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.

A panel discussion was conducted by Alliance India in Tagore International School, Vasant Vihar on 13 October 2023 with the Breaking Barriers campaign members from both branches of Tagore International School,  i.e Vasant Vihar and East Of Kailash. Mrs Anubhuti is a Project Manager at Alliance India and looking into their new project named SAHAS which focuses on  issues faced by the transgender community. Ms Veronica Tyagi, a transgender woman who aspires to be a marine biologist, shared her inspiring and fascinating story as a transgender woman, with the audience. She started working in NGOs to support her education. She highlighted the issues that the transgender community faces, for example unavailability of transgender friendly washrooms, surgeries that can be very risky, lack of money and support, side effects of hormone therapy, decreased immunity, increased risk of HIV-AIDS, pills that they have to take throughout their lifetime in order to avoid hormonal imbalance and social stigmas as people consider being trans as irreligious, unethical, or unnatural. She recalled personal instances of ragging and name calling. Where sensitization is concerned, she commented that the discrimination was caused by lack of awareness among people, not only of society as a whole  but also of our own parents. Hence, ways to bring about an inclusive change were discussed, among which were transgender friendly restrooms , the use of social media, myth busting reels, and more.

To further its mission of raising awareness for organ donation, Outlive Yourself organized a compelling Nukkad Natak at Sarvodaya Hospital, New Delhi on 10 October 2023.   The storyline was poignant and relatable, touching upon the lives of ordinary people and how organ donation can transform tragedy into hope. It showcased real-life scenarios, depicting individuals in need of organs and the life-altering impact of a single donation. Through the Nukkad Natak, attendees were able to connect with the importance of organ donation on a deeply emotional and personal level, many of whom were visibly moved by the performance, and were seen wiping their eyes. The Nukkad Natak was clearly a powerful medium to convey the significance of organ donation and its life-saving impact as a significant number of attendees pledged to become organ donors.

Team Outlive Yourself  conducted a stage play at Sarvodaya Vidyalaya Government School on 12 October 2023. The event aimed not only to raise awareness about the significance of organ donation but also to engage the students of Sarvodaya Vidyalaya in a unique and interactive manner. Additionally, the team  took this opportunity to teach them the play, encouraging active participation in the cause. Our talented actors presented a compelling skit that revolved around the importance of organ donation and how a single decision could save multiple lives. However, the play was not just a performance; it was an interactive experience designed to educate and involve the audience. The students of Sarvodaya Vidyalaya were not mere spectators; they actively participated in the play under the guidance of our team members. This unique approach helped them to truly understand the play’s message and its significance. The students were encouraged to ask questions, express their opinions, and share their thoughts about organ donation. Later, the team conducted a workshop to teach the students of Sarvodaya Vidyalaya how to perform the play themselves. Guided on acting, dialogues, and presentation, the students showed remarkable aptitude. By the end of the workshop, they were prepared to stage the play  independently. This strategy of active involvement  ensured  that the message of organ donation would resonate with them and also encourage them to become ambassadors for organ donation, propagating the message further within their communities. 

“Life is a gift, and the act of organ donation is the most precious way to share that gift with others” In a heartwarming display of compassion, our students have embarked on a mission to make a difference in the lives of the elderly and champion the cause of organ donation through their remarkable initiative, ‘Outlive Yourself.’ This student-driven social outreach program is a commitment to the vital cause of organ donation. Collaborating with the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, our students are actively working to raise awareness and promote organ donation. The mission is to save lives and create a brighter future for many. The project has now expanded its scope to working for the welfare and mental well-being of the elderly. On 15 September 2023, the students partnered with Hotel Radisson Blu to donate essential items such as hospital beds, mattresses, pillows, sheets, and more to Swarg Vridhashram, in Nihal Vihar. This Ashram provides shelter to senior citizens who have been abandoned by their families. With the active support of Radisson Blu, the empathy of the students brought some cheer into these lonely lives. The students had the privilege of interacting with the residents, gaining insight into the challenges they face. They shared a meal and listened to their heartrending stories. The gratitude and blessings of the elders was deeply moving. ‘Outlive Yourself’ exemplifies the true spirit of community service and is a shining example of how young minds can make an impact on society.

From the day of its inception, our dedicated campaigners have invested much time and effort to expand the scope of ‘Outlive Yourself’. Their most recent endeavour was to understand the ramifications of organ donation in greater detail and to engage with healthcare professionals to understand the possible reasons why people could hesitate to donate their organs. On 22 August 2023,  group of students visited  the Renal Transplant, Liver Transplant and Bone Marrow Transplant departments of  BLK Max Super Specialty Hospital. The hospital staff welcomed them warmly and helped them understand the complex processes involved in organ transplantation, from patient evaluation to the surgical procedure itself, significance of organ compatibility, pre and post-operative care and the transformative impact of organ donation on the lives of recipients. The shortage of available organs and the critical importance of timely interventions was also discussed. The students were deeply impressed by the courage and determination displayed by patients undergoing such procedures. They  also had an opportunity to discuss the reasons behind people’s reluctance to donate organs. The professionals shared valuable insights, citing factors such as cultural beliefs, misconceptions, and fear of medical procedures. This visit not only left a lasting impact on our students but  highlighted the vital importance of such awareness campaigns to address these concerns and bring a positive change in society.

A sensitization and awareness workshop  on organ donation was  conducted by our  students for the educators at Tagore International School East of Kailash on 19 August 2023. The purpose of the workshop was to educate and encourage teachers to become organ donors and spread awareness about the importance of organ donation within the school community. The day began with a presentation on  the significance of organ donation and its impact on saving lives followed by an interactive session on the legal and ethical aspects related to organ donation. The message was reinforced through a Nukkad Natak, that captivated one and all. Teachers were encouraged to fill out organ donor forms, and they willingly participated, showing their commitment to the cause.

The Breaking Barriers Team organized a session on the LGBTQIA+ community on Friday, 18 August 2023, with the  aim of dispelling misconceptions and promoting  inclusivity among the senior school students of TIS EOK. The session featured prominent members of the Naz Foundation (an organization advocating LGBTQIA+ rights), who shared their personal experience, highlighting the challenges faced, the process of self-discovery and the significance of acceptance. These narratives aimed to humanize the LGBTQIA+ experience and create a sense of connection. Participants were encouraged to ask questions and engage in an open dialogue with the speakers. The interactive session encouraged queries and worked on clarifying misconceptions. The session successfully achieved its goal of breaking down barriers, and fostering inclusivity.