Funkaar 2025 – A Celebration of Learning Through the Arts
From 1st to 29th August 2025, Shiv Nadar School, Faridabad hosted Funkaar, its annual Integrated Arts Programme for students of Grades 1 to 5. The much-awaited signature event was celebrated with great enthusiasm and creativity, marking the culmination of a rich and engaging learning journey for students across the Primary Years.
Rooted in the Shiv Nadar School philosophy that learning is most meaningful when it is experiential, interconnected, and reflective, Funkaar brought together dance, music, theatre, and visual arts in harmony with classroom learning. The month-long celebration encouraged students to explore academic concepts through artistic expression, inquiry, and collaboration—fostering observation, creativity, and connection at every step.
Highlights of Funkaar 2025
In Grade 3, students brought language to life by integrating English with Dance. Through expressive movement, rhythm, and spoken word, they showcased their understanding of stories and characters, interpreting themes and emotions through graceful performances.
Grade 4 learners explored the vibrant intersection of English and Visual Arts. They delved into character design and storytelling, creating vivid illustrations and performing short role-plays based on folk tales, demonstrating their grasp of dialogue, expression, and narrative depth.
Grade 5 students bridged Hindi and Theatre, immersing themselves in dramatic dialogues, interviews, and letter-writing activities that highlighted the power of communication and performance.
In addition to these integrations, Learning Walks across all core subjects transformed classrooms into interactive spaces of discovery. Students became guides and presenters—explaining concepts, demonstrating models, and sharing the skills they had developed over the term.
Madhubani Art Workshop for Grade 2
As part of the Funkaar learning experience, a three-day Madhubani Art Workshop was organised for Grade 2, integrating with Environmental Studies. The sessions, led by renowned folk artist Shanti Devi, introduced students to the intricate patterns, vibrant colours, and nature-inspired motifs of this traditional Indian art form.
Through hands-on practice, learners explored the cultural significance of Madhubani art and the symbolism behind motifs such as the sun, moon, fish, peacock, and flowers. The workshop nurtured observation, patience, and appreciation for the harmony between art and nature—culminating in personal artworks that beautifully reflected each child’s learning journey.
A Celebration of Learning
The event culminated with parents visiting classrooms to witness firsthand their children’s learning journeys. They interacted with students, viewed their projects, and celebrated their progress in both academic and creative domains.
Funkaar 2025 was more than a showcase—it was a celebration of expression, integration, and holistic learning. The event truly reflected Shiv Nadar School, Faridabad’s commitment to nurturing well-rounded learners who think critically, create with confidence, and communicate with heart.
Future Leaders Fest 2025 – Innovate, Inspire, Impact
A team of three students from Shiv Nadar School, Faridabad brought home the First Position in the STEM Circuit category at the Future Leaders Fest: Innovate, Inspire, Impact, hosted by Bluebells School International, New Delhi.
The STEM Circuit was a high-energy maze of science and math challenges designed to foster innovation, analytical thinking, and teamwork. Competing against several schools, our students demonstrated exceptional problem-solving skills and collaboration to emerge victorious.
Winning Team:
- Kshitij Goel – Grade 9
- Sanshray Gupta – Grade 10
- Kinshuka Gupta – Grade 9
Their achievement is a proud reflection of their curiosity, creativity, and the spirit of innovation that defines our learners at Shiv Nadar School, Faridabad.
Tavish Pahwa achieves a rare national milestone in tennis
Tavish Pahwa of Grade 10, Shiv Nadar School, Faridabad, has emerged as the Singles Champion in the Boys’ U-18 category at the prestigious Fenesta Open National Championship held in New Delhi from 29th September to 4th October 2025.
He also reached the semi-finals in the doubles event, displaying remarkable consistency and skill across formats.
With this latest triumph, Tavish has accomplished an extraordinary feat — winning all National Junior Titles consecutively across four categories:
- U-12 (2022)
- U-14 (2023)
- U-16 (2024)
- U-18 (2025)
A clean sweep of all National Junior Titles over four consecutive years — a testament to his dedication, discipline, and exceptional talent.
Pranit Rastogi Shines Across National and International Chess Arenas
Pranit Rastogi of Grade 3, Shiv Nadar School, Faridabad, continues to shine as one of the region’s most promising young chess talents, displaying exceptional focus, consistency, and competitive spirit across a remarkable series of tournaments.
6 September 2025 – Pacific Chess League, Jasola (Under-8)
Pranit secured First Position, remaining undefeated across all seven rounds. He received a trophy, ₹2,500 cash prize, and gift vouchers worth ₹2,500.
7 September 2025 – Pacific Chess League, Jasola (Under-12)
Competing in a higher age category, he earned Third Prize with a trophy, ₹1,500 cash prize, and ₹1,500 in gift vouchers.
18–30 September 2025 – World Cadet Classical Chess Championship, Almaty, Kazakhstan
Representing India, Pranit improved his FIDE rating by 103 points, defeating five higher-rated players and drawing with two — a mature and steady international performance.
5 October 2025 – C.S. Sharma Memorial (Under-9), The Millennium School, Noida
He clinched First Prize, remaining unbeaten.
26 October 2025 – SRCA Chess Tournament, Noida (Under-8)
Pranit secured Second Position, finishing undefeated.
26 October 2025 – Blitz Chess Tournament (Open Category), Noida
Competing alongside IMs, AGMs, and WFMs, he finished 4th overall, ahead of a Woman FIDE Master.
31 October 2025 – Felicitation, Faridabad
Pranit was honoured by the Senior Citizen Society, Sector 16, for his World Cadet performance and continued achievements.
1 November 2025 – GBN School Chess Tournament, Faridabad
He secured First Position, remaining unbeaten. This marked his 100th chess trophy.
8–16 November 2025 – Commonwealth Chess Championship, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Representing India, Pranit achieved:
• 5th place in Classical
• 4th place in Blitz
29 November 2025 – Open SRCA Chess Tournament, Faridabad
Pranit emerged Champion, undefeated in all five games, qualifying for the Champion Trophy Knockout Open Tournament.
30 November 2025 – Champions Trophy Knockout Finale, Noida
Representing Faridabad, he once again became Champion, remaining undefeated in all five rounds.
30 November 2025 – Under-9 Tournament, Prometheus School, Noida
Representing Shiv Nadar School, he secured Second Position among 90 participants.
30 November 2025 – Blitz Open Chess Tournament, Noida
He further competed in the Blitz Open category later that day.
Across these events, Pranit played 17 games in a single day, demonstrating remarkable stamina and mental resilience.
7 December 2025 – Move N Leap Chess Tournament, Sector 40, Noida
Pranit delivered another strong performance:
• Under-8 Category – First Position, undefeated
• Under-12 Puzzle Championship – Second Position
• Under-12 Category (higher age group) – Second Position
1 February 2026 – CS Memorial Chess Tournament, The Millennium School, Noida
Pranit secured First Position in the Under-9 category, remaining undefeated in all five games.
8 February 2026 – Under-11 Chess Tournament, Faridabad
He achieved First Position, remaining undefeated in all four games.
On the same day, he also competed in the Under-14 category and secured First Position, remaining undefeated in all five games.
14 February 2026 – Study Isle Chess Tournament
Competing in higher age groups, Pranit secured:
• Second Position – Under-12 category
• Third Position – Under-16 category
Pranit’s consistent excellence across age groups, formats, and competitive levels — local, national, and international — reflects his deep commitment to the sport and his steady growth as a young athlete.
We congratulate him on his continued achievements and wish him many more milestones ahead.
Iha Joshi and Kavya Strike Gold at Haryana State SGFI Tennis Championship
Iha Joshi and Kavya, students of Grade 9, Shiv Nadar School Faridabad, clinched the Gold Medal in the Haryana State SGFI Girls Under-17 Tennis Tournament 2025, held at Scholar Global School, Bahadurgarh, from 24th to 26th September 2025.
Representing District Faridabad, the team showcased exceptional skill and teamwork, defeating strong contenders from Bhiwani, Yamunanagar, and Sirsa to secure their place in the finals. In the championship match, they triumphed over Rohtak, with Iha defeating the No. 1 seed from the district.
Earlier in the tournament, Iha Joshi (Shiv Nadar School, Faridabad) and Anandita Upadhyay (DPS Sector 19, Faridabad) represented the district as playing members.
With this victory, Iha now advances to represent Haryana State at the National SGFI Tournament, scheduled to be held at Mayo College, Ajmer.
Ruhaan Taneja Shines in Back-to-Back Chess Tournaments
Ruhaan Taneja of Grade 3, Shiv Nadar School Faridabad, showcased exceptional skill and focus in two recent inter-school chess tournaments.
At the Inter-Campus Chess Tournament held at Shiv Nadar School, Noida on 12th September 2025, Ruhaan clinched 1st place, competing among 24 participants from the Noida, Faridabad, and Gurgaon campuses.
Continuing his winning streak, Ruhaan also participated in the 1st Chakravyuh Chess Championship on 11th October 2025, where he secured the 3rd position in the Under-9 Boys category, earning both a trophy and a certificate among 51 participants.
Adding to his growing list of inspiring experiences, Ruhaan recently had the opportunity to attend the FIDE World Cup 2025 in Goa. There, he met renowned Indian chess grandmasters Mr. D. Gukesh and Mr. R. Praggnanandhaa.
This encounter has further strengthened Ruhaan’s passion for chess, motivating him to continue honing his game and aiming higher in upcoming tournaments.
Jayansh Dhingra Shines at the SGFI Haryana State Chess Championship
Jayansh Dhingra of Grade 7 at Shiv Nadar School, Faridabad, played a pivotal role in helping the Faridabad U-14 team clinch the SGFI Haryana State Chess Championship title.
Demonstrating remarkable focus and composure, Jayansh won all five of his matches, maintaining an unbeaten record throughout the tournament. His stellar performance contributed 5 crucial game points, propelling the Faridabad team to victory with a total of 15 game points.
The SGFI (School Games Federation of India) Haryana State-level Chess Championship brought together top young chess talents from across the state, with each team comprising four players. Jayansh’s consistency and strategic depth stood out as defining factors in his team’s championship triumph.
Hitejas Vijval Excels at the National Stage — Selected for the Asian Cadet Cup and Khelo India Youth Games
Hitejas Vijval, Grade 11, Shiv Nadar School Faridabad, has once again brought great pride to the school with his exceptional performance at the Cadet National Championship 2025.
For the third consecutive year, Hitejas has secured a medal at the national level — this time clinching the Bronze Medal, a remarkable feat that reflects his dedication, composure, and mastery of high-difficulty techniques. His performance drew praise from coaches, dignitaries, and representatives from the Sports Authority of India (SAI), who personally met him after his bout to commend his skill and record his details for future reference.
His outstanding show at the Nationals has earned him selection for the ‘Asian Cadet Cup’, an international tournament that will see him represent India on a larger stage.
Continuing his winning streak, Hitejas also bagged top honours at two other major events — the CBSE National Tournament 2025 held in Rudrapur, Uttarakhand, where he won the Silver Medal, and the Khel Mahakumbh 2025 in Panipat, Haryana, where he clinched the Bronze Medal. These achievements mark his fourth national-level medal, underscoring his consistency and excellence across competitions.
Dominating several of his bouts with emphatic 5–0 victories, Hitejas has now earned an All India Rank of 8, after narrowly missing the top eight earlier by a single point. His relentless drive and sportsmanship have also qualified him for the prestigious ‘Khelo India Youth Games’, where he will compete against athletes from across the nation, including senior categories.
Hitejas embodies the spirit of perseverance, skill, and discipline — continuing to inspire his peers and make the Shiv Nadar School Faridabad community proud.
Rising Star on the Tennis Court - Mysha Prabhakar
Mysha Prabhakar of Grade 5 Shiv Nadar School Faridabad won the Runner-Up Trophy in her very first tournament — the PadMaya Open Tennis Tournament – Season 5, held at KR Mangalam World School held in August.
She remained undefeated until the finals, where she faced the same opponent she had overcome in the earlier rounds. Competing among 20+ players in one of the toughest district-level tournaments, Mysha’s exceptional performance marks an inspiring start to her sporting journey.
Congratulations Avviraaj Kalia
Avviraaj Kalia of Grade 1 was placed 'Winner' in the 22nd Greens to Glory Junior Golf Tournamnet held at Classic Golf and Country Club in the age category E (8 years and below).
He previously secured 1st Position in the Champion of Champions Tournament by Acegolfindia held on 22nd July at Jaypee Greens Noida.