National Day Parade 2022: A Fresh Wave of Youthful Spirit
For two years, the National Day Parade (NDP) felt a bit… empty. The vibrant laughs, the “move‑and‑jive” energy of students, and the sparkle of young minds were tucked away by the pandemic. But 2022 has turned the tide, bringing the melodic heartbeat of our youth back into the spotlight.
The Centrepiece: “Stronger Together, Majulah!”
Held at the iconic Marina Bay Floating Platform, the theme shouted, “we’re stronger when we’re together.” It wasn’t just a slogan – it was a promise fulfilled by 500 secondary school performers and 800 tertiary stars who danced, sang, and even served as makeup artists for the main show.
Kids on the Edge – Key Events
- Primary 5 squad took the audience role in the National Education (NE) Shows, previewing the grand event with their school‑eyed enthusiasm.
- Two standout performers, S M Bharathi (15, CHIJ Secondary) and Braden Lim (16, National Junior College), led the final act—Chapter 5—where fresh life and new hopes were wrapped in performance. Their tempo? Think fireworks plus a heartfelt lullaby.
- The closing segment was a gentle reminder that every new rhythm is a chapter waiting to be written.
Why It Matters
Beyond the dazzling lights and booming drums, the return of our young performers rekindles a sense of belonging. It reminds us that the future is drawn in the hands of our youth, which makes the parade not just a celebration of history, but a collective hope for tomorrow.
You guys are part of the first batch of youth and student performers to return after a two-year hiatus. You must be elated!
Celebrating the First NDP Live Show
The excitement in the studio is electric, and the energy is palpable—because this year, for the first time, the National Dance Programme (NDP) has gone live with a real-time audience cheering on the performers.
Bharathi’s Moment
- First Live Experience: Bharathi can’t stop grinning, saying, “I’m thrilled to perform for a live crowd!”
- Two Years of Broadcast: In the past two years, the show only aired live on screens—no physical audience, just a quiet studio.
- Energy & Fun: “Seeing people actually watch me dance is a total thrill!” she adds, feeling the buzz of the arena.
- Honest Enthusiasm: She even jokes, “It’s like stepping onto a stage where the carpet actually feels warmer because of all the cheers.”
Braden’s Take
- Honored to Perform: “I feel truly honored to dance in a live NDP setup,” Braden says, capturing the significance of the moment.
- Atmospheric Vibes: He mentions how the presence of an audience amplifies the national pride and the overall feel.
- Stoked for this Year: “I’m buzzing with excitement for this year’s NDP,” he adds, stoked by the chance to share his routine face‑to‑face with the crowd.
Both Bharathi and Braden describe the shift from silent broadcast to a roaring live spectacle as a game‑changer—one that not only elevates their performances but also deepens the connection between the performers and their enthusiastic fans.
How did you get involved in this year’s NDP?
Bharathi’s Big Break: From Dreaming to Drum‑Wielding
It sounds like the NDP (National Drum Parade) is the kind of thing you only find once in a lifetime – and the location is the big, live audience that turns your rehearsals into a wild reality show. Bharathi had it all lined up: a first‑come, first‑served ticket to perform and an unshakable desire to step onto the stage.
Why the NDP?
“When I was younger, I would come to the parade and think about what it would be like to be part of the performance,” she says. “So it’s a dream come true to perform in front of such a big ‘live’ audience.” The sheer thrill of watching numbers fizz and drumbeats pound, all the while knowing the crowd’s reactions are none other than REAL.
A Sure‑No‑Negative, “First‑Come, First‑Served” Win
- Fast‑track entry: Vasually a “rush” to win a spot.
- Early bird perks: Received a seat before the crowd even realized the action was happening.
- Dream spectacle: Turning those childhood fantasies into a blockbuster moment.
Braden’s Gratitude: Volunteering = Guaranteed Star Power
“I also volunteered, and if you volunteer, they try their best to include you,” Braden admits with a grin. That’s the second‑hand anthem of this event: when you give up your spare hours, you earn a chance to shine.
What Volunteering Unveils
- Inside scoop: Early access to the behind‑the‑scenes footage.
- All‑star lineup: The organizers keep volunteers in the mix like a secret recipe.
- Joining the chorus: Even if you’re not on the main stage, you’ll hear your name in the crowd.
Takeaway: If You Love Music, Watch That Volunteer Post.
Be bold. Fill that application form. Let the NDP show you that the world’s stage is never as far as you think it is.
<img alt="" data-caption="Bharathi and her fellow performers take turns to get their make-up done in the comfort of air-conditioned rooms at the F1 Pit Building before making their way to the Floating Platform.
PHOTO: Wonderwall” data-entity-type=”file” data-entity-uuid=”fb7e9187-5ae7-45b6-9ee7-226e1817ea70″ src=”/sites/default/files/inline-images/250722_njc_ww.jpg”/>
Have you made a lot of new friends here?
Bharathi and Braden’s New Adventure
Picture this: the lunchroom is buzzing, the kids are doing their own little dance, and Bharathi and Braden are about to make a splash.
The Moment
- Bharathi: points at Braden, voice brimming with excitement, “There! New one!”
- Braden: mirrors the gesture, bursts into laughter, “New one!”
It’s a simple exchange, but it’s packed with the kind of spontaneous joy that reminds us that even the smallest moments can feel like a new discovery. Picture them pointing, grinning, and the cafeteria around them turning into a stage where the spotlight falls on their playful banter.
Why It Matters
- It shows how friendship can make ordinary things feel extraordinary.
- It reminds us that humor can lighten any situation—especially when pointing at a new friend.
- It’s a tiny reminder that life’s best moments are often shared in the quietest corners of everyday life.
So next time you spot someone pointing at a new kid or something new in their world, remember Bharathi and Braden’s little giggle. It might just turn a regular slice of life into an unforgettable memory.
What’s been the most challenging part of being part of NDP 2022?
Hot‑Day Survival Guide
Braden’s Quick Take
Braden’s got it down: the sun is blazing like a giant candle right now. Skip the sunblock, and you’ll turn into a walking roast—skincare nightmare, no kidding!
Bharathi’s Smooth Strategy
Bharathi says the heat is relentless, but you can play it smart. Them sunscreen? Pure gold. Water? The lifeline. Basically, survive, survive, survive!
What Not to Forget
- Dust on a generous coat of SPF.
- Chug water—keep it steady.
- Shades or a good umbrella are lifesavers.
Nature’s a hard head, but with these moves you can keep your skin happy and your hangouts cool.
You’re going to be part of quite a few shows, including the actual one on 9 Aug. What motivates you?
Getting Social with Bharathi & Braden
Bharathi: “Absolutely! It’s all about hanging out with friends and striking up new connections. The joy of sharing moments together—whether it’s a fun selfie or a deep conversation—builds bonds that last a lifetime.”
Braden: “For me, the real focus is the bigger picture: making Singapore proud. I’m all in to help celebrate the city’s milestones and spotlight our collective achievements on their birthday.”
<img alt="" data-caption="To Braden, this year's NDP theme ("Stronger Together, Majulah!") is "a reminder that we can only advance and continue developing as a country if we unite and encourage each other so that we can all move forward together".
PHOTO: Wonderwall” data-entity-type=”file” data-entity-uuid=”ab469c3f-9ffa-413c-a54f-26980906b38c” src=”/sites/default/files/inline-images/250722_guy_ww.jpg”/>
Has being part of NDP live turned out to be all you expected it to be?
Inside the Spark‑Lit Stage: a Glimpse of the National Day Parades
Ever wondered what goes on behind those dazzling fireworks and crowds? Grab a seat (or stand on stage!) and let us spill the tipsy, neon‑bright secret of the National Day Parades.
Braden’s Back‑stage Breakdown
- It’s louder than a rock concert: “Honestly, it’s more than I expected.” When the lights dim and the crowd hushes, stage‑sound explodes—so intense that you can hear your own heart thumping.
- Feel the hype, feel the energy: Standing where the sparks will never fall is a rush. “You can really feel the hype especially when you’re on stage and you hear the audience singing along.” trust me, the crowd’s vocal synergy feels like a choir made of fireworks.
- Emotional fireworks 2.0: “It’s a very emotional atmosphere.” The feeling is almost literary—right after the finale, people turn to each other, eyes glowing, and you’re left humming the national anthem in a daze.
Bharathi’s Bold Revelation
- Hard work behind the bling: “I was quite shocked cuz I didn’t expect that there would be this much hard work behind all these National Day Parades.” From coordinating fireworks police to shaping choreography, people’s coordination is like a giant orchestra—each performer a crucial instrument.
- Unexpected thrills: The operations that keep the podium gleaming and safe are real, but the scene on the stage, when the curtains open, is a mix of thrilling chaos and beaming smiles that make the whole experience breathtaking.
All in all, the National Day Parades deliver more than fireworks—it’s an emotional, electrifying, and unforgettable stage full of human effort, playful excitement, and a splash of humanity that keeps every participant dancing together in perfect harmony.
Are you looking forward to the last show or do you think you’ll be sad that it’s over?
Bharathi & Braden’s Take on the 2022 National Day Parade
When the bright lights of the Singapore National Day Parade (NDP) flickered to life, even seasoned revelers felt a fresh rush of excitement. In the crowd, two voices stood out, each offering a candid snapshot of how they felt about the big day.
Inside the excitement
- Bharathi’s vibe: “I’ll definitely feel a pinch of sadness when it’s over, but you know what? The memories we’re making are golden. It’s one of those moments where you’re just in the flow and having a blast.”
- Braden’s outlook: “Can’t wait for the fireworks—those are going to be one of the biggest shows ever! And hey, everyone’s there – the audience, the President, the MPs – it’s going to feel like a total cool, almost epic affair.”
Both celebrated the moment’s grandeur, noting, “Even once the lights go out, the memories remain. That sense of awe? That’s what you’ll carry with you forever.”
Why it matters
The NDP is more than a fancy parade; it’s a toast to our shared history, a bright display of unity and fireworks. For people like Bharathi and Braden, it’s a chance to share the joy, feel the collective pulse, and create memories that will stay alive long after the last spark disappears.
Got a firework plan of your own?
So, next time the sky lights up, remember – the thrumming of the crowd, the glint of confetti, and the spiritual feeling of belonging will be yours to cherish. Hang onto those moments, because that “wow” will be the second part of your legacy that terrifies the day’s end, yet makes it unforgettable.
