On 27 November 2024, our students visited The Blind Bake Garden Café in Hauz Khas as part of their We Care initiative and the Eyecan Project. Supported by the National Association for the Blind (NAB), this remarkable café provides culinary training and practical life skills to visually impaired individuals, fostering their independence and empowerment. Students observed the café’s seamless operations and learned about its innovative training model, which integrates technical tools like screen readers and braille devices, as well as digital literacy. They also explored Ujjwala, a handicrafts shop run by visually impaired artisans, and participated in discussions on empowering individuals through skills in healthcare and creative arts. Contributing to this mission, the students presented a website they have developed to offer calming techniques for visually impaired individuals. This visit inspired students to advocate for inclusion, accessibility, and mental well-being with renewed determination.
On 25 October 2024, members of the many social outreach programmes of Tagore International School participated in an impactful event hosted by the Air Force Family Welfare Association (AFFWA). The team presented the goals of various school campaigns focused on social awareness, including Breaking Barriers, Flawless Flaws, and Saksham, which aim to foster inclusivity and community engagement. The event’s highlight was an inspiring play titled Ehsaas, performed by Team Awaam, the school’s theatre group. The play depicted the life of Lakshmi Tripathi, an influential transgender activist, and was met with enthusiastic engagement from the audience. This event showcased the school’s dedication to promoting essential social issues, sparking meaningful discussions on inclusivity among attendees.
On 15 October 2024, students from both branches of Tagore International School (Vasant Vihar and East of Kailash), part of the Breaking Barriers outreach program, visited the Naz Foundation to engage in an enriching dialogue about the queer community. Led by Mr. Sahil and other community members, the session focused on fostering understanding, addressing societal stigma, and creating safe spaces for marginalized groups. The interaction included personal stories from both sides, collaborative discussions on elevating the cause, and a ‘Superpositivity Exchange’ inspired by Mr. Vickrant Mahajan’s seminar. This visit reinforced our students’ commitment to inclusivity, with future workshops planned to promote greater awareness of LGBTQ+ issues within our school community.
On 10 October 2024, our students had the privilege of attending the International Day of the Girl Child event at the India Habitat Centre. Organized by Girl Up India and the High Commission of Canada, the event focused on empowering girls through education, health, and leadership. Notable speakers included Patrick Hébert, Deputy High Commissioner of Canada, and Prachi Shevgaonkar, founder of the Cool the Globe App, who delivered impactful opening addresses. Kanta Singh from UN Women addressed gender-based violence, while Mini Varghese from Nutrition International highlighted the importance of nutrition for adolescent health. The session concluded with some motivational remarks from Aditi Arora, Country Director of Girl Up India, and Ian Trites, First Secretary of Political Affairs at the High Commission of Canada. Our students were even more inspired to advocate for positive change in their communities.
On 7 October 2024, the Breaking Barriers team from Tagore International School, Vasant Vihar, visited Garima Greh, a shelter home for the transgender community run by the Mitr Foundation. Supported by human rights activist Rudrani Chhetri, the visit aimed to engage with the residents, understand their challenges, and create tailored skill development programs focusing on personality development, resume writing, and communication skills to enhance employability. Additionally, a “Super Positivity” session led by motivational speaker Mr. Vickrant Mahajan inspired the residents to embrace optimism and happiness in their daily lives. This meaningful interaction not only deepened understanding but also laid the groundwork for future empowerment programs, enabling the residents to achieve personal and professional growth .
Interact is a service club for young people, sponsored by Rotary International and dedicated to community service and enhancing leadership skills of the members. The inspiring Installation Ceremony of the schools Interact Club was organized on 10 September 2024, marking a significant milestone in the schools commitment to leadership, inclusivity, and service. The ceremony, hosted by students Amaira Kapoor, Ahana Suryavanshi and Trisha Rajput of Class IX, commenced with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp, symbolizing the bright future of the young changemakers. An energetic dance performance by students symbolized the energy and new initiatives of the youth. The guests, esteemed Rotarians, including District Governor Nominee Mr. Ajeet Jalan and President Ms. Mani Bajaj, were warmly welcomed and recognized for their contributions. The newly appointed Interact Club board for 2024-25, including President Tishya Chandok of Class XI and her team, took the solemn oath to lead the club with dedication and integrity. The event reflected the schools emphasis on 21st-century skills, with other campaigns like Breaking Barriers, Saksham, Sehpaathi , Awaam Flawless Flaws and Girl Up exemplifying social integration and humanitarianism. As the ceremony concluded, the spirit of unity and service was palpable, igniting a passion for positive change.
On 9 September 2024, Tagore International School, Vasant Vihar, partnered with the National Association for the Blind (NAB) to organize an inspiring session for visually impaired students. The event featured interactive games led by Project Eyecan, a student initiative fostering inclusivity. Mr. Vikrant Mahajan, a celebrated motivational speaker, actor, and multiple Guinness World Record holder, captivated the students with his talk on Super Positivity. He shared insights into cultivating a positive mindset despite challenges and encouraged participants to reflect on gratitude, kindness, and resilience. His personal engagement with the students made the event memorable, leaving a lasting impact on their outlook toward life.
On 6 September 2024, Fortune Institute of International Business (FIIB) in partnership with Girl Up India and Tagore International School, Vasant Vihar, hosted a groundbreaking event as part of the Breaking Barriers campaign. Focused on LGBTQIA++ rights and gender sensitization, the event aimed to foster awareness and inclusivity, particularly around the use of correct pronouns and the experiences of transgender individuals. The keynote address by Dr. Kokil Jain, Dean of Research & Outreach at FIIB, emphasized the pivotal role educational institutions play in promoting acceptance and equality. A thought-provoking panel discussion followed, featuring prominent figures like Rudrani Chettri, a trailblazer for transgender rights in India, shared her journey as a transgender woman and her work as the founder of *Mitr Trust*, Shaman Gupta, co-founder of the *Misfyt Trans Youth Foundation*, Yash Sharma, founder of *Humans of Queer*,and Rajasekharan Pazhaniappan, co-founder of *v-shesh*, all shared personal stories and professional insights on LGBTQIA++ rights, economic inclusion, and disability empowerment. The event was a powerful reminder of the importance of breaking age old prejudices and building a more inclusive society, leaving the audience with a renewed commitment to advocate for equality in all aspects of life.
On August 6, 2024, students from WeCare and The Interact Club attended “The Young ChangeMakers Dialogue” at the American Centre. The event focused on “Peace and the Digitized World (AI edition)” and featured engaging discussions with notable speakers such as Mercedes Soria, Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer at Kingstonscope Inc., and CJ Wood, a diplomat from the US Embassy. Ten schools from Delhi participated in this workshop, providing students with a valuable experience and exposure to global perspectives. The students were grouped to discuss “Peace with AI,” sharing innovative ideas on using AI to solve and prevent crises. The discussions were highly informative and insightful, enriching students’ understanding of the intersection between peace and technology. Overall, the event was an enlightening and enriching experience for all participants, fostering a deeper understanding of the role of AI in promoting global peace.
On 9 August 2024, Girl Up members Niyamat Kochhar and Monal Mannan (Class XIIB) along with Mays Yousuf (Class XID) visited One Step Greener to engage in a workshop centered on women’s health, with a focus on menstrual hygiene. During the session, they delved into key issues such as menstrual products and syndromes associated with menstruation, sparking a meaningful conversation with the women present. The participants brought forth their own diverse experiences, approaching the discussion from perspectives shaped by their roles as women, mothers, and wage earners. Their candid questions and thoughtful reflections enriched the conversation, transforming it into a collaborative exchange of knowledge and insight. For the Girl Up team, the workshop underscored the power of shared learning and mutual support, with plans for future visits already in motion.