“The roots of true achievement lie in the will to become the best that we can be.”

There are moments when a school becomes more than a place of learning—when its corridors echo with laughter, its classrooms brim with ideas, and its spaces become stages upon which young minds dare to create, perform and excel. Br. Eric Steve D’Souza Columban Mélange 2026 was one such celebration. Held from 3rd to 5th August 2026, the festival brought together over 30 schools in an atmosphere charged with enthusiasm, creativity and the joy of shared learning.

Guided by the evocative theme “Rooted and Rising – Deeply Anchored, Highly Charged,” Mélange 2026 celebrated the beautiful balance between strong foundations and limitless aspirations. It invited students to remain grounded in values while having the courage to explore new possibilities, challenge themselves and discover the extent of their own potential.

The festival is deeply connected to the enduring legacy of Late Brother Eric Steve D’Souza, fondly remembered as Br. Steve—a visionary educator who believed that education must extend beyond textbooks and examinations. His pioneering spirit, emphasis on creativity and independent thinking, and commitment to nurturing the whole child continue to inspire the ethos of Mélange.

The Opening Ceremony set the tone for the celebrations with a warm welcome, a tribute to Br. Eric Steve D’Souza, the ceremonial lighting of the lamp and a graceful prayer dance. The gathering was then introduced to the diverse range of events that awaited the participants, before Brother Robert formally declared Mélange 2026 open.

And then, the campus came alive.

Across the three days, students from over 30 schools stepped into a remarkable array of events spanning quizzing, science, technology, robotics, theatre, music, dance, art, languages, culinary skills, photography and creative expression. From the intellectual challenge of The Quiz Quest, The Quizzing Cameos and The Brainy Bunch to the imaginative world of Science Tales with Talking Puppets; from the culinary creativity of Bites and Delights and Plates and Pud to the technological challenges of Circuit Crusaders, Scratch O’ Mania and Web O’Tech—every event offered its own distinctive avenue for talent to shine.

The later events added yet more colour to the Mélange canvas. When Artefacts Speak, History Listens, Coasters of Culture, Design-a-Bag, Photometria 2.0, Cultural Kaleidoscope and Podcast en Español: Raíces y Resiliencia invited students to engage with history, culture, design and communication in imaginative ways. The musical and performing arts events—including Echo Evolution, Vocal Titans, Battle of Bands and Nritya Udaan—filled the campus with rhythm, expression and youthful energy.

What made the festival particularly memorable was the spirit in which the competition unfolded. Students arrived with determination and returned with experiences that extended far beyond results. They learnt from one another, applauded one another’s accomplishments and discovered the value of teamwork, perseverance and gracious participation. Mélange offered young people not merely a platform to compete, but a space in which confidence could grow and new friendships could take root.

Behind the vibrancy of the festival stood the quiet dedication of the many people who made it possible—teachers, organisers, coordinators, volunteers and helpers. Their meticulous planning and wholehearted commitment ensured that the three-day celebration moved seamlessly from one event to another, creating an environment where every participant could feel welcomed, guided and valued.

The Closing Ceremony brought the festivities to a fitting culmination. A vibrant dance performance, a musical presentation and a heartfelt tribute to Br. Eric Steve D’Souza preceded the much-anticipated announcement of the Overall Champions.

The prestigious Br. Eric Steve D’Souza Columban Mélange Rolling Trophy was presented to Delhi Public School, Noida- the Overall Champions of Mélange 2026. The moment marked a fitting recognition of their achievement and brought a triumphant close to three days of spirited participation and excellence.

Yet, as the final applause faded and the campus gradually returned to its familiar rhythm, Mélange left behind something far more enduring than trophies. It left behind conversations shared, challenges overcome, friendships formed, confidence strengthened and memories that will linger long after the last event has ended.

In many ways, this is the true spirit of Mélange: to be firmly rooted, yet never afraid to rise; to compete with conviction, yet celebrate with generosity; and to discover that excellence is not simply about winning, but about becoming a little better, braver and more inspired along the way.

As the curtains fell on Br. Eric Steve D’Souza Columban Mélange 2026, the spirit of its theme remained—deeply anchored in values, richly nourished by experience, and ever ready to rise towards new horizons.

Mélange 2026 was not merely a festival of competition. It was a celebration of young minds, a tribute to a lasting legacy, and a vibrant reminder that when talent is given space to flourish, possibilities are limitless.

Reported by: Mrs. Sisha J. Lawrence

COLUMBAN MÉLANGE 2026

EVENT WISE RESULTS

DAY 1 (August 3, 2026)

              DAY 2 (August 4, 2026)

DAY 3 (August 5, 2026)

OVERALL TROPHY WINNER: DELHI PUBLIC SCHOOL, NOIDA