Kolkata (15/10): A two-day celebration of music, dance and theatre pays tribute to the master of world cinema, and asks a question every parent and teacher is quietly asking: who is really in charge of our children’s minds?
What if the tyrant king of Hirak Rajar Deshe did not rule through fear and brainwashing machines, but through a glowing screen and an endlessly obliging algorithm?
That was the question posed on the stage of The Heritage School, Kolkata, during its Annual Concert, held over 14 and 15 October 2026 and featuring students from Class III to Class XII.
The standout of the two days was a play dedicated to Satyajit Ray, the master of world cinema, built around the beloved world of Goopy Gyne Bagha Byne. Students recreated the iconic scenes of Ray’s film, but with a striking contemporary twist. Ray’s shrewd King Hirak was reimagined as Artificial Intelligence. The king’s infamous Mogoj Astro and Mogoj Dhulai (the brain-washing machines of the original) became a metaphor for the endless scrolling and over-reliance on AI that can dull young minds and erode cognitive skills.
But the young storytellers did not stop at the warning. In a finale that drew warm applause, the students flipped the script. AI was not worshipped, nor was it banished. It was put in its rightful place as an aid, a tool in human hands and not a ruler over human minds. Just as Goopy and Bagha used their gifts to dismantle a tyrant’s hold, the students showed that curiosity, thinking and creativity remain the most powerful forces of all.
The message was clear: technology is a wonderful servant, but a dangerous master.
A Tribute in Song, Dance and Drama
The concert also featured:
A musical tribute to Satyajit Ray, sung by students, honouring the filmmaker’s enduring legacy
Agomoni, a vibrant dance presentation complete with the rhythmic dhunuchi naach, as a prelude to Durga Puja
Cultural dance performances by students across classes, showcasing the school’s commitment to the arts
Chief Guests Speak: Talent with Discipline, and Safety First
Day 1 (14 October) was graced by Mr. Nikhil Nirmal, IAS, Commissioner of School Education, West Bengal, as Chief Guest. In his address, he spoke about the safety measures every school should follow to protect its students, underlining that a safe campus is the foundation of all learning. He appreciated The Heritage School for inculcating basic values among its students and for incorporating all the safety measures a school should have in place.
Day 2 (15 October) was graced by Ms. Poulami Chatterjee Bose, Indian theatre artist, director and actress, and daughter of the legendary Bengali actor, the late Soumitra Chatterjee, as Chief Guest. Ms. Sumedha Bansal was the Guest of Honour. Ms. Bose spoke about the importance of talent with discipline, reminding young performers that gifts must be matched by sustained effort. It was a particularly resonant message on a stage that celebrated her father’s long creative association with Satyajit Ray.
“Satyajit Ray taught us that great stories hold up a mirror to their time. Our students have done exactly that: they took a classic and asked what it means for their own generation. Seeing them conclude that AI must serve human intelligence, and never replace it, made us immensely proud. At Heritage, we want children who use technology wisely, and who never stop thinking for themselves.”
Ms. Seema Sapru, Principal, The Heritage School.
“The Annual Concert reflects what we believe education should be: a place where creativity, discipline and values grow together. When young people can take a master’s work and make it speak to today’s challenges, they are learning to think, question and lead. We are proud of every student and teacher who made these two days possible.”
Shri Pradip Agarwal, CEO, Heritage Group of Institutions.
The concert was attended by Shri Vikram Swarup, Chairman, The Heritage School and Vice Chairman, Heritage Group of Institutions; Shri Siddharth Swarup, Trustee, Heritage Group of Institutions; and Shri Varun Swarup, along with parents, teachers and invited guests, who gave the young performers a standing ovation.
The Heritage School, Kolkata,is a part of the Heritage Group of Institutions, is known for its focus on holistic education, blending academic excellence with the arts, sports and values. Its annual concert is a much-anticipated platform for students to showcase their talents and engage with ideas that matter. The School is ranked #1 by C-Fore in West Bengal for 2026, ranked #1 in East Kolkata among all CISCE Schools by Times School Ranking 2026, is ranked as an IVY League School by Education World for 2025 and 2026 etc. Students from the School were All India topper in 2017 ISC, 2023 ISC and 2026 ICSE and ISC exams. Also in IGCSE and IBDP the students were world toppers in 2026.
Reported by Sanatan Mahakud
