Shabadshala: Fostering Folk Wisdom and Collective Reflection at Shiv Nadar School

Shiv Nadar School is proud to introduce Shabadshala, a pioneering school-wide initiative dedicated to cultivating a deeper appreciation for folk wisdom and the profound teachings of Kabir. Envisioned as a program that nurtures the intrinsic relationship between words, reflection, and community, Shabadshala utilises engagement with poetry, song, and shabad to ground our community in culture, language, and enduring values.

The long-term aim of Shabadshala is to seamlessly integrate this reflective practice into the daily life of the school, establishing it as a shared cultural rhythm for students, teachers, and the wider community. Currently in its pilot phase for the academic year 2025–26, the initiative's primary focus is on culture-building: creating shared, meaningful experiences across diverse stakeholder groups to ensure that upon its formal launch next year, the entire school community clearly recognises and embraces its inherent meaning and value.

Journey So Far: Engaging Our Community

We have been delighted to host Shabadshala sessions each month, featuring esteemed artists. Most recently, Sh Mura Lala ji, accompanied by two talented artists, graced our school. These sessions have thoughtfully engaged various segments of our community:

• Arts Team: The inaugural session provided our Arts Team teachers with an immersive experience, allowing them to delve into the artistic form and philosophical underpinnings of this rich cultural work.
• MYP Students: A subsequent session with our MYP students encouraged profound engagement with Kabir’s timeless poetry, exploring its contemporary relevance and universal appeal.

Upcoming Sessions:

We are excited to announce forthcoming sessions specifically designed for our Early Years (EY), Primary Years (PY) teachers, and Art teachers. These targeted sessions aim to further embed the spirit of Shabadshala across all foundational stages of learning and creative expression within our school.

Through Shabadshala, Shiv Nadar School is committed to building a vibrant culture of collective reflection, fostering a deeper connection to our heritage, and enriching the holistic development of every member of our community.