Dr Jagdish Gandhi & Dr Bharti Gandhi
Founder-Manager & Founder-Director

“The visionaries working to promote a broader definition of education that frees it from its largely material emphasis to focus on a broader effort that encompasses all the three realities of a child: material, human and spiritual.”

We are very happy that our Rajajipuram I is organizing Odyssey International 2024 thus carrying forward the wonderful CMS tradition of creating opportunities for children and educators to engage in meaningful dialogue and interactions that promote English not only as a language but bringing together students from all parts of the world on a common platform. English serves meaningfully as a link language among the people of different countries and has now grown to become a truly global language of communication -spoken, written and understood in most of the world's countries. International organisations like the United Nations and its main organs like ILO, UNESCO and the World Bank prefer to use English as their official language. It has also been seen that the use of the English language has contributed immensely to building international understanding amongst people by helping them come out of limited spheres of ethnic thought and cultures, thus ultimately leading to world unity and world peace. We are delighted that Odyssey 2024 will witness several interactive competitions that will greatly enhance interactive skills of participants through debates, dramatics, essay writing, elocution besides building a better vocabulary. Proficiency in the English language will be most helpful to students as the latest developments in the fields of science, space and nuclear research, medicine and engineering, etc are readily and easily available in the language. As in previous Odyssey events, this one too promises to be one great educational experience for our students and their educators, with William Shakespeare, John Milton, T.S. Elliot, P.B. Shelly and others coming alive through drama and poetry. It will also greatly motivate young learners to 'Explore, Learn, Protect and Respect' the diversity of literature. We are also certain that Odyssey International will bring children from many countries of the world on a common platform where they can engage in discussions on the need for a New World Order. We wish you, your staff and students all the very best for the success of this global English Festival.

“May Peace Prevail on Earth..”

Prof. Geeta Gandhi Kingdon & Dr. Roger Kingdon
Manager & President, CMS

In the pages bound by time's embrace,
Lies the world's wisdom, grace to grace.
Words woven in a tapestry bright,
Literature, a beacon in the night.

Dear Participant, English Literature of myriad genres has given pleasure to countless readers, and English language has been a benign global force in the development of all fields of human study, research, and knowledge transfer.

CMS Rajajipuram Campus I is organising 10th Odyssey 2024 to provide English language enthusiasts from India and abroad the opportunity to celebrate this beautiful and expressive language by engaging in a range of fun activities including drama, elocution, mime, creative writing, debate, depiction and quizzing, on topics related to English literature and language. While not overtly intended to be educative, participation in 10th Odyssey will inevitably help to increase students' appreciation of the beauty of English, its role in sharpening the sensibilities and expanding the horizons of the human mind, and its power to cause progress by permitting communication between diverse people. Students will also gain an understanding of the evolution and changing usage of English language, while also sharpening their wit, humour and powers of expression.

I welcome all participants, and am confident Odyssey will provide a rewarding experience to cherish later “oft when on your couch you lie, in vacant or in pensive mood”(to twist Wordsworth's famous line with slight poetic license)!

Congratulations to the Principal, staff and students of CMS Rajajipuram Campus I for conceiving such an interesting event, and for organizing it year after year with matchless energy, enthusiasm and panache – always unfailingly a pleasure to attend !

Ms Susmita Ghose
Superior Principal & Head, Quality Assurance and Innovation Department, CMS

From the rustling of the leaves,
To the sound of heartbeat,
Music is present all around us.
It begins with a wave To form a beat.
Music is the paradise of emotions.

Odyssey, is a grand celebration of music, and performing arts. It promises to be an unforgettable experience celebrating the diversity and richness of talent within our school community.

In the words of Thomas Merton, “Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time.”

Odyssey embodies this philosophy, as it becomes a platform for students to not only showcase their artistic talents but also to learn and grow through the collaborative spirit of the performing arts. The transformative experience of Performing Arts Olympiad not only highlights the literary and artistic prowess of our students but also underscores the importance of fostering creativity and cultural exchange within the educational environment.

Odyssey stands as a testament to what can be achieved when a community comes together to celebrate the beauty of creativity within the educational journey.

It is the firm belief of our Founder Manger, Dr Jagdish Gandhi and Founder Director, Dr Bharti Gandhi that events like Odyssey prepare our students to explore and express their true potential and develop essential life skills. As Maya Angelou aptly stated, ”You cannot use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.”

The encouragement from our Manager, Prof. Geeta Gandhi Kingdon empowers the students to unleash their creativity without limitations. Her leadership and unwavering commitment to our growth and success have made a significant impact on both our personal and professional development.

As we applaud the performers on the stage, let us also appreciate the unsung heroes behind the scenes whose dedication has created an environment where the arts can flourish, enriching the educational experience for everyone involved. The commitment of the staff and the students underscores the collaborative effort required to nurture a thriving arts and literary program within the school.

I would like to extend my heartfelt acknowledgment to Mrs Nisha Pandey, Senior Principal, Rajajipuram Campus I City Montessori School, for leading her staff to make Odyssey a resounding success. Her creativity,innovation, and adaptability in navigating the challenges of the ever-changing educational landscape deserve our utmost appreciation.

I would now force myself to stop here with one last reminder for all.

“Take pride in how far we have come, and have faith in how far we can go.”

Mrs Sonia Khan
ABRSM Representative, India
and Managing Director, INYOC

Beyond the hush of a turning page,
A symphony on history's stage.
From whispered myths to epic verse,
Language blooms, a guiding source.

Music and literature share a profound interconnectedness, each enriching and inspiring the other in a symbiotic relationship. Just as literature employs language to evoke emotions and paint vivid narratives, music employs melody, rhythm, and harmony to convey moods and tell stories without words. Often, literature serves as a muse for composers, with literary works inspiring musical compositions that capture the essence of the written word, such as symphonic poems based on epic poems or operas adapted from classic novels. Conversely, music can enhance the emotional depth of literary works when used as a soundtrack or referenced within the text, adding layers of meaning and ambiance. Through their shared ability to evoke powerful emotions and convey complex themes, music and literature form a dynamic bond that transcends individual artistic mediums, creating a rich tapestry of human expression.

Learning music offers a multitude of benefits that extend far beyond the realm of melody and harmony. Firstly, it fosters cognitive development by sharpening memory, enhancing problem-solving skills, and promoting critical thinking. Additionally, mastering an instrument requires discipline and patience, instilling valuable life skills such as perseverance and time management. Music education also nurtures creativity and self-expression, providing a medium for individuals to communicate and connect with others on a profound emotional level.

The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) stands as a beacon of excellence in the realm of music education and assessment. Renowned globally for its rigorous standards and comprehensive syllabi, ABRSM plays a pivotal role in nurturing musical talent and fostering a deep appreciation for music. The Odyssey event series will be an enriching journey for participants, combining the profound interconnectedness of music and literature with the transformative benefits of music education, inspired by the artistry of the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM). Just as literature and music enrich and inspire each other in a symbiotic relationship, Odyssey will offer a platform for students to showcase their talents and immerse themselves in the world of performance. Through competitive events such as Solo Singing, Solo Instrumental, and Choir performances, participants will have the opportunity to hone their technical proficiency, musical interpretation, and performance skills, drawing from ABRSM-recommended pieces carefully curated to resonate with the essence of the event. Lumiere des Instrumentals and Enchante Soliste events, in particular, will empower students to express themselves creatively and connect with others on a profound emotional level, fostering a sense of community and belonging within the vibrant tapestry of human expression that music and literature together create.