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.

Celebrating Excellence in the Arts

Our Middle Years students continue to shine on stage, bringing pride and joy to our school community through their remarkable performances.

At the DAV Culturals, our theatre team set the stage ablaze with an extraordinary act, standing out among 12 schools and over 200 talented performers to secure an impressive 2nd place. A special shoutout to Viraansh Baid, who was awarded Best Actor, and to the team for also earning recognition for Best Lighting—a true reflection of their collective artistry and teamwork.

Meanwhile, at the Babaji Vidhyashram Culturals, Dhvani Kailas captivated hearts with her soulful solo performance, earning a well-deserved 1st place in the Solo Singing category.

These achievements speak volumes about our students’ creativity, dedication, and passion—and about the mentorship and encouragement they receive from our educators. Congratulations to all who contributed to these shining moments of success!

Let’s Talk Tweens: Bridging Understanding, Building Connection

As children step into their pre-teen years, they begin a journey of self-discovery — one filled with curiosity, change, and sometimes confusion. Recognising the importance of this phase, our school hosted Let’s Talk Tweens, an engaging parent session designed to open conversations about the evolving emotional, social, and cognitive world of children aged 10 to 13.

The session explored how tweens begin to seek independence while still needing the comfort of guidance, how friendships gain new depth, and how emotions grow more layered. Through real-life examples, discussions, and reflective prompts, parents unpacked what it means to raise a tween in today’s fast-paced, hyper-connected world.

The session also focused on practical strategies — listening without judgment, setting boundaries with empathy, and nurturing confidence through trust and communication. It was heartening to see parents share stories, questions, and even laughter as they connected through shared experiences.

At its core, Let’s Talk Tweens celebrated partnership — between home and school, and between parents and children — to ensure that this critical stage becomes one of growth, not growing pains. Because when adults listen, guide, and grow with their tweens, they create a foundation of resilience and understanding that lasts well beyond the middle years.

This initiative is part of our ongoing efforts by the School Counselling Team and the Parent Partnership Office to strengthen collaboration and dialogue between families and educators — fostering a community where every child feels understood, supported, and empowered to thrive.

Anbudan 2025: A Celebration of Gratitude

Every act of kindness strengthens the threads that bind a community. Anbudan — meaning “with love” — is one such moment of togetherness at Shiv Nadar School, Chennai.

Our annual gratitude initiative, Anbudan 2025, was a heartfelt celebration dedicated to the pillars of our school — our support staff, lovingly called Akkas and Annas. These are the individuals who quietly ensure that every classroom is ready for learning, every corridor is safe, and every corner of our campus feels welcoming.

In a touching gesture, students personally handed over thoughtfully prepared bags of goodies to them, sharing smiles, laughter, and words of thanks.

Families contributed generously to this annual initiative, while students expressed their love through handmade notes and warm interactions. The day reflected the compassion, empathy, and sense of belonging that define our school community — reminding us that appreciation, when expressed with love, builds lasting connections.

Anbudan stands as a reminder that compassion is not an event but a way of being. It reflects the very essence of our school culture — one that celebrates empathy, respect, and shared humanity.

EFL Sessions | Building Awareness and Life Skills

As part of the Education for Life (EFL) program at Shiv Nadar School, Faridabad, Grade 11 students participated in two engaging sessions designed to strengthen their understanding of leadership, history, and communication.

EFL: Post-Independence History
Facilitated by Ms. Ekta Bidhuri and Ms. Preeti Gill, the session delved into the 1962 Indo-China War, examining its historical roots, border disputes, and the profound impact it had on leadership and national security. Through maps, visuals, and compelling anecdotes, students explored how the conflict shaped India’s defense strategies and foreign policy. Group research and discussions helped deepen their appreciation of this critical period in India’s post-independence journey.

EFL: Leadership and Communication (19 August)
Led by Ms. Mitu Majumdar and Ms. Meenakshi Sharma, this interactive workshop focused on effective communication—a cornerstone of leadership. Students engaged in activities highlighting clarity, tone, empathy, and non-verbal cues such as body language. A playful “whisper challenge” illustrated how miscommunication arises, reinforcing the importance of active listening and thoughtful expression.

The Education for Life program is a distinctive initiative that equips students of Grades IX and XI with practical life skills beyond the academic curriculum—encouraging critical thinking, self-awareness, and the ability to navigate the complexities of modern life with confidence and empathy.

Welcoming Our First Middle School Cohorts

July 2024 marked a historic milestone at Shiv Nadar School, Chennai as we proudly welcomed our first-ever Middle School cohorts to campus! The MY1 and MY2 students embarked on their exciting new journey with a day packed with fun, discovery, and connection.

To help them familiarize themselves with their new surroundings, the students participated in a thrilling treasure hunt, exploring the campus spaces with curiosity and excitement. The day continued with engaging team-building activities, where students bonded over challenges and laughter, forming new friendships along the way.

Adding to the fun, students posed for quirky photos at the vibrant photo booth, creating keepsakes of their memorable first day. They also indulged in delicious treats, making the celebration even sweeter.

The warm and welcoming atmosphere helped ease the transition for students coming from different schools, turning what could have been a daunting first day into a joyful and memorable experience. With laughter, camaraderie, and new connections, the students felt right at home, ready to embrace their Middle School adventure with excitement and confidence.