Bachcha Koli dance and mithai for Obama

School students at Colaba's Holy Name High School have been on their toes since they got wind of US President Barack Obama's visit to Mumbai 10 days ago. A group of students are busy rehearsing a Koli and Diya dance that will be showcased during Obama's forthcoming visit to the school on November 7.


Students of Holy Name High School, from Class IV to VI, rehearse the
traditionalu00a0 Koli dance ahead of President Obama's visit on November 7.
Eight kids will perform. Pic/Bipin Kokate

Eight students from classes IV to VI have been chosen to perform the cultural dance of the local Koli community, while 10 students from classes V to IX will perform a diya dance on the occasion of Diwali. A science project on energy conservation and environmental health will be showcased by students of class X.

Says headboy and class X student Juzer Furniturewala, "As much as I am excited to see Obama, I am nervous too. I'm one of the four students who are part of the science project. I am worried what question he will ask me on the project but I'm sure my teachers will guide me ahead of his visit." Class IX student Mamta Chauhan, 14, who will perform the diya dance, says, "I cancelled a trip to my native place just to see him and perform for him. We will be rehearsing on all days except Sunday."

School principal Father Michael Pinto received a confirmation on President Obama's visit on Friday. "We sent the US consulate a brochure of our science exhibition and the Diwali sweets menu. All my students wanted to meet Obama. Students of class 9 and 10 have also made a portrait of Obama," he said.

Nilam Prabhu, a teacher said, "The children are more excited about Obama's visit than their Diwali holidays. A lot of them are busy preparing charts." The students will be making a big rangoli that they say is the star Diwali attraction."

The US consulate drew up a list of schools that the President could visit before finally zeroing in on the Holy Name High School in South Mumbai. The school has ensured that adequate safety arrangements have been made. The hall has been decorated with flowers and Diwali lanterns. For security reasons, only students who are likely to perform in the dance and science exhibition, will be called, besides a few teachers and a select group parents.