Date: 10 & 11 July 2026

“Goonj 2026: Inspiring young minds through creativity, collaboration and excellence.”

National Public School, Yeshwanthpur, proudly hosted its flagship inter-school cultural and intellectual fest, Goonj 2026, over two vibrant days. Bringing together over 900 enthusiastic participants from 21 schools, the fest featured 28 thoughtfully curated events across 15 academic departments,offering students of Classes 3 to 12 an enriching platform to showcase their talents across literature, languages, science, mathematics, commerce, technology, social sciences, music and the performing arts.

The fest commenced each morning with an inaugural ceremony featuring the lighting of the lamp, invocation, welcome address and introduction of the esteemed panel of judges. Principal Ms Sheeja Manoj encouraged every participant to compete with confidence, integrity and enthusiasm, reminding them that the true spirit of Goonj lies in learning, collaboration and personal growth. What followed was a vibrant celebration of creativity, innovation and intellectual excellence as students immersed themselves in a wide spectrum of thoughtfully designed competitions.

The Performing Arts came alive through Pages to Present, Natya Darpan, Nrityarupakam and Nritya Nataka, where literature, mythology and history were brought to life through expressive monologues, theatre and dance. Trivanta challenged students to create imaginative crossover plays, while Rhythmscape, the inter-school band competition, captivated audiences with outstanding musical performances. Theme Walk celebrated diverse urban identities through creative fashion and character portrayal.

The fest also fostered Debates, Diplomacy & Critical Thinking through events such as Debattle, Charcha Vedike, Veritas Interna, Veritas Vincit, Sansad and Model United Nations (MUN). From parliamentary proceedings and courtroom simulations to panel discussions and international diplomacy, participants demonstrated articulate communication, analytical thinking, leadership and collaborative problem-solving while engaging with contemporary issues from local and global perspectives.

Creativity, Design & Innovation found expression through Haasya Abhinay, Adornia and LogoTech, where participants showcased humour, artistic craftsmanship and digital creativity. Younger learners explored storytelling through Terra Tales, while Pixel Patakha transformed traditional games into engaging mathematical experiences that blended imagination with logical thinking.

The domains of Science, Technology & Engineering inspired participants through Field Fiesta, Science Relay and Mind Over Mystery, encouraging scientific inquiry, teamwork and evidence-based reasoning. RoboMaster – CloudAlert Quest challenged students to develop innovative weather-monitoring solutions using robotics, while Webfinity tested coding proficiency, creativity and web design skills through a live website development challenge.

The spirit of Commerce, Entrepreneurship & Mathematical Excellence was showcased through FinSpectra, Venture Crucible and Mercatus Dominus, where participants demonstrated financial literacy, business strategy and entrepreneurial acumen. Meanwhile, Trail Blazers and Math Escape Room encouraged mathematical reasoning, innovation and collaborative problem-solving through exciting design and puzzle-based challenges.

The fest concluded with a vibrant valedictory ceremony celebrating the achievements of the participants and the unwavering support of the schools, judges, teachers and volunteers. The Overall Championship was awarded to Brigade School Malleshwaram, recognising the school's exceptional performance across a diverse range of events. Goonj 2026 once again proved to be far more than an inter-school competition—it was a celebration of talent, creativity, collaboration and experiential learning, leaving participants inspired to continue exploring, innovating and excelling beyond the classroom.

DAY 1