In the Spotlight: Shreyovi Mehta
It was a quiet winter morning in the Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur. The mist hung low, engulfing the forest in stillness. The sun was just rising, and the light was almost divine. Amidst this setting stood nine-year-old Shreyovi Mehta, noticing an illuminated path. Shreyovi’s eyes scanned towards the quiet details, waiting for the right moment. And then, as if the forest itself had opened a curtain, two Indian peafowls stepped into the haze. They stood opposite each other, their silhouettes stark against the glowing fog, locked in a quiet symmetry.
She quickly grabbed one of her father’s cameras, crouched low to the ground, and snapped the picture, her father guiding her on how to frame it. While the adults missed the blue bull (nilgai) entering the frame, the sharp-eyed nine-year-old seized the moment, capturing the perfect shot! And just like that, a special photograph was born, one that would travel far beyond the forests of Rajasthan, all the way to the hallowed halls of the Natural History Museum in London.
Titled “In the Spotlight,” the photograph is a quiet marvel. There’s no drama, no chase, no predator or prey. Just stillness, symmetry and soul. The judges of the BBC Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition thought so too. Among 50,000 entries from 95 countries, they named Shreyovi the Runner-Up in the 10 Years and Under category, making her the youngest Indian ever to receive this honour. This competition is often called the Oscars of Wildlife Photography, Her photograph hangs proudly on the walls of the Natural History Museum, alongside works by some of the world’s most celebrated wildlife photographers.
Jaanvi Vaishnav Awarded Prestigious CCRT Scholarship
The rhythm of feet, the sharp turn of the wrist, the song set in a specific tāl recited to match the beats. Kathak is as much precision as it is poetry. Over the years, Jaanvi Vaishnav, a student of Shiv Nadar School, Gurgaon, has nurtured a deep relationship with the classical art form. Her dedication has been recognised through the CCRT Scholarship for 2024–25, awarded by the Centre for Cultural Resources and Training under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. Jaanvi placed first among eight students selected from across the Delhi-NCR region. This achievement marks a meaningful milestone in her journey, reflecting the broader possibilities that unfold when students are given the time, space, and encouragement to pursue the arts with purpose.
Anandam
Imagine walking into a place where children's eyes light up as they discover the magic of art. This is what happens at Shiv Nadar School's Aha! Arts programme.
Here, students don't just learn about art, they live it. Like explorers on an adventure, they sample each art form before finding the one that makes their heart sing. The program blends traditional and modern art techniques, teaching students how to create and collaborate, and fostering self-confidence.
Every year, this creative journey culminates in a special event called Anandam. In 2024, the school came alive with colour, sound, and movement as students showed what they had made. Some performed in groups, moving as one. Others stood alone, sharing something deeply personal.
Behind each song, dance, painting, or play was a story of hard work, of trying and failing and trying again, of finally getting it right. Through their art, these young creators showed us how they see the world around them. At Anandam, students poured their thoughts and feelings into their art, and they invited everyone who watched to see things differently, helping others imagine new possibilities.
Funkaar
Funkaar Week is a joyful annual celebration of learning through creativity. It is a unique inquiry-based model that meaningfully integrates the arts with academics. Rooted in a central theme, it maps learning objectives across subjects to specific art forms, encouraging collaborative lesson planning.
In 2024, the Noida campus buzzed with colour, culture and teamwork. Students brought their lessons to life through poetry, music, dance and drama. Performances like Alice in Wonderland, Kathakali acts, and Rajasthani folk music delighted the audience. Traditional Indian art found space through workshops in Mayurbhanj Chhau, Gond art, cartooning, and puppetry, opening new avenues of expression. Student-led ideas, such as painting Wish Trees and building bamboo sheds, sparked the imagination.
At Faridabad, under the theme ‘Light and Shadow’, students used theatre to learn Science and EVS, building characters to explore how shadows form and where light comes from. Dance brought EVS to life, as students told the story of plants growing through movement and storytelling. At the Gurgaon campus, Funkaar was a lively festival of learning and collaboration. Classrooms transformed into spaces filled with performances, poetry, and displays. Science experiments and cultural activities helped understand ideas in fresh ways.
Funkaar Week served as a reminder of how learning becomes an experience to be shared and cherished.
Kaafila
Every year, Shiv Nadar School Noida transforms into a hub of creativity during Kaafila. Conceptualised, designed and executed entirely by students, the annual arts festival brings together over 500 students from across India and the world for three immersive days of artistic exploration and expression.
Each edition follows a theme that invites discussion and new ideas. In 2024, the spotlight shifted to Youth: Lost and Found. Students engaged with this idea through original plays, dance, visual art and music. Workshops in storytelling, movement and design added depth, while collaborative performances blurred the lines between artist and the audience. From monologues to ensemble pieces, it is a space to perform, question, reflect and explore what it means to grow up in today’s world.
Elixir
Stories are magical as they make us imagine bringing characters to life. At Shiv Nadar School Faridabad, that magic comes alive through Elixir, a literature festival where written words transform into experiences and reflections. With the theme, “A Ship is Safe in the Harbour, but That is Not What It is Built For”, set the tone for bold voyages into the world of words. Over 100 students from schools across Delhi-NCR brought their voices to the fore through fiery debates, poignant poetry, heartfelt monologues, and multilingual performances. Workshops with authors, illustrators, and storytellers deepened their literary journey, transforming the school into a harbour of imagination and a canvas for bold ideas. Elixir 3.0 was about courage, daring to write, speak, perform, and most importantly, be heard. In every line, every verse, every applause, it reminded us that stories, like ships, are meant to sail.
Jashn
Jashn is Shiv Nadar School Faridabad’s biennial winter carnival, which brings together students, parents, and the wider community through music, food, games, and creativity. It is a festival of joy and togetherness, where every corner of the campus buzzes with energy and expression. The 2024 edition held special significance, commemorating the school’s 10-year journey. On the day, the South Block campus transformed into a lively festival ground, welcoming over 2,000 attendees. The legendary band Parikrama lit up the stage with a powerful performance, while Artist Teachers showcased the school’s creative spirit through soulful acts. Senior students led the event from start to finish, demonstrating remarkable leadership. Jashn also hosted the finale of Elixir 3.0, blending the joy of literature with the spirit of celebration.
Rhapsody
Rhapsody is Shiv Nadar School Gurgaon's flagship, student-led music event that brings together bands from the Noida, Gurgaon, and Faridabad campuses. Open to Senior School students, it offers a dynamic platform for young musicians to showcase their creativity, musical talent, and passion for live performances. With professional musicians as judges, Rhapsody emphasises collaboration, stage presence, and artistic expression, making it one of the most eagerly anticipated events on the school calendar. Rhapsody 2024 saw electrifying performances from bands across the three campuses. Each group poured their energy into delivering high-impact sets, competing for top honours. The performances were judged by the acclaimed rock band Heavens Down, whose presence added to the excitement of the evening.
Chennai campus students shine at theatre festival
IB Middle Years 1 and 2 students from Shiv Nadar School, Chennai, made a stellar impression at the second edition of “Into The Spotlight”, one of Tamil Nadu’s largest inter-school theatre festivals, organised by Union Christian Matriculation School, Chetpet. A team of 23 students from Shiv Nadar School participated in three categories. Our students earned 3rd place in Group Drama, while Sahana Radhakrishnan impressed with her spoken word poetry, and Vaibhav N Madhavan’s comic monologue captivated the audience. Viraansh Baid and Deyhar Chordia were named Supporting Actor and Runner-Up for Best Supporting Actress, respectively.
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