In a significant stride towards advancing their mission to promote organ donation, the Outlive Yourself team received an exclusive invitation from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in Delhi. Interactions with Dr. Atul Goel, Director General of Health Affairs, and Dr. Krishnan Kumar, Chief Medical Officer of the Ministry, proved transformative, emphasizing the vital role of collaborative efforts for community well-being. The insightful discussion offered a glimpse into the government’s perspective on organ donation and transplantation in India, reshaping our students’ perspectives on this sensitive topic. The Ministry’s appreciation of our campaign and advocacy not only served to inspire the students but also highlighted the critical need for collective action in this field.

On December 21, 2023, the core team of Breaking Barriers had the privilege of engaging in a virtual dialogue with Axis Bank’s inclusion and diversity team. Centered around the theme of ‘Inclusion of the Young,’ the session featured team members sharing insights on cultivating an inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ individuals in both educational institutions and the corporate realm. The session took on a lighthearted and comfortable tone as participants shared personal coming-out experiences and real-life stories. Thought-provoking questions were posed, delving into how the campaign addresses challenges like homophobia from parents or peers. The Axis Bank team offered valuable guidance on supporting LGBTQ+ friends and community members, emphasizing the significance of active, open-minded, and open-hearted listening free from personal bias. This collaborative exchange not only left our students enlightened but also inspired to persist in our endeavors to create a more inclusive and supportive space for the LGBTQIA+ community.

ORGAN India (Organ Receiving and Giving Awareness Network) is an initiative that was launched in March 2013 by The Parashar Foundation, (a Delhi-based NGO) to address the unhappy state of organ donation in India. They seek to remedy the shortage of organ donors and spread awareness about it. Ms Sunaina, CEO ORGAN India, accompanied by Ms. Divya, visited our school on 31 October, 2023 to conduct a session on organ and tissue donation. The students of Class IX along with the team of ‘Outlive Yourself’ and ‘Flawless Flaws’ participated in it. Ms. Sunaina addressed the students about the dire need for organ donors, organs and tissues that can be donated, types of organ donation and the side effects of a transplant. A short movie about  heart transplantation, provided a glimpse into the complex process. She spoke about the World Transplant Games and representation by Indian athletes there. Students were given an insightful glimpse into the life of Mr. Karhun Nanda, who exemplifies vitality after a successful heart transplant. The interaction culminated in an engaging quiz, where those who answered correctly were delighted to be rewarded with diaries. 

People who challenge binary social constructions of gender have traditionally faced discrimination and humiliation in society. The Breaking Barriers team has been working very sincerely to create a more inclusive mindset and to sensitise students to the needs of the LGBTQI+ community. As part of this effort, on 16 October 2023, our students had the opportunity to interact with Hiten Noonwal, who is a very successful drag artist, model, cosplayer and fashion designer. Hiten uses the pronouns ‘they’ and ‘them’ and  speaks openly about their genderfluid identity. They started with a beautiful live performance and the graceful dance moves spoke of acceptance and self–love. Hiten’s sensitive video exploring the concept of identity through music, dance, colours, costumes and creative visuals was deeply moving. Using simple language, they proceeded to share their journey of self discovery, of discrimination, ridicule, loneliness and finally the use of art as a therapy to express oneself and find one’s own place in the world. They made sure to put a special emphasis on expression as a form of letting out pain and vulnerability. Their struggle touched every listener and clearly students could empathise with their pain.The students were given a chance to express emotions through bodily postures in a theatrical display with groups of 8-10 students where they were given two minutes to prepare a scene and enact it just by stationary expression. Students came up with different situations ranging from a masquerade ball to a scene unfolding in a football field. Hiten gave their inputs and explained how this art helped them express their deepest emotions – an eye opener for all the hidden artists in the room !  The Q&A session which concluded the event showed how much students were inspired by this tale of struggle and self discovery.

In the month of June, the Breaking Barriers team hosted Prismatic – an online Intra-School Competition with the theme Ruminate, Radiate, Illuminate. Students competed in four categories namely;Artistic Alchemy: a piece of art (either traditional or digital ) to help spread the message of diversity and inclusivity.Essay Enigma: Essays reflecting  thought-provoking insights and demonstrating a genuine passion for bringing change in society.Poetry Pinnacle: express emotions in verse. The Seniors also took part in the “Reelovation” category, which required them to create a reel that raises awareness of the LGBTQIA+ community, in order to keep up with the social media age. Congratulations to all the winners.

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 !