New Delhi: A 20-member delegation from Dongxin Primary School in Hsinchu, Taiwan, visited Evergreen Public School in Vasundhara Enclave, East Delhi, as part of an International Student Exchange Programme. Their week-long visit culminated in a spectacular cultural evening held at the Karthiayani Socio-Cultural Complex in New Delhi on January 21, 2025, marking a milestone in India-Taiwan educational and cultural collaboration.
The Taiwanese students, hailing from Classes 4, 5, and 6, participated in hands-on activities during the exchange, including demonstrations on connecting and testing circuit boards.
This visit followed three years of virtual interactions between the schools and was a celebration of cultural and educational ties fostered under the Ministry of Education (MOE), Taiwan’s initiative to promote school-level cooperation with India since 2022.
The cultural extravaganza began with a warm welcome by Evergreen’s student cabinet, a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony, and a heartfelt welcome song. Performances from both schools showcased the rich heritage of their respective cultures. Highlights included India’s Ganesh Vandana and Shiv Stuti, followed by folk dances such as Rajasthan’s Ghoomer, Maharashtra’s Lavani, and the Kalbelia dance. Taiwanese students enriched the evening with traditional theater and musical performances, bringing the rhythms of Taiwan to life.
A Bamboo-Dandiya performance, blending Indian and Taiwanese dance forms, stood out as a vibrant symbol of unity in diversity. Additionally, the program featured themes of sustainable development, including a mime act on quality education (SDG4) and a dance emphasizing health and well-being (SDG3). The evening ended with students, parents, and teachers dancing together, celebrating the spirit of cultural harmony.
Addressing the gathering, Mrs. Muneesh Thukral emphasized the role of such educational exchanges in strengthening the bond between India and Taiwan. “Through programs like these, we lay the foundation for a future of mutual respect and collaboration with love and peace. These young performers are the torchbearers of a relationship built on cultural appreciation and shared aspirations.” she said.
Peters L Y Chen, Director of Education Division, TECC said, ”This cultural evening was not just a showcase of talent but also a reflection of the enduring friendship between the two nations. At an impressionable age, these children are learning in the presence of peers across countries and are being exposed to the world outside the bubble of their hometowns – thus, equipping them with the knowledge of how cultures vary, and thrive across the world.”
“Cultural exchanges and celebrations at the school level serve as a reminder that art and education are powerful bridges that not just connect hearts, but also inspire futures built on the idea of a unity in diversity. Events like these strengthen cross-cultural understanding and pave the way for future collaborations,” he added.