Lifestyle

International Clown Festival by Prabha Khaitan Foundation sets off laugh riot for Kolkata children

by Trans World Features | @twfindia 15 Oct 2023, 06:48 pm

Kolkata: Laughter, they say, is the best medicine. So when the Kolkata-based Prabha Khaitan Foundation and Education For All Trust under their initiative Muskaan organised the International Clown Festival in the city which is already on a pre-Puja festive gear, it was time to laugh out loud (LOL) for hordes of children who turned up at the event.

Bringing joy, laughter, and unforgettable memories to children from all walks of life, the event at Science City Kolkata on Oct 10 was a laugh riot, featuring eight talented clowns from around the world, including Japan, Singapore, Canada, the USA, Germany, and host India.

Two captivating shows were hosted during the International Clown Festival with an attendance of 2000 students for each show, both of which brought a burst of energy, laughter, and wide smiles to all who attended.

Mansi Kamdar Shah, Karuna, Muskaan and Special Projects Officer of Prabha Khaitan Foundation

These shows were graced by the presence of children from Modern High School for Girls, South City International School, Mahadevi Birla World Academy, Bridge International, La Martiniere for Boys as well as underprivileged and special needs children from several NGOs, all of whom delighted in the extraordinary performances.

Shefali Rawat Agarwal, Ehsaas woman of Kolkata

Shefali Rawat Agarwal, Ehsaas woman of Kolkata welcomed all the attendees with her address.

The International Clowns, with their diverse backgrounds and talents, worked their magic to engage, entertain, and interact with the children in a manner that warmed hearts and left an indelible impression. From captivating juggling acts to mind-boggling magic tricks, the clowns masterfully bridged cultural and linguistic barriers to create a shared experience of pure joy.

Mansi Kamdar Shah, Karuna, Muskaan and Special Projects Officer of Prabha Khaitan Foundation, shared: “We believe in the power of a smile to transform lives."

"The International Clown Festival is a testament to the incredible ability of laughter to unite, inspire, and heal. We are thrilled to see the children from our Muskaan project and those in need enjoy such a magical day of happiness and shared laughter. The festival perfectly aligns with our vision to create a world filled with joy and compassion," she said.

The clowns

Mrs S Chatterjee, Coordinator, Primary & Junior Department, Modern High School for Girls, said: “We can't thank Muskaan enough for inviting us to the wonderful and joyous International Clown Festival. We appreciate their endeavour to organise such an event for the school children of Kolkata. Our children and us teachers too, enjoyed the whole show and had a great time.”

Students break into laughter at the show

Muskaan is supported by Shree Cement Ltd under their CSR initiative and continues to make a remarkable impact in the lives of children who need it the most. The International Clown Festival is just one example of the unwavering dedication to spreading happiness and fostering a more compassionate world. As they say, "a smile can change the world," and Muskaan is doing just that, one joyful event at a time.