On 12 December 2023, Breaking Barriers hosted a session on enhancing the representation of LGBT+ individuals in corporate India by Srini Ramaswamy, co-founder of Pride Circle The session talked about the 100 Queer Intern Program, India Work Equality Index and  Reimagining Inclusion for Social Equity, all designed to provide inclusive internship opportunities for LGBT+ students. The interactive session left an indelible mark on the student community, fostering a heightened sense of empowerment and awareness.

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, Project Sehpaathi orchestrated a meaningful session with the Pehchaan Street School centered around the theme, ‘How To Be A Changemaker.’ The session featured the esteemed presence of Mr. Akash Tandon, the founder of The Pehchaan Street School, and Ms. Kashish Kehlawani, the Project Director. This interactive exchange aimed to enlighten students about the significance of social work while raising awareness about the challenges faced by under-represented children in our society. Project Sehpaathi’s commitment to empowering change resonated through this collaborative effort with Pehchaan Street

Tagore International School Vasant Vihar students participated in the Annual Poster Making Competition at Nehru Planetarium, held on December 4, 2023, in collaboration with ORGAN India and NOTTO. The theme, “Transforming Lives,” prompted students to creatively express the impact of organ donation. Team AWAAM from our school was also invited to present their play ‘Ahsaas,’ fostering empathy and understanding among participants from various schools. The concurrent poster-making competition visually showcased students’ creativity, amplifying the event’s impact in promoting organ donation awareness. Yana Sapra, a Class XIB student, excelled and secured the third prize among 40 participating schools. The event not only encouraged creative expression but also fostered a sense of responsibility toward organ donation within the student community. The day concluded with students enjoying a show at the Sky Theatre, creating a wholesome and enjoyable experience.

Listen to Unspoken on Spotify We’re excited to announce the release of our ‘Unspoken’ podcast on Spotify. Each episode will delve into various topics, showcasing interviews, conversations, life stories, and triumphs of individuals from diverse backgrounds; all under the umbrella of our ‘We Care’ programs. Our current episode, presented by the Breaking Barriers team, features Ms. Krittika. As a Dalit queer individual, she shares her journey navigating identity complexities, challenging stereotypes, and advocating for inclusivity. https://open.spotify.com/show/5aR4074eadoa2lGqT5p1Sr?si=lbx1u7YqQK2IWd3bPoi-Vg We look forward to your support. Please follow and stay tuned for more inspiring content.

On December 15, 2023, Project Sehpaathi orchestrated Virtuoso, an online event that illuminated exceptional skills and creativity within students from three NGOs—Donate an Hour, Pehchaan, and Samarpan. With over 30 entries spanning dance, art, and poetry, participants earned First and Second positions in each category, impressing a diverse panel of judges, including both student and adult perspectives for dance and art. Mr. Aakash Tandon, the founder of Pehchaan Street School, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, while the Sehpaathi team skillfully conducted the event. Beyond a mere celebration of talent, Virtuoso wielded a profound impact on the community by championing inclusion and providing a stage for underrepresented groups. Acting as a catalyst for recognizing talents from diverse backgrounds, the success of the event harmonizes with Project Sehpaathi’s mission, underscoring the transformative power of education and creative expression.

“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” – Mahatma Gandhi With this spirit, students of ‘We Care’ campaigns embarked on a meaningful journey to The Earth Saviours Foundation in Gurugram on December 6, 2023. Devoted to serving humanity, the foundation stands as a sanctuary for adults facing physical, mental, and emotional challenges.Amidst various challenges, the residents exuded contentment, actively participating in activities that stimulated their minds and fostered a sense of community. Our students actively contributed to the foundation’s mission by donating 100 blankets. The expressed gratitude from both staff and residents served as a poignant reminder to our students about the importance of community support for those facing adversity. In the spirit of service and empathy, our students left The Earth Saviours Foundation with hearts filled with compassion and a renewed commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of others.

On December 13, 2023, the Breaking Barriers team from Tagore International School had the privilege of participating in a meaningful event hosted by JLL (ACCENTURE) to mark World Human Rights Day. Celebrating the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948, the session featured esteemed Human Rights Activist Harish Iyer as the guest speaker. The core focus of the hour-long online session centered around inclusivity within workspaces. Project Heads from Tagore International School, representing various initiatives, actively engaged in discussions, illustrating how the school cultivates an inclusive environment. They underscored the transferability of these principles to professional workplaces, emphasizing that the fundamental human right of being respected should be universally upheld. The session culminated with a thought-provoking observation: the responsibility for inclusivity lies with those who are included, shifting the narrative away from those who may feel excluded. This insightful session highlighted the active role individuals can play in promoting inclusivity and safeguarding human rights, both in educational institutions and professional settings.

Donate an Hour is a volunteering platform where people from diverse backgrounds and different walks of society, come together with the aim of giving it back to the society.  The NGO has built a self-sustainable ecosystem for the growth of underprivileged. Our students visited their Gurugram campus on 30 November 2023 to ‘donate time to shape lives’. The visit incorporated  warm  hospitality in an interactive environment. Mr. Divya Prakash, the Co-founder, gave a detailed history of DoaR’s beginnings and development. Interacting with pupils, activities and Q & A sessions improved participants’ comprehension and bolstered the sense of community. Students left with an insight into the generosity and community involvement that are integral to DoaR’s objectives.

Our students’ deep concern for those in need of a helping hand is best seen in all the social outreach projects which are being run by them. Project  आlok is the newest effort from their side and is a collaboration  between our Flawless Flaws campaigners and the Atijeevan Foundation. Its purpose is to educate acid attack survivors through weekly meetings and English modules and to help them prepare for job interviews. The launch on 14 October 2023 was graced by Ms. Pragya Prasun, the founder of Atijeevan (herself an acid attack survivor)   and her team. Their stories were both inspiring and motivational. Ms Tehmina, a social worker from Pakistan who works to support gender violence survivors by providing them with psycho-social support, spoke of the importance of such projects. In addition, the event was attended by Ms Aditi Sood, a social media influencer and the founder of the NGO ‘Tails with Hope’. Ms. Sood shared her unique insights as did Ms. Saburi Chopra, an ex-student who also spoke about  her journey with the campaign. The event was hosted by Jesnoor Kaur and Parthivi Bhatia of Flawless Flaws were the hosts and kept the atmosphere warm and informal with the interactive activities for the survivors. It was an exciting new beginning for an exciting and deeply satisfying venture which will undoubtedly be a great support for the indomitable acid attack survivors.