Odyssey International 2026: A Vibrant Evening of Culture, Collaboration & Creative Expression
The spirit of Odyssey International 2026 came alive in a spectacular cultural celebration, where literature stepped beyond the written words to find expression through music, dance, theatre, dialogue, and the rich cultural traditions of India and Nepal.
The grand inaugural ceremony was graced by our Chief Guest Mr Awanish Kumar Awasthi, IAS (Retd.), Advisor to the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Guest of Honour and renowned folk singer Padma Shri Malini Awasthi, CMS Founder-Director Dr Bharti Gandhi, CMS Managing Director Prof. Geeta Gandhi Kingdon, CMS President Dr Roger Kingdon, Ms Reena Soti (Head, CMS QAID), Senior Principal of CMS Rajajipuram Campus I, Mrs Nisha Pandey, and other Principals and Heads of City Montessori School. Around 500 delegates and eminent participants from India and Nepal attended the vibrant cultural programme hosted at Dr Jagdish Gandhi Auditorium in Rajajipuram, Lucknow.
Warmly welcoming the distinguished guests, participating student teams, and team leaders, CMS Managing Director Prof. Geeta Gandhi Kingdon highlighted the deeper purpose behind this year’s theme, ‘Literature for a Lasting Earth: Scripting Sustainability One Story at a Time.’ She emphasised the importance of nurturing environmental awareness and social responsibility among young people and empowering them to grow into responsible global citizens.
Mrs Nisha Pandey, Senior Principal and Convenor of Odyssey International 2026, encouraged the participants to embrace challenges, develop confidence, and discover their potential through meaningful competition and collaboration.
Our Honoured Chief Guest Shri Awanish Kumar Awasthi appreciated this unique initiative and commended CMS for enriching young minds not only through education, but also through ideas, imagination, and thoughtful engagement with the world around them.
The stage travelled across India as students presented the richness of regional folk traditions through captivating folk dances. The participating teams from Nepal and different Indian states won hearts with their lively and imaginative introductions that brought their identities and traditions to the forefront.
A powerful dance drama added theatrical depth to the celebration, while an insightful World Parliament session brought together voices and cultural highlights from different countries in a lively exchange of perspectives.
Each performance offered a glimpse into a different culture, yet together they told one larger story — ‘Diversity does not divide us; it gives us more stories to share.’
