The Global Indian Star 2024 singing competition, held at the GIIS Tokyo Nishikasai campus, was a resounding success, showcasing the extraordinary musical talents of our students. This annual event has become a hallmark of our school's commitment to nurturing and celebrating the artistic abilities of our young learners. This year, the event was open to non-GIIS students as well, and we received a fantastic response. The competition occurred in two rounds: auditions and finals, with four categories—Sub Junior, Junior, Sub-Senior, and Senior. Music plays a vital role in students' lives, nurturing different talents among children, which helps in developing the overall personality of a student.
 

Global Indian Star 2024 provided a platform for students from various grades to display their singing prowess. The competition saw participants delivering stunning performances across different genres, from classical Indian music to contemporary pop hits. This diversity in musical styles not only highlighted the students' versatility but also underscored the rich cultural tapestry of our school community.
 

At GIIS Tokyo, we take pride in encouraging and identifying talent from different genres. By offering platforms like Global Indian Star, we ensure that students have the opportunity to explore and express their musical abilities, whether it be in classical, pop, jazz, or any other genre. This inclusive approach helps us recognise and nurture the unique skills of each student, fostering a well-rounded development.
 

The panel of judges, comprising renowned musicians and vocal coaches, was thoroughly impressed by the calibre of performances. They noted the remarkable progress in vocal techniques, stage presence, and overall confidence of the participants. The audience, including parents, teachers, and fellow students, was equally enthralled, often breaking into spontaneous applause and cheers. The judges included Mr. Raymond McMorrin, a saxophonist and composer from Connecticut whose musical influences range from traditional jazz to the avant-garde, and Mr. Sanket Deshpande, a multi-talented musical expert with a deep interest in all aspects of music. Mr. Sanket is a remarkable singer, highly skilled percussionist, and a trained tabla and keyboard player. He is an expert in digital music production, recording, mixing, and mastering, and a key member of the band 'The Weekenders.' Besides his musical pursuits, he is also a marathon runner and an IT expert.
 

One of the key aspects of the Global Indian Star competition is the constructive feedback provided by the judges. This year was no exception, as each participant received personalised insights into their strengths and areas for improvement. Such feedback is invaluable in helping our students hone their skills and strive for greater heights in their musical journeys.
 

This year, the audience voted and decided the popular choice awards, highlighting the participatory spirit of the event.
 

Results - Global Indian Stars Tokyo 2024
 

Sub Junior Category

• Winner: Saanvi Koyande (3D CBSE)
• 1st Runner Up (2nd Position): Vedansh Kolhatkar (2B CBSE)
• 2nd Runner Up (3rd Position): Aishiki Ghosh (2A CBSE), Satvika Suraj (India International School in Japan)
• Golden Voice: Yuka Matsuda (2A CBSE)
• Jury’s Choice: Chihiro Sakuma (4A CBSE), Kyoko Shimoto (2A PYP)
• Popular Choice: Deenara Ukhande (2B CBSE)
   

Junior Category

• Winner: Taiga Minagawa (6A CBSE)
• 1st Runner Up (2nd Position): Toranosuke Noguchi (5B CBSE)
• 2nd Runner Up (3rd Position): Reva Paranjape (4A CBSE)
• Golden Voice: Emma Ito (4A CBSE)
• Jury’s Choice: Deepitha Venukumar (6A CBSE), Sujana Manikandan (India International School in Japan), Swarada Joshi (7A CBSE)
• Popular Choice: Viraj Venkat Vikekanath (5B CBSE)
   

Sub-Senior Category

• Winner: Mihika Hivarekar (7B CBSE)
• 1st Runner Up (2nd Position): Riya Morita Agrawal (9B IGCSE)
• Popular Choice: Lakshan Senthil Kumar (7B CLS)
   

Senior Category

• Winner: Tara Morita Agrawal (10B IGCSE)
• 1st Runner Up (2nd Position): Asmi Visal (10A IGCSE)
• 2nd Runner Up (3rd Position): Jaishitha Sivabalan (11A CBSE)
• Popular Choice: Aditi Naik (UIA International School)
   

While every participant was a star in their own right, the competition concluded with the announcement of winners across different categories. These young talents were awarded trophies and certificates, acknowledging their hard work, dedication, and exceptional talent. The joy and pride on their faces were a testament to the significance of this recognition.
 

The Global Indian Star 2024 event was more than just a competition; it was a celebration of the power of music to bring people together. It reinforced the sense of community within our school, as students, parents, and staff came together to support and celebrate our young performers. This shared experience strengthened the bonds within our school family and created lasting memories for all involved.
 

As we look forward to the next edition of Global Indian Star, we are excited about the potential and promise that our students continue to show. We remain committed to providing platforms like these that encourage artistic expression, foster growth, and celebrate talent. The future of music at GIIS Tokyo is indeed bright, and we can't wait to see what our students will achieve next.
 

A special thanks to our music department, Gayatri Kulkarni and Gaurav Goswami, for their dedication and support in making Global Indian Star 2024 a remarkable event. GIIS Tokyo is committed to nurturing well-rounded global leaders in all aspects, and events like these are a testament to our dedication.


GIIS Tokyo Communications