MOVE ALONE — A Moment I Will Never Forget
The First Live Performance of My Song at Alpha to Omega Global School
Some events in life come quietly — without fanfare — yet they stay with you forever. For me, one such moment happened on 29th November 2025, during the Annual Day celebration at Alpha to Omega Global School (ATO), Chennai, India).
For the first time ever, my song “Move Alone”, written for my screenplay/future film project, Hercules and Me, was performed live on stage by a number of students. I wasn’t there in person, but when I received the videos… I was in tears.
Why “Move Alone” Exists
I wrote this song from a very personal place. Growing up in West Bengal with undiagnosed dyslexia, I felt lost most of the time — confused in class, unable to match the pace of others,
constantly misunderstood, often labelled “slow,” and sometimes made fun of without people knowing what I was going through.
But despite everything… I kept moving. Sometimes slowly, sometimes alone, but I kept walking forward because something deep inside me refused to give up.
“Move Alone” is an anthem for every child who feels left behind, out of place, or unseen. It’s a reminder that:
Even if no one understands your journey today, keep walking. Your light will guide you tomorrow.
When I opened the first video — the choreographed dance performance — I didn’t expect to feel so much. The children were so sincere in their movements… every step coming from a place of innocence and joy.
But one moment melted me:
There was a little child on stage who seemed a bit lost among the group. He danced when he remembered the steps… and then, sometimes, he would pause…and walk toward the background image the school had put up — the visual of Hercules and Me that had my name and the theme of the song.
He kept going close to that background, almost as if he wanted to touch me…to reach out… and connect.
When I saw that, I couldn’t stop my tears. It felt like the someone whispering to me: “Children feel your story. They understand it. You have a responsibility now.”
That one moment — that little boy stepping out of formation just to reach out to the poster — touched me more than anything else.
I felt blessed.
I felt honoured.
And I felt the weight of what this journey truly means. These children reminded me why I’m doing this.
In the second video, the host introduced me to the audience before the performance.
The presenter said:
“A self-taught Indian animator, creative director, sculptor and storyteller whose creative journey began in the gardens of West Bengal… growing up with undiagnosed dyslexia, transforming
rejection and isolation into raw creativity, instinct, and spiritual resilience .Our children have put up the song really well. Let’s give them a round of applause.”
Hearing someone describe my journey like that — in front of students, teachers, and parents — made me reflect on my journey. It felt like the first time my struggles and
my growth were acknowledged publicly.
It wasn’t about recognition.
It was simply about feeling seen.
And I will carry that moment with me forever.
Performed by Neurodiverse Children — Before the Film Is Even Made
That’s what makes this moment even more meaningful.
These were dyslexic and neurodiverse children — children who learn
differently, just like I once did.
For them to dance to this song…
for them to embody the message of resilience…
for them to celebrate a story born from my childhood…
It felt like the most meaningful beginning I could ever ask for. No PR, no film release, no promotions — just pure human connection.
This is the first time in my life that my art reached the hearts it was created for.
My Gratitude
My heartfelt thanks to:
Mrs. Lalitha Ramanujan, for choosing my song, encouraging the performance, and sharing these videos with me. The incredible teachers and choreographers who guided the children
The parents who supported them.
And above all, the children, whose sincerity and innocence gave this song a soul of its own. I feel deeply humbled and blessed.
Original Song
This Is the Beginning
The movie Hercules and Me isn’t made yet. But the message… the spirit… and the emotion behind it… has already reached the world. And it began with these children.
I will always remember this day as one of the most precious milestones of
my journey.
— Subhranil Dhar
Writer, Hercules and Me