobarese and Bhojpuri cultures. A Traditional Ramp Walk and living-heritage performances showcasing indigenous tribes were highlights, with Sai Kumar (Class VI) portraying the Jarawa Tribe and Saswat Machuar (Class VIII) portraying the Onge Tribe.
In the prize distribution, Best Model Presenters awards went to Eshika and Shruti; Best Cultural Performers to Aaliya (Class VIII) and Mohd. Sadiq (Class VI) for their Punjabi presentation; and Special Recognition to Sai Kumar and Saswat Machuar. Chief Guest Mr. Venkateshwar Rao, Guest of Honour Mr. Govinda Reddy and Special Guest Mrs. Shanta Kumari addressed the gathering and appreciated the efforts of the school community. The Headmaster delivered the vote of thanks.
