School jazzes up a Diwali extravaganza for US prez

Colaba’s Holy Name School will be hosting US President Barack Obama and wife Michelle, who will be celebrating their second Diwali at the convent school. Last year, Obama had celebrated his first Diwali in the White House along with many Indian-Americans.

Those sharing the joy of the US President and the First Lady is a small group of 24-odd schoolchildren, who have begun preparing tirelessly for the visit. “We were surprised and happy to know that our school has been chosen for the Diwali celebrations with the American President,” Fr Michael Pinto, the school’s principal, said.

Founded in 1939, Holy Name School is known for its cultural activities, projects and its premises and it is hard to imagine the energy that is buzzing into the school’s students. While some are busy preparing welcome posters, which will be plastered across the school walls, some have been sweating it out throughout the past week practicing and perfecting the “koli dance” in their classroom on the ground floor.

Colaba is the old fishermen colony and the traditional folk dance will aptly reflect the vibrant culture. Obama and his wife would be received by these Koli dancers, and would be taken to the auditorium, where the couple will light a traditional lamp.