Interact envisions a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change — across the globe, in their communities, and in themselves, which is not only true of what we believe at Tagore International but also what we are embracing as part of the inclusive precepts of G20 and Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. The Installation Ceremony of the Interact Club was held on 24 July 2023. The ceremony began with the students rendering ‘We Shall Overcome’ in English, Hindi and French, followed by the lively Chirni dance. The encouraging words of the distinguished guests, namely Interact Chair, Rtn. Sameer Mehrotra; Club Secretary, Rtn. Sudip De and Director, Youth Services and New Generation, Rtn. Sandeep Pal Mandal served to motivate the students to put in their best. After being honoured with a medal and badge, President, Rhea Sehgal took the stage and delivered an inspiring address, emphasizing the importance of leadership, dedication and teamwork, followed by the introduction and installation of the 2023-2024 team. The ceremony came to a close with a vote of thanks delivered by the Vice President, Yashaswi. This will undoubtedly prove a wonderful opportunity for Tagoreans to learn and grow !
On July 28, 2023, Tagore International School Vasant Vihar (TIS VV) witnessed a spectacular interschool competition called “Connect Saathi” that aimed to raise awareness about organ donation through various artistic expressions. This event was organized as part of the campaign “Outlive Yourself,” in collaboration with the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO). The theme of the competition revolved around organ donation, and students from different schools participated in three exciting categories: Goonj (Nukkad Natak), Abhivyakti (English and Hindi Poetry), and Rangrez (Art). The competition’s first round took place online, attracting more than 40 entries from enthusiastic participants. The creative works submitted in the initial phase demonstrated the young minds’ passion and commitment to spreading the noble cause of organ donation. Following the online round, the second round was held offline at TIS VV, where the top four teams from each category had the opportunity to present their talent and compete for the prestigious first and second positions. The school campus was bustling with energy and excitement as the participants eagerly awaited the chance to showcase their artistic brilliance. The esteemed panel of judges, consisting of Mr. Anjon Bose, Ms. Sarmishta Chakrabarti, Ms. Puja Dewan, and Ms. Priya Pal, brought their expertise to evaluate the performances and artworks. Each entry was assessed based on creativity, relevance to the theme, and the impact it could potentially have in promoting organ donation awareness. The event’s grandeur was enhanced by the presence of the distinguished chief guest, Dr. Krishnan Kumar, OSD, NOTTO. His inspiring speech emphasized the importance of organ donation and how it can transform and save lives. In addition the Guest of Honour PP Rtn. Sanjeev Verma and Rtn. Sudip De from Rotary International graced the occasion, further adding to the event’s significance. As the performances and presentations unfurled, the audience was captivated by the powerful messages conveyed through Nukkad Natak, heart-touching verses of poetry, and thought-provoking artistic creations. The students’ dedication to the cause was evident in their exceptional performances, reflecting their commitment to making a positive impact on society. Finally, the event culminated in a grand prize distribution ceremony. The judges applauded the winners for their efforts in advocating for organ donation. However, it was evident that each participant contributed significantly to the cause, making them all winners in their own right. “Connect Saathi” proved to be a resounding success in fulfilling its objective of raising organ donation awareness among the youth and the wider community. The event not only showcased the creative potential of young minds but also ignited a collective passion for a cause that holds the potential to save countless lives. The spirit of camaraderie and compassion displayed during this competition will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on all participants and attendees, inspiring them to become ambassadors for organ donation awareness in their respective communities. As the curtains fell on “Connect Saathi,” the echo of its message continued to resonate, with the hope that the seeds of awareness sown during this event would blossom into a future where organ donation becomes a readily embraced practice, thus gifting the invaluable gift of life to those in need.
Ms. Anjali Gopalan, Founder and Executive Director, NAZ Foundation, conducted an interactive session for the students of grade XI and the Breaking Barriers team on Tuesday, 11 July 2023. The session started with Ms Anjali clarifying basics like what exactly does each of the letters in LGBTQI+ stand for and addressing the commonly misunderstood, ignored and misconstrued information pertaining to these terms. This was followed by an extremely informative discussion wherein strong opinions were shared from both ends on topics ranging from homosexual matrimony in India to unequal laws, parental pressure to societal rejection and sensitization to acceptance. Students zeal to learn more about the community was equally matched with Ms. Anjali’s patience to address each query. It was a unique opportunity for one and all to gain insight into the struggles faced by today’s youth due to discrimination and set-thought process of the Indian society at large.
