The Heritage School’s Annual Concert Reimagines Satyajit Ray’s Hirak Rajar Deshe in the AI Age

The Heritage School, Kolkata, held its two-day Annual Concert on October 14 and 15, 2026, bringing together students from Classes III to XII for a celebration of music, dance and theatre. The highlight was a theatrical tribute to legendary filmmaker Satyajit Ray, which revisited the world of Goopy Gyne Bagha Byne and used the story’s themes to explore the growing influence of artificial intelligence (AI) on young minds.

By reimagining the tyrannical King Hirak as AI, the students drew parallels between the brainwashing machines Mogoj Astro and Mogoj Dhulai in Hirak Rajar Deshe and today’s endless scrolling and excessive dependence on technology. The performance cautioned that over-reliance on AI could weaken independent thinking and cognitive skills, while its conclusion emphasised that technology should remain a tool guided by human intelligence rather than a force that controls it. The students’ central message was that curiosity, critical thinking and creativity remain essential in an increasingly digital world.

The concert also featured a musical tribute to Ray, with students celebrating the filmmaker’s enduring contribution to cinema. A vibrant Agomoni presentation, featuring the rhythmic dhunuchi naach, welcomed the approaching Durga Puja festivities. Cultural dance performances by students across classes further showcased the school’s emphasis on artistic expression alongside academic learning.

The first day, October 14, was attended by Mr Nikhil Nirmal, IAS, Commissioner of School Education, West Bengal, as Chief Guest. In his address, he highlighted the importance of implementing appropriate safety measures in schools, stressing that a secure campus is fundamental to students’ learning and development. He also appreciated The Heritage School for nurturing basic values among its students and ensuring that essential safety provisions were in place.

On October 15, Indian theatre artist, director and actress Ms Poulami Chatterjee Bose, daughter of the late legendary Bengali actor Soumitra Chatterjee, attended as Chief Guest, while Ms. Sumedha Bansal was the Guest of Honour. Ms. Bose spoke about the importance of discipline in developing and sustaining talent, reminding the young performers that natural ability must be supported by consistent effort. Her message carried particular significance at an event that celebrated her father’s longstanding creative association with Satyajit Ray.

Commenting on the students’ performance, Ms Seema Sapru, Principal of The Heritage School, said Ray’s storytelling encouraged audiences to reflect on the times they lived in. She expressed pride in the students for adapting a classic to contemporary concerns and recognising that AI should support, rather than replace, human intelligence. She added that the school aims to help children use technology responsibly without losing their ability to think independently.

Shri Pradip Agarwal, CEO of the Heritage Group of Institutions, said the Annual Concert reflected the institution’s belief that education should nurture creativity, discipline and values together. He noted that interpreting a master filmmaker’s work through present-day challenges encouraged students to question, think and develop leadership qualities, while acknowledging the contributions of the students and teachers who made the two-day programme possible.

The concert was attended by Shri Vikram Swarup, Chairman of The Heritage School and Vice Chairman of the Heritage Group of Institutions; Shri Siddharth Swarup, Trustee of the Heritage Group of Institutions; and Shri Varun Swarup, alongside parents, teachers and invited guests. The young performers received a standing ovation, bringing the celebrations to a close. Through its blend of artistic performances and a contemporary interpretation of Ray’s work, the Annual Concert highlighted the importance of balancing technological progress with independent thought, creativity and responsible learning.