The Virmani Public School Launches, 'Safar Nama,' its School Anthem

This year, the 14th of February 2025, was an important day for the Virmani Public School, not just because the school was celebrating its Annual Day, but, also because of the launch of its Anthem, Hamari Pehchaan was launched. The official video was launched by Mr. Anil Virmani, Trustee, of the Virmani Education Trust and Management Society. Both, Mr Anil Virmani and Mr Amitav Vrimani have been a driving force behind the success of the school and they have pooled in all their expertise in the field of education and pedagogy to make this school what it is today! Parents in the locality today are highly eager to get their children admitted to the school. Both the Dahnpatmal Virmani Senior Secondary School and the Virmani Public school are managed by the Dahnpatmal Virmani Education Trust and Management Society.

Safarnama traces the growth of the school throughout the ages. It brings out the desire to excel with new energy, to discover the fruits of hard work, and to make education more meaningful.

It was also a glad moment to connect with Mr Avatar Singh Rawat the Head of School of the Dhanpatmal Virmani Sr. Secondary School at Roop Nagar, Delhi.

In an interesting Q&A Session, Mr. Anil Virmani and Amitav Virmani exchanged questions and answers, tracing the family's long history back to when they settled in Lyalpur, Pakistan. The family had always championed the cause of the underprivileged, and they had a school in the town.

It was also, for me, an important day when I could meet The Virmanis, and Ex-colleagues from when I worked at the Dhanpatmal Virmani Senior Secondary School rather like a homecoming it was!

I was graciously welcomed by Mr. Anil Virmani and Mr. Amitav Virmani, who had once been my managers. Of course, Dr. (Mrs) Rekha Sharma, Principal of the Virmani Public School, was also most welcoming. It was heartwarming to see how well the school is being run, with its neat, well-maintained building, up-to-date computer lab, swanky classrooms, amazing display boards, and highly adaptable pedagogy.

It is highly appreciated that the school has adopted holistic learning, which includes child safety norms, innovative education initiatives, expeditionary learning, and many other experiential activities. Teach for India is a key partner, and nine new fellows have joined the school.

Amazing Vignettes from The Surajkund Crafts Fair-2025

This February as always, was a month we, my wife and brother looked forward to visiting the Surajkund Crafts fair in Faridabad. As always, the visit to the Crafts Fair was exciting, enjoyable and a moment to be cherished. The vast array of handicraft items, exotic food, textiles, decorative items and yes the masks were simply amazing. Of course, the cultural programs performed by troupes from African countries were spell-binding. The dance performance by the group from Togo was powerful and spell-binding.

The performance by the troupe from Cape Verde was filled with energy and action. The people of Cape Verde, are of a multi-ethnic provenance, a mix of European and African descent. The official language is Portuguese and their national language is Cape Verdean Creole. Cape Verde is formed of a series of islands. 

I have lived in Arbaminch, a town in Ethiopia, close to the border of Kenya and when I spotted the dance troupe from Kenya, I could step back in time and remember similar dances being performed. The Guji tribe and the Masai tribe share similar traits. The Surajkund Crafts Fair was not just about handicraft items but also bringing cultures, and people from all over the world together.

Apart from the cultural fiesta, the Crafts Fair provided visitors a glimpse of amazing handicraft items from all over the world. There were colorful dolls from Uzbekistan.

The wooden Giraffes and wooden statues from Africa presented a veritable feast for the eyes.

Some of the noteworthy scenes at the Crafts Fair were those of people dressed in traditional dresses, masks and other accessories that made them look rather distinct. There was a man dressed as a Naga Warrior and others who were somehow, different, colourful, and imposing!

Amazing Moments Captured As a Wildlife Photographer

An Antelope passed my path photographed by Sanjay, my brother.

I was able to photograph some of the unlikeliest moment yesterday when I visited a National Park in Gurgaon. This was a photograph of a Cormorant relieving itself after a heavy late night meal!

Yes the white trail that you see in the above photograph is a sign of a good meal that the Cormorant must have had the previous night. I was there at the right moment and the right place to see this amazing moment, (respect to the bird in its private moment).

The Cormorant, however appears in all its glory in the warm tones of the winter sun. I was able to photograph it as it spread its wings!

One of the most amazing sights was to see Northern Shoveller fighting off its sibling from the nest. I guess, sibling rivalry exists in birds too!

Spotting one Owl can be a great achievement, but then spotting a whole family can be a master stroke! I was lucky enough to capture these rather unique photographs of a family of Owls! It was an amazing moment to be able to photograph this family of Owls even as they regarded me. 

Capturing the ubiquitous Asian Antelope can be a rewarding experience, but then photographing a pair in close proximity can be even more rewarding!

One of the joys as a wildlife photographer is to capture moments that speak volumes about the beauty of nature. It is indeed a most fulfilling opportunity to photograph nature in its splendour!

There are instances when you don't get to photograph birds in flight, but then being able to photograph behaviour of birds and wildlife in their intimate moments can be most rewarding!