Young performers stole the show at the High School drama competition during the 64th State School Art Festival on January 15, 2026. Held at the Chaldean Syrian HSS Ground, the event was packed with enthusiastic spectators. The plays tackled big issues like the refugee crisis and local social prejudice with honesty and courage. One standout was ‘Bhasha’ by Memunda Higher Secondary School’s students from Kozhikode. The play spoke about a language stronger than words—the language of love and humanity. It showed the fear and loneliness refugees face, reminding everyone of Aylan Kurdi, the young Syrian boy who died while fleeing to Europe. Visuals of refugees’ harsh journeys made the pain feel real and urgent. Yet, ‘Bhasha’ also offered hope. Children on a shore welcomed a silent refugee boy, showing kindness beyond language. This act showed compassion as a form of resistance. P.M. Fidel Gautham said, “Violence against children is one of the greatest challenges of our time. In Gaza and elsewhere, it is children who are the victims. It is their little dreams that burn first. To understand the language of love, you don’t need great linguistic scholarship. All you need is a good heart. That is what we are trying to say through this play.” Siyara Babu added, “Children across the world are living in extreme insecurity today. War can break out anywhere, at any moment. Education, basic facilities and affection are rights every child deserves. We tried to tell the world this message in the simplest possible way.” Director Jino Joseph said, “Wherever in the world, the language of love and pain is the same. It is beyond language. When children show that a smile and a little more love can bring all living beings together, the play reminds us that the world needs the language spoken by the heart.” Another gripping play, ‘Arana,’ tackled social prejudice and blind belief. It drew on the Malayalam proverb ‘Arana kadichal udane maranam’ to expose how myths can destroy innocence. In the play, Arana is wrongly blamed for a death and sentenced to death, only for society to later see it was all superstition. The play condemned misinformation, mob mentality and silent suffering. Overall, every play demanded attention. They explored issues like the exploitation of marginalized groups, broken promises by leaders, and deep social biases. More than entertainment, these plays were bold questions for society.