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.