On 16 April 2024, the core members of ‘Breaking Barriers’ were invited to the launch of ‘Project Rooptaran – for trans-inclusion’, orchestrated by Step by Step School at The Lalit. This momentous occasion featured enlightening discussions with trailblazers such as Lakshmi, Asia Pacific’s first transgender representative at the UN, and Aryan Pasha, India’s pioneering trans-body-builder. They shared poignant childhood anecdotes, underscoring the vital role of schools in promoting trans inclusion.Vibrant cultural performances, put up by students of Step by Step School and the Keshav Suri Foundation, added a sense of positivity and energy to the day. Leveraging our decade-long campaign experience, the ‘Breaking Barriers’ team provided valuable guidance to fellow students on effective campaign management. The presence of Mr. Keshav Suri himself added gravitas, as he lauded our students’ efforts, fueling their resolve to empower other schools to launch their own “Breaking Barriers” initiatives and foster a more inclusive society.

On 7 April 2024 our social outreach programme Sehpaathi and the NGO Jaagriti took a significant stride forward in their endeavour to reach out to those who need a helping hand. This collaboration was coordinated with the help of  Mr. Anchit, an alumnus of our school.  Fifteen students from the NGO have been selected to visit the school over the course of the year, and immerse themselves in our vibrant  school environment, enriched with lessons on communication skills and technological competency.For the first session, the students were warmly welcomed into a one of the classes, where they were introduced to  the nuances of communication skills. Engaging ice breaker activities fostered a comfortable learning ambience, complemented by firsthand experience of the Interactive Boards. Later, the students were taken to the computer lab, and encouraged to individually explore the features of the computers as a first step in their journey towards digital literacy.The trainees left equipped with newfound knowledge and were tasked with a worksheet designed to extend their learning beyond the confines of the classroom.

Special Olympics Bharat  is an officially recognised programme of Special Olympics International which operates in India. It is recognized by the Government of India as a National Sports Federation for the development of sports opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities. Tagore International School, Vasant Vihar has been closely associated with this programme for a number of years and we are delighted that our  students were invited to the opening ceremony of the Special Olympics Bharat Delhi 2024-25 on 28  March 2024, held at Modern School Barakhambha Road. Our team  presented a short play, the theme of which  was ‘Ehsaas’ and emphasized Inclusion. The students were happy to be able to interact with Dr Malika Nada, President SOB and Chief Guest Ms Ambika Pant. https://www.vv.tagoreint.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Delhi-student-unite-for-special-athletes-_-DD-India.mp4

On March 22, 2024, team AWAAM joined Air India’s Inclusion Fest with a powerful street play addressing the harrowing reality of acid attacks. Their performance captivated a vast audience, shedding light on the plight of survivors and the urgent need for societal change. Through compelling storytelling and skilled execution, they conveyed a message of empathy and empowerment, receiving praise for their impactful portrayal. The event served as a platform to raise awareness and advocate for justice for acid attack survivors, emphasizing the crucial role of art in fostering social dialogue and transformation.

Our students were honoured with an invitation to perform at Purple Fest, an event to celebrate diversity and promote inclusion of Divyang-jan organised by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment. The day-long fest at Rashtrapati Bhavan on 26 February 2024 was graced by the presence of the Hon’ble President of India, Smt.Droupadi Murmu. The event saw over 10,000 Divyangjan and their escorts gather at the majestic venue, fostering bonds of solidarity and mutual respect.  The stage came alive with a kaleidoscope of cultural performances. From the ethereal melodies of the Shining Star Band to all the  other captivating performances, each a celebration of resilience and diversity. Team Awaam and students of Project Flawless Flaws were given the opportunity to showcase their street play “Azaad Bharat Ki Gulaam Tasveer” that sheds light on the harrowing realities faced by acid attack survivors in India. Through powerful storytelling and emotive performances, the play aims to raise awareness about the prevalence of acid attacks and the immense physical, emotional, and social challenges endured by survivors. It  delves into the root causes of acid attacks – gender-based discrimination, jealousy, and revenge. Through compelling dialogue it confronts the audience with the stark reality of how easily lives can be irreparably damaged by unprovoked violence. Despite the darkness of the theme, “Azaad Bharat Ki Gulaam Tasveer” is ultimately a tale of resilience and hope. Through the support of loved ones, the protagonist finds the strength to rebuild her life and reclaim her identity. The play emphasizes the importance of community solidarity, legal reforms, and advocacy efforts in combating acid attacks and supporting survivors on their journey towards healing and justice. Through its evocative narrative and stirring performances, the play aims to ignite empathy, provoke dialogue, and inspire action towards creating a more compassionate society. “Azaad Bharat Ki Gulaam Tasveer” is not just a play; it is a call to arms for a more inclusive and compassionate future. The performance received applause from the audience and appreciation  from both the media and dignitaries.

At Tagoreans, we take pride in fostering an inclusive and accepting environment for all cultures, festivals, languages, and genders. While championing the LGBTI+ movement, we acknowledge the often unnoticed discrimination faced by citizens from the North East in the capital. On February 7, 2024, Priyanka from Class XI addressed Class IX, sharing personal experiences of discrimination. The discussion not only shed light on the challenges faced by individuals from the North East but also opened dialogues on broader issues, including support for students with learning disabilities. This reflective session marked a significant step towards creating more sensitive and aware individuals, aligning with our mission to nurture citizens with strong values and principles.

S.O.C.H. – the ‘Society of Caretakers of Our Heritage,’ organized and conducted an engaging Heritage Walk for parents across Classes Nursery to VIII. Set amidst the serene Lodhi Gardens on the delightful morning of Saturday, 03 February 2024, this well-planned event allowed parents to witness the monuments through the eyes of our young club members. They uncovered historical insights, architectural marvels, and captivating stories behind the archaeological structures, as well as the lush flora in this picturesque green oasis. Our knowledgeable  and enthusiastic young guides excelled, leaving parents with memorable experiences and prompting some to share their thoughts post-walk. “It was very satisfying to see the children taking initiative in narrating the history of the monuments in great detail. Lot of homework on their part was apparent from their answers to our queries…This initiative is SAHI SOCH and we look forward to more such enriching experiences in future”     -Mr. Siddharth Chaudhary, parent of  Prannya Chaudhary of VII B “The SOCH team members were full of knowledge and they explained in a way that I got interested in history,” commented Ms. Babita Juneja, parent of Adhyan Juneja of IV A “Really enjoyed the walk to Lodhi Garden with the S.O.C.H club. It was a great opportunity to connect with other parents and kids, and to appreciate the beauty and history of the park “ -Gaurav Khaneja,parent of Dhairya Khaneja of Nursery B 

The Breaking Barriers Campaign recently extended its reach to Bal Bharati, Pitampura, where a Gender Sensitisation session was conducted on January 23, 2024. The session included engaging icebreaker activities and discussions on LGBTQ+ terminologies, addressing issues such as discrimination, myths, legal interventions, and media portrayal. Speakers shared personal experiences, encouraging students to create a safer environment and be supportive allies. The Naz Foundation’s support, along with impactful stories from Vaibhav and Siddhant, contributed to the campaign’s success. Promoting empathy and understanding, the initiative aims to break down barriers and foster an inclusive community.

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.