3.2 Compere a Programme

The compère requests the audience to switch off their mobile phones or put them on silent mode so that sudden ringtones do not interrupt the programme, and everyone can focus entirely on the creative expressions of the students[cite: 15].

She requests them to be seated because the dignitaries have arrived, and the formal programme is about to commence[cite: 15].

At the beginning of the programme, the compère addresses the Chief Guest Shri Charudatta Diwan, the President of Balanand Education Society Shri Avadhoot Pathak, Principal Dr Ajinkya Parakhi, and Vice Principal Dr Shaila Singh by their names[cite: 15].

"Atithi Devo Bhava" is a Sanskrit phrase which means 'A guest is equivalent to God' or 'Treat your guests like God'[cite: 15].

We learn that Shri Charudatta Diwan is an eminent personality in the field of Art and Culture, a renowned painter of international repute, a proud recipient of many prestigious awards, and the President of the Kala Ranjan Academy[cite: 15].

Throughout the programme, the compère thanks the Chief Guest (for releasing the book and giving an enlightening speech), the Principal, the Art teacher, and the students who performed various cultural items[cite: 15].

• Mr Avadhoot Pathak: He is the President of the Balanand Education Society (also referred to as the beacon of the institution)[cite: 15].
• Ms Shubhada Murarka: She is the School Captain (Head Girl) and Cultural in-charge[cite: 15].
• Mr Ajinkya Parakhi: He is the dynamic and inspiring Principal of Balanand Vidyalaya[cite: 15].

The released book is a special volume comprising photographs of all the beautiful and unique pieces of art that are displayed in the auditorium exhibition, representing the artistic and skilful contributions of the school students[cite: 15].

The compère thanks the Chief Guest for releasing the special book, officially inaugurating the art festival, declaring the prize winners, giving away the prizes, and delivering an invaluable and enlightening speech on various aspects of Art and Culture[cite: 15].

The students taking part in the Taal Kacheri are Sahil (vocal rendition), Varsha (on Mridangam), Vivek (on Dholak), Zubin (on Tabla), and Govind (on Ghatam)[cite: 15].

'Taal Kacheri' refers to a traditional Indian musical performance or concert focused primarily on rhythm ('taal') using multiple percussion instruments playing together[cite: 15].

A vocal rendition relies entirely on the human voice to create rhythms, syllables, or melodies, whereas instrumental music uses physical instruments to produce sound. In this Taal Kacheri, Sahil uses his voice to recite the rhythmic beats, which the other students then demonstrate on their physical instruments[cite: 15].

The compère says these phrases after the respective performances have ended, in order to appreciate and praise the students who just performed[cite: 15].

'Butterflies in your stomach' is an idiom that means feeling very nervous, anxious, or excited, usually just before an important event or an announcement (like a prize distribution)[cite: 15].

Based on the passage, the correct sequence of the Balanand Vidyalaya Art Festival Programme is:

Phrases: (1) to appraise (2) to be relieved of (3) to draw the curtain (4) to escort (5) to be likened to (6) to have butterflies in ones stomach

• (a) Before we draw the curtain let us stand in attention for the National Anthem.
• (b) I had butterflies in my stomach just as I was to receive my Report Card.
• (c) After I took the medicine, I was relieved of the pain.
• (d) Before we do the experiment in the Laboratory, let me appraise you all about it.
• (e) The minister was escorted by his personal body-guards.
• (f) Sorrowful times are likened to darkness.