YUVAi - Global Youth Challenge

We are delighted to announce that our student par-excellence, Pranet Khetan has achieved another milestone, he is the recipient of the first prize for his project 'paraspeak" at the YUVAi – Global Youth Challenge 2026.

Paraspeak is an AI-powered wearable device that can convert impaired speech into clear speech on a near-real-time basis, giving a voice to back to those with paralysis, Parkinson's, dysarthria, and other CP-related speech disorders.

Pranet started with collecting the largest database of Hindi dysarthric speech using a custom-made 2-part algorithmic data collection toolkit for efficient large-scale collection. With this data, he experimented with the latest cutting-edge deep learning models to understand slurred speech using AI. Creating these AI systems was a major process in itself, encompassing various algorithmic processing techniques paired with state-of-the-art transformer architectures. To make the model accessible, he developed an affordable, pocket-sized device that can record dysarthric speech, apply AI processing, and speak out clear, intelligible speech that others can easily understand. At under $25, this breakthrough technology makes effective communication accessible to dysarthric patients in their native language, potentially transforming daily interactions for thousands of individuals who previously struggled to be understood.

His work reflects a strong commitment to leveraging technology for social good and places
him among the brightest young minds in the world.

Huge congratulations to Pranet on this incredible achievement!

Every Lesson is a Well-being Lesson: Empowering Primary Educators

The Counselling Team recently facilitated a dynamic "Shared Learning Space" for our Primary Years teachers, aimed at strengthening the school's multi-level support systems. The session explored well-being not as an add-on, but as an integral rhythm of everyday teaching.

Tools for Emotional Readiness Teachers engaged in reflective discussions and hands-on activities centered on practical tools for the classroom. A key focus was Mood Check-ins, utilized to gauge the "class climate" and assess student readiness for learning. The group collaborated to identify how different energy levels manifest in young learners, exploring specific strategies for balance:

• Grounding Practices: Techniques to calm students when they feel overwhelmed or restless.
• Energizers: Activities to boost engagement when energy levels are uneven or low.

Well-being as Pedagogy The core message of the session was a shift in perspective: viewing well-being as an intrinsic part of pedagogy rather than a separate component. Educators were encouraged to seamlessly embed these practices into their daily plans, reinforcing the powerful idea that "every lesson can also be a well-being lesson."

Funkaar Grade III

Funkaar was a joyful culmination of the theme “Living Things and Their Habitats”, seamlessly integrating co-scholastic subjects including Music, Art, Theatre, Computer Science, and Dance. 

The event provided Grade 3 students with an engaging platform to demonstrate their understanding through creativity and collaboration. The students performed brilliantly, confidently showcasing their learning through interactive games, thoughtful presentations, and meaningful interactions. Each performance reflected a strong conceptual understanding of habitats and living things, while also highlighting skills developed across the co-scholastic disciplines.
 

Overall, Funkaar was a vibrant and enriching experience that celebrated student learning, creativity, and interdisciplinary integration.

Shiv Nadar School Celebrates 77th Republic Day | Saluting the Spirit of Service

Shiv Nadar School commemorated the 77th Republic Day of India with a thoughtfully curated morning assembly that blended patriotism, reflection, and community appreciation. The celebration began with the unfurling of the National Flag by our Chief Guest, Major General Sukh Dev Avasthi (Retd.), followed by a poignant sitar rendition of the National Anthem by Grade 2 student Ved, setting a dignified tone for the proceedings.

Honouring the 'Invisible Workforce' The programme centred on the powerful theme of the "Invisible Workforce," honouring the countless individuals—security personnel, sanitation staff, support teams, and caregivers—whose quiet contributions sustain our everyday lives. Through anchoring reflections, the audience was reminded that freedom is both a right and a responsibility, rooted in the constitutional values of respect, equality, and dignity.

Inspirational Address & Book Launch We were honoured to host Major General Sukh Dev Avasthi, whose address highlighting his distinguished military career and contributions to education deeply resonated with the community.

A special highlight of the morning was the launch of "Whispers of Wings", a booklet curated by Ms. Kaanchan Bhagwat. Celebrating the birdlife observed within the school campus, the launch marked a meaningful intersection of education, nature, and lifelong curiosity.

Cultural Expressions of Patriotism The cultural segment was a vibrant tapestry of performance and pledge:

• Junior Student Council: A soulful rendition of Hum Honge Kaamyab and reflective speeches.
• Dance: A mesmerizing Bharatanatyam performance on Bho Shambho by Saisa Mago (Grade 7).
• Musical Tribute: The moving Constitution Anthem, Bharat ki Aatma, performed by parent contributors Ms. Shubhra Puri and Mr. Ashish Khanna alongside educator Ms. Rashmi Sharma.
• Swaranjali: A stirring instrumental ensemble, Deshbhakti ki Dhunein, featuring student musicians Twisha Nahar, Veydant Kher (Violin), Riaan Chandra Sabharwal (Tabla), and Raghav Kumaran (Keyboard), mentored by Mr. Gaurav Nahar.

Celebrating Community Builders True to the theme of recognizing unseen contributions, the school acknowledged key community builders:

• Service Recognition: Mr. Bablu Kumar from the security team was formally badged for his exemplary service.
• Volunteers: Bookworm Festival volunteers were felicitated for nurturing a vibrant reading culture.
• NGO Partners: Sustained efforts towards civic engagement and sustainability were honoured, with recognition given to partners Gurgaon First, Saahas Zero Waste, and Inch Paper.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by the Principal, reaffirming the school’s commitment to active citizenship. The morning stood as a meaningful reminder that the strength of the Republic lies not only in its laws but in its people.

Funkaar 2025: A Kaleidoscope of Confidence and Culture

The school recently celebrated Funkaar, a vibrant platform designed to make student learning visible through expression and performance. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from our Grade 1 and 2 students, who showcased their academic and cultural journeys with pride.

Grade 1: Building Confidence For our Grade 1 students, Funkaar was a meaningful opportunity to reflect on their classroom learning and present their insights to an audience of peers, educators, and the school leadership team. The students presented factual information with impressive clarity and preparation. While speaking before an unfamiliar audience naturally brought moments of nervousness for some, the experience proved to be a vital stepping stone in building their communication skills and self-belief.

Grade 2: A Cultural Finale In Grade 2, the event served as the joyful finale to their exploration of "National and International Culture." The corridors resonated with rhythm and color as students brought diverse regions to life, pairing Indian states with global counterparts such as Kashmir & Spain, Punjab & Dubai, Goa & Thailand, Rajasthan & Japan, and Kerala & England. Through a dynamic blend of dance, music, art, and confident narration, the students celebrated the spirit of diversity, collaboration, and creativity.

Sketching Stories: Grade 7 Explores the Art of Comics with Ajit Narayan

On December 23rd, 2025, fifty students from Grade 7 (MYP 2) unleashed their creativity in a dynamic workshop titled "The Art of Storytelling Through Comic Strips." The session was led by the acclaimed cartoonist-illustrator Mr. Ajit Narayan, a veteran "chalk-talker" with over two decades of experience in classrooms across India and the author of three books on How to Draw Cartoons.

From Stick Figures to Graphic Novels Mr. Narayan kicked off the session by emphasizing the vital role of creativity in design. In a fully hands-on environment, students doodled alongside the facilitator as he demystified the art of sketching. Starting with simple stick figures, he guided the young artists through various poses and expressions, demonstrating the nuance and effort that goes into effective cartooning. The discussion also bridged the gap between single-panel cartoons and the broader narrative structure of graphic novels.

Creating the Prototype Transitioning from technique to storytelling, the workshop concluded with a collaborative group segment. Students applied their new skills to craft their own comic strip sequences. By the end of the two-hour session, every group had successfully developed a prototype, setting the stage for their own graphic novel projects.

Unlocking the Mystery: Grade 8 Explores Fiction Writing with Mallika Ravikumar

On December 22nd, 2025, fifty students from Grade 8 (MYP 3) stepped into the shoes of professional authors during an immersive workshop titled "The Art of Writing Mystery Fiction." The session was facilitated by the renowned lawyer-turned-writer Ms. Mallika Ravikumar, whose celebrated works include The Vanishing Gods, The Case of Missing Turtles, and The Case of Mysterious Witches.

Decoding the Genre Ms. Ravikumar began the session by drawing on her own publishing journey with Penguin, Hachette, and Karadi Tales. She guided the students through the essential elements of the mystery genre, covering everything from imagining a gripping prompt to the rigorous research required for authentic world-building. The interactive discussion broke down the mechanics of fiction, focusing on how to craft detailed character sketches and construct tight, suspenseful plot lines.

From Concept to Prototype Moving from theory to practice, the workshop transitioned into a hands-on collaborative activity. Students worked in groups to apply their newfound knowledge, responding to writing prompts and developing their own narratives. By the end of the two-hour session, each group had successfully created a writing prototype—a solid foundation ready to be developed into a full-fledged mystery novel.

Reimagining Libraries: Innovation, Agency, and the 'Liferarian' Spirit

Our library team recently participated in a transformative Masterclass, joining a diverse group of stakeholders—including educators, researchers, technologists, and community leaders. The conference served as a vital platform to align these perspectives, exploring how libraries can be rethought to foster critical thinking and global competencies in an evolving educational context.

Conference Objectives The sessions were driven by a clear purpose: to examine the 21st-century evolution of libraries, exchange creative pedagogy models, and strengthen cooperation between institutions.

Navigating the Digital Landscape A major highlight was the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and new media literacy into the library curriculum. Facilitators shared valuable tools for digital storytelling, demonstrating how technology can be used responsibly. The key takeaway was a powerful reminder to "be as human as possible" in the digital world—using AI to amplify connection rather than replace it.

Academic Excellence: The Road to EE 2027 Addressing the need for rigorous academic support, the conference provided crucial updates regarding the Extended Essay (EE) for 2027. Librarians gained fresh insights into new criteria and purposeful curriculum design. these strategies will be instrumental in guiding high school students through their research, ensuring they are well-prepared for the changing demands of the IB curriculum.

Transforming Spaces & Student Agency The masterclass also focused on "Library Space Enhancement," exploring ways to turn libraries into inviting hubs that foster student agency. Participants discussed how flexible designs and engaging activities can deepen the connection between the learner and the environment, proving that there is "so much that can be done within the library and outside it."

From Librarians to 'Liferarians' Perhaps the most inspiring concept introduced was that of the "Liferarian"—a lifelong learner who contributes deeply to their community. Underscoring the importance of empathy and ethical thinking, the sessions celebrated the satisfaction of contributing to the school fraternity.

Armed with these new strategies and a stronger professional network, our team is excited to implement these best practices, turning our library into a space of "unbridled joy" and critical inquiry for all students.

Empowering Educators: The Power of Pause

Recently, our Counselling Team facilitated a transformative two-day training session titled "The Power of Pause," designed specifically for our IC teachers. The workshop empowered educators to recognize personal classroom triggers and deeply understand how their own emotional reactions influence students and the learning environment.

From Reaction to Response Through reflective case studies and practical strategies, teachers explored how a simple pause can interrupt automatic, stress-induced reactions to create space for thoughtful, constructive responses. The training emphasized that a "pause" looks different for everyone—whether it is taking a deep breath, going for a short walk, embracing silence, using self-talk, or applying grounding techniques.

Cultivating Compassionate Classrooms The core focus of the session was on emotional regulation and self-awareness. By mastering these skills, teachers are better equipped to respond with clarity, calm, and connection rather than stress. This approach not only strengthens teacher wellbeing but also deepens relationships with students, fostering a compassionate classroom management style.

The Wildfire Analogy The training concluded with a powerful analogy: while "sparks" (triggers) in a classroom may be inevitable, they need not turn into a wildfire. By recognizing these sparks early and responding with a pause, we have the power to control the outcome and maintain a safe, nurturing environment for all.