Anandam 2025: Journeys That Transcend Borders
Anandam 2025, the annual culmination of the Aha! Arts Programme, was a celebration of creativity, connection, and courage — where learners came together to explore the theme “Journey Across Borders – Stories of Migrations.”
The performance began with the flight of Jonathan Livingston Seagull, symbolising humanity’s search for purpose and transcendence. As the story unfolded on stage, our Visual Arts students created a breathtaking live artwork, painting Jonathan’s journey in real time — a seamless blend of movement, music, and visual expression.
From there, the story of Thillayadi Valliammai captured one woman’s courage that sparked collective awakening. Through Pick a Bale of Cotton, learners found rhythm in resilience; while Kabir’s More Sir Se Tali Bala and Amir Khusrau’s Chaap Tilak Sab Cheeni explored the timeless quest for truth and unity.
The narrative crossed cultures through the Bamboo Dance of Assam and the Tinikling of the Philippines, symbolising shared humanity through rhythm and grace. The fusion of Flamenco and Kathak mirrored dialogues across borders, while Kolkali and Circle Dance celebrated the joy of togetherness.
The evening concluded with Ode to Joy, a powerful reminder that every journey — of body, mind, or spirit — leads us toward connection.
Anandam 2025 stood as a testament to the power of art to dissolve boundaries and unite hearts — a moving reflection of our shared humanity, connected through creativity and compassion.
STEAMphony is Back!
STEAMphony 2025 was an extraordinary celebration of imagination, inquiry, and innovation — an event where Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics (STEAM) came together in perfect harmony. Hosted by the Middle Years students of Shiv Nadar School, Chennai, the second edition of this inter-school initiative brought together over 280 students from Grades 6 to 8 across the city, creating a vibrant space for learning through collaboration and creativity.
This year’s edition was anchored in Sustainable Development Goals 14 (Life Below Water) and 15 (Life on Land), inspiring participants to reflect on the delicate balance between human progress and the natural world. Through their performances, designs, debates, and experiments, students explored how innovation can coexist with empathy — and how the smallest idea can ripple outward to protect our planet’s future.
From recycled art and shadow puppetry to design challenges, music, debate, and dance, every competition encouraged young minds to blend analytical thinking with artistic expression. Each performance was a reminder that science and art are not opposites, but companions in understanding the world around us.
What made STEAMphony truly special was the leadership of our MY1, MY2, and MY3 learners, who organised the entire event — from registrations and compering to coordination and logistics. Their initiative, collaboration, and confidence reflected the IB learner profile in action, demonstrating what it means to be principled, reflective, and open-minded communicators.
STEAMphony 2025 wasn’t just a competition; it was a collective celebration of curiosity and community — a moment where learners discovered that innovation, when guided by empathy, can indeed make the world a better place.
Community in Action: Cleaning Coastlines, Caring for the Planet
On September 20, 2025, our parent community took the lead in marking International Coastal Cleanup Day, joining millions of volunteers across the world in protecting our oceans. Parents, along with their children from Middle Years, came together as part of our Community Outreach initiative to clear waste from Chennai’s coastline — a small act with a powerful message.
This collective effort not only highlighted the urgent need to tackle plastic pollution but also reflected the spirit of shared responsibility that defines our school community. Through this parent-led initiative, learners witnessed the power of community in action and that caring for our planet begins with small, intentional acts that ripple outward to create lasting change.
Learning from the Land: Exploring Sustainable Farming
Our Grade 4 learners got their hands muddy and their minds enriched during an experiential visit to a local farm. Immersed in the rhythms of rural life, they learned about sustainable farming practices — from pounding and planting paddy to ploughing the fields with bullocks.
Excitement filled the air as learners rolled up their sleeves and tried their hands at traditional farming techniques. They pounded and planted paddy, learning how each grain begins its journey from the soil. The experience of ploughing the fields with bullocks was particularly memorable — a rare opportunity to understand how farming once relied entirely on human effort and animal partnership, long before the era of machines.
Beyond the physical activities, the visit helped students develop a deeper respect for the labour and patience that go into growing the food we eat. It also tied beautifully into their classroom learning on sustainability, ecology, and the importance of making environmentally conscious choices.
By the end of the day, the learners returned with more than just muddy feet — they carried back a sense of gratitude for farmers, an appreciation for the land, and a stronger understanding of what it means to live sustainably.
Through experiences like these, we hope to nurture young minds who value the connection between humanity and nature, and who will grow into responsible citizens.
Celebrating Freedom and Values That Endure
This Independence Day, our students filled the campus with music, pride, and patriotism as they sang songs that celebrated the spirit of India. The highlight of the morning was the theatre performance Ali’s Favourite Biryani — a heartwarming skit that had recently won second place at an interschool competition. The young actors once again captivated their audience of parents, teachers, and peers with their moving performance and expressive storytelling.
Our Principal, Ms. Padmini, addressed the gathering with the story of a young boy who chose courage and integrity over surrender during the struggle for independence. She reminded everyone that while we may live in a fast-changing digital world, the timeless values of bravery, honesty, and resilience must continue to guide us.
Adding a special touch to the celebration, our Korean students marked their own Independence Day with a speech delivered in Korean and translated into English by a peer — a powerful gesture of unity in diversity.
The morning was a beautiful reflection of who we are as a community — rooted in values, connected across cultures, and inspired by the enduring idea of freedom.
Study In Japan | A CGC session
On 13th October 2025, the CGC organised a session for the Senior School students to explore study opportunities in Japan as a study destination.
CIALFO | A Career Counselling Session
The CGC (Career Guidance Cell) organised a session on 6th October 2025, for the students of Grades 11, IB and CBSE. The students were introduced to CIALFO, a platform that helps to simplify college and career exploration.
Apple Talk: Micro Changes, Macro Impact
Four MYP students from Shiv Nadar School Faridabad represented the school at the Apple EducationTalk 2025 held in Bangalore on 17th and 18th September.
Their visual presentation, titled “Micro Changes, Macro Impact”, showcased a project conceptualized and executed at SNS Forest—the creation of a Butterfly Garden designed to promote biodiversity and environmental awareness.
Using Apple Core Applications, the students demonstrated how small, science-driven ecological actions can bring about meaningful positive change in the local ecosystem. The experience not only deepened their understanding of environmental science but also honed their presentation, collaboration, and communication skills on a national platform, embodying the spirit of innovation and sustainability that defines the MYP framework.
Shiv Nadar School Faridabad – International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme (MYP) & Diploma Programme (DP) | Authorized IB World School
Shiv Nadar School Faridabad is proud to be an authorized International Baccalaureate (IB) World School.
IB School since: 15 March 2023
IB School Code: 061780
View official listing on the IB website ›
We offer both the Middle Years Programme (MYP) and the Diploma Programme (DP), ensuring a seamless global-curriculum continuum from early secondary years through to pre-university level.
The MYP nurtures inquiry, critical thinking, intercultural understanding, and holistic growth. The DP provides an academically rigorous, internationally recognized qualification for students aged 16–19, preparing them for university and beyond.
Together, these programmes reflect our vision of nurturing confident, compassionate, and globally minded learners who are ready to contribute meaningfully to the world.
Healthy Eating and Diabetes Awareness Session – Shiv Nadar School, Faridabad
A special awareness session on Healthy Eating and Diabetes was held for Grades 6–8 on 13th October at Shiv Nadar School, Faridabad, led by Ms. Gunjan Taneja, a parent and practising nutritionist.
The session focused on understanding diabetes, the impact of food and lifestyle on health, and the importance of balanced eating. Using engaging visuals and discussions, students learned about the effects of excessive sugar and processed foods, and the benefits of including fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in their diet.
The interactive session concluded with an emphasis on mindful eating and regular exercise as essential habits for long-term wellness.