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.

On 13 August 2024, Ahana Suryavanshi, Vice President, and Supriya Ray, Secretary of the Interact Club, represented our school at the Interact seminar for the 2024-25 session. The event introduced them to the new Interact leadership team, including District Interact Representative (DIR) Aneesha Nair and District HR DIR Namya Bhutani, along with 26 Zonal Interact Representatives.This seminar provided more than just introductions—it was an opportunity to rethink their responsibilities as young leaders. Ahana and Supriya left the event with a deeper understanding of their roles and the impact they could make through upcoming Interact initiatives. Meeting with accomplished Rotaractors also enriched their experience, opening new pathways for collaboration and growth. This event solidified their commitment to spearheading projects that will not only benefit the community but also empower them to create lasting change.

The Saturday Sehpaathi Raas workshop, held on 27July 2024, was a vibrant event dedicated to introducing underprivileged children to the rich heritage of classical dancing and Warli art. We welcomed students from the NGOs Jaagriti and Samarpan, providing them with a unique opportunity to engage in cultural activities that celebrated traditional arts. The workshop aimed to foster an appreciation for these art forms and offer the children opportunities for creative expression. Ms. Peehu Bhardwaj, an accomplished classical dancer, introduced the participants to the intricacies of classical dance forms, while Ms. Sujata Arora, a talented Warli artist, guided them through the traditional techniques of Warli art. The sessions were designed to educate the children about the historical and cultural significance of these art forms, encouraging them to participate and develop an interest in the performing arts. By providing a platform for creative expression and skill development, the workshop inspired the children to explore and appreciate their cultural heritage.

Ninaad, our cultural festival dedicated to celebrating imperfections in the spirit of inclusion, made a significant impact this year by raising over ₹1,20,000 for acid attack survivors.  At a Special Assembly on  22 July 2024, our school had the honour of hosting five survivors from the Acid Survivors and Women Welfare Foundation (ASWWF) and one from the Brave Souls Foundation. The funds, collected through ticket sales and donations from parents during Ninaad 6.0, were presented to these survivors. During the course of  their visit, the survivors shared their powerful stories with our students, creating a profound connection and fostering a deeper understanding of their difficult journeys. Additionally, a podcast was recorded to capture the survivors’ experiences and reflections on Ninaad, aiming to share their wisdom and journeys with a broader audience. This initiative not only enriched our students but also spread awareness and empathy beyond our school community.

Senior students conducted a sensitization session for students of Class IX on 25 July 2024, aiming to educate them on the LGBTQ+ community’s history, key terms such as gender identity and sexual orientation, and the challenges faced by its members. The session sought to promote empathy, inclusivity, and allyship through interactive activities, personal stories, and open discussions.Students engaged in various activities designed to challenge stereotypes and foster understanding. The interactive format encouraged students to ask questions and express their thoughts, facilitating a more profound and personal connection to the topic. Additionally, videos regarding LGBTQ+ issues were shown, providing visual and emotional insights that complemented the discussions. The Class IX students expressed their newfound empathy for LGBTQ+ community and explored practical strategies to help their peers. This initiative emphasizes the value of ongoing education and awareness in promoting respect and acceptance for all students, marking a major step towards developing a more welcoming and supportive school climate.