Dear Principals of Esteemed Schools and Colleges Across the World,

Greetings and warm wishes from City Montessori School, Aliganj Campus I, Lucknow, India.

It gives me immense pleasure to introduce City Montessori School, Lucknow (CMS) — an institution that began its remarkable journey in 1959 with just five students and has today grown into a globally recognised educational movement. CMS proudly holds the Guinness World Record for being the largest school in the world by pupil strength, with over 65,200 students in a single city, and is also the distinguished recipient of the UNESCO Prize for Peace Education (2002). Rooted in the philosophy of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ (the World is One Family), the school is committed to nurturing global citizens who combine academic excellence with character, compassion, and a spirit of universal brotherhood.

It is with great joy that we invite your esteemed institution to participate in the 15^th International Cultural Competition — Celesta International 2026, a prestigious festival of music, dance, art, and photography, organised biennially by CMS Aliganj Campus I. The festival aims to promote meaningful intercultural dialogue and creative expression among young learners from diverse nations, providing a vibrant global platform where talent transcends geographical boundaries. Over the years, this four-day cultural celebration has earned international recognition, attracting enthusiastic participation from schools across India and many countries around the world.

The inspiration behind Celesta lies in a deep concern that rapid modernisation, while essential for progress, may inadvertently erode traditional cultural expressions and artistic heritage. Preserving and celebrating our rich cultural legacy is therefore not merely an artistic endeavour but an emotional and civic responsibility. Celesta seeks to create a space where tradition and innovation coexist harmoniously, allowing young minds to appreciate cultural diversity while discovering shared human values.

We cordially invite your institution to be a part of Celesta International 2026, scheduled from 22^nd to 25^th August 2026, and to witness the extraordinary beauty of artistic collaboration unfold over four enriching days. Your participation will contribute to strengthening bonds of friendship, understanding, and global harmony among future generations.

We extend a special invitation to the Principals of participating institutions, as our ‘Guest of Honour’ to grace the occasion with their presence.*

We look forward to your positive response and to welcoming your students to this celebration of culture, creativity, and global unity.