Kritika, the Astronomy Club, marked Astronomy Day on February 12, 2024, with an enthralling display. Guided by SPACE India, club members crafted exhibits featuring charts, models, and activities like hydro rocket launches and safe solar observations. The immersive experience went beyond conventional displays, allowing students to explore planetary ring toss and feel gravitational forces on different planets. The interactive nature of the exhibits not only showcased the students’ learning throughout the year but also sparked a genuine interest in the cosmos among their peers. Kritika’s Astronomy Day celebration truly served as a captivating cosmic journey for all attendees.
IIT Vibhinn 2024, the All India Queer Collective Conference, marked a significant milestone in the journey of celebrating diversity and inclusion. Held on January 13, 2024, the event commenced with a dynamic panel discussion titled ‘Radical Empathy – Building an Inclusive Queer Pedagogy, Infrastructure, and Culture.’ The atmosphere resonated with vibrant expressions of gay pride, fostering unity, acceptance, and love among enthusiastic participants from diverse backgrounds. The focal point of the event was the insightful panel discussion, addressing the imperative for transformative policies at the institutional level. Engaging conversations emphasized the need to move beyond mere tolerance towards embracing true diversity, exploring practical steps for fostering inclusivity. The event transcended a mere celebration; it became a powerful platform for advocacy and change. Notably, students from the Breaking Barriers campaign not only attended but actively participated by posing questions on how schools can become more inclusive, earning appreciation from all present.
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.
In the exciting world of scientific exploration, our students recently shone at the ‘Everyday Science’ Contest, brilliantly organized by the Ministry of Education’s Innovation Cell. This unique competition, challenging participants to creatively present science concepts, showcased the students’ ability to unveil the science in their surroundings. From captivating experiments to engaging presentations, our budding scientists met the challenge head-on, seamlessly blending the spirit of ‘Everyday Science’ with a touch of Bollywood in the realm of Thermodynamics. This journey beautifully highlighted the boundless possibilities that arise at the crossroads of knowledge and imagination. two outstanding teams, featuring Tanisha and Atharv Gaur, as well as Yasir and Srikrithi, have earned their place in the highly anticipated finale set for February 2024. We wish them the best of luck on their continued journey to becoming true champions in the field of thermodynamics
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.
On December 20, 2023, the students of Class III engaged in an enlightening session with Dr. Gaurav Khera. Centered around safety awareness, the session proved to be an invaluable opportunity for our young learners to gain essential knowledge on injury prevention, basic wound care, recognizing emergencies, and the importance of seeking help. The event aimed not only to equip students with practical skills but also to instill a sense of responsibility, preparedness, and community safety. Dr. Khera’s hands-on demonstrations provided students with a tangible understanding of dealing with minor injuries, augmenting their comprehension of first aid and real-life applications. The interactive approach contributed to a more engaged and informed group of students. The session underscored the significance of cultivating calm and responsible responses during emergencies, empowering students with the confidence to navigate challenges and take prompt action when required. Dr. Khera’s insights offered each child valuable guidelines on personal safety, reinforcing the School’s commitment to a secure learning environment. In alignment with the quote, “Safety is not an accident; it’s a choice,” the session emphasized the proactive choice of knowledge and preparedness for the well-being of every student.
They had the privilege to meet curator Vikramjit Singh Rooprai at the Sampravah Pavillion. Under his guidance, they delved into the intricate world of Baolis, gaining profound insights into the design and systematic principles behind these ancient structures. His expertise shed light on the fascinating interplay between art, architecture, and science, providing a unique perspective that will undoubtedly contribute to the team’s ongoing “Education through Monuments” project.
The career talk session at our school today provided valuable insights into the realm of public policy. The speaker, Sourya, shared a comprehensive view of careers in public policy, explaining the intricacies of policy-making and its impact on our daily lives. Sourya illustrated the essence of public policies through relatable examples, likening them to Uno cards. He delved into laws that directly affect us, such as demonetization, bans on firecrackers, legal driving age, and city shutdowns for international events like the G20 Summit. The discussion extended to global scenarios like the ban on laptop imports and onion exports, emphasizing the pervasive influence of laws. The speaker highlighted that, whether or not we actively engage with legal matters, laws play a significant role in shaping our lives. He emphasized the interconnectedness of laws with our daily experiences and the importance of understanding their implications. The talk outlined various areas falling under the umbrella term of public policy, including the development sector, bureaucracy, and the involvement of private multinational corporations. Sourya’s expertise, backed by his experience with organizations like the Red Elephant Foundation and Tarunima Foundation, added depth to the discussion. In his role at the Centre for Civil Society, Sourya leads the Training division and contributes to research and policy advocacy. His background as a Peacebuilder trained by UNESCO MGIEP and involvement with Students for Liberty as a Local Coordinator in Hyderabad further enriched the session. Overall, the session not only provided valuable information about careers in public policy but also instilled an understanding of how policies shape our daily lives, making it a thought-provoking and insightful experience for all attendees.
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.