DPS Srinagar - Annual Report 2020

DELHI PUBLIC SCHOOL SRINAGAR Athwajan, Bye-pass Chowk-190004

ANNUAL REPORT FOR CO-SCHOLASTICS 2020

Annual Report for Co-Scholastics 2020 I am glad to present the Annual Report of the year 2020.This year has been a year of challenges and contingency plans. Nevertheless we at Delhi Public School as usual faced the adversity in its face and kicked off some really exciting plans and trainings for the students and the faculty .The virtual platform became our new workplace and we are able to reach our students right in their safe spaces.

With the outset of the on-line platform, it became imperative for us as an organisation to provide the necessary support and much required trainings to enable the teachers to understand the new mode of imparting education aided with technology so that the interaction with the students become smooth and easily accessible.

In this context Delhi Public School, Society (HRD) provided a series of webinars for our faculty to equip them with the available tools on-line and how to make lessons more interactive and interesting. The details are as follows: 1. Visit of DPS RK Puram, East of Kailash, Vasant Vihar from Jan 08 to 31 Jan. 2020.

Attended by Ms. Hina Qadri and Ms. Radifa Khan 2. On-Line Training Programme on the Topic “ The Art Of Story Telling” June 03 : Attended by Librarian : Ms. Unab Bukhari 3. On-Line Training Programme on the Topic “ Effective on-line teaching skills” June 03 : Attended by Ms. Nazia Rashid –Elementary Department 4. On-Line Training Programme on the Topic “ Use of on-line tools for teaching” June 04 : Attended by Mr. Tanvir Nabi –Primary Department 5. On-Line Training Programme on the Topic “ Sounds of English” June 05 : Attended by Ms. Bisma Bhat –Primary Department 6. On-Line Training Programme on the Topic “ Theatre in Education” June 06 : Attended

by Ms. Tanzeela Bilal–Primary Department 7. On-Line Training Programme on the Topic “ Career Counselling -Awareness” June 11 : Attended by Ms. Syed Sumaira –Coordinator 8. On-Line Training Programme on the Topic “ How to Teach a Poem” June 17 : Attended

by Ms. Rukhsana –Middle Department 9. On-Line Training Programme on the Topic “ Education for Heritage and Culture” June 04 : Attended by Ms. Shabeena Hakim –Primary Department 10. On-Line Training Programme on the Topic “ Best on-line Teaching Practices of Chemistry” June 26 : Attended by Ms. Shazlee Farooq –Middle Department 11. On-Line Training Programme on the Topic “ Best on-line Teaching Practices of Mathematics” June 26 : Attended by Ms. Masarat Maqbool –Senior Department 12. On-Line Training Programme on the Topic “ Best on-line Teaching Practices of Biology” June 26 : Attended by Ms. Wajida Maqbool –Senior Department

13. On-Line Training Programme on the Topic “Best on-line Teaching Practices in Elementary Classes” August 05: Attended by Ms. Farukh Seema –Elementary Department 14. On-Line Training Programme on the Topic “Pedagogy of teaching Biology” August06 : Attended by Mr. Basharat Ganaie –Senior Secondary Department 15. On-Line Training Programme on the Topic “Best on-line Teaching Practices in Elementary Classes” August 10 : Attended by Ms. Romisah –Junior Department 16. On-Line Training Programme on the Topic “Understanding Adolescence” August 13 : Attended by Mr. Rafiq Sofi –Senior Secondary Department 17. On-Line Training Programme on the Topic “Pedagogy of Teaching Science (Classes 68)” August 14 : Attended by Ms. Afshan Bakshi –Middle Department 18. On-Line Training Programme on the Topic “Best on-line Teaching Practices in Computer Science”- Python August 19 : Attended by Mr. Javaid Sofi–Senior Secondary Department 19. On-Line Training Programme on the Topic “Integration Of Art in Education” August 21 : Attended by Ms. Nowsheen Andrabi–Junior Department 20. On-Line Training Programme on the Topic “Best on-line Teaching Practices of Mathematics (Classes IX-XII)” August 26 : Attended by Mr. Firdous A Bhat and Iftikahr Hussain–Senior Department 21. On-Line Training Programme on the Topic “Rotational Dynamics in Physics Class XII” Sep.18 : Attended by Mr. Noor M Bhat–Senior Secondary Department 22. On-Line Training Programme on the Topic “ Understanding Geography through Urban Processes” Sep.24 : Attended by Mr. Shabir A Dar –Senior Department 23. On-Line Training Programme on the Topic “Indian Economy and the challenges being faced ” October 09 : Attended by Mr. M. Yaqube Ganie–Senior Secondary Department 24. On-Line Training Programme on the Topic “Stress Management” October 28 : Attended by Ms. Saika Bashir –Junior Department 25. On-Line Training Programme on the Topic “Accountancy -NPO” : November 04 Attended by Ms. Munazah Jan Basu -Senior Secondary Department 26. On-Line Training Programme on the Topic “Business Studies -Financial Management ” : November 06 Attended by Ms. Azhar Khursheed -Senior Secondary Department 27. On-Line Training Programme on the Topic “Interdisciplinary Learning& Integrating Music” : November 10 attended by Ms. Azhar Khursheed -Senior Secondary Department 28. On-Line Training Programme on the Topic “Best Practices in Art Integration” –Maths : November 23 Attended by Mr. Zeeshan Azad, Primary Department 29. On-Line Training Programme on the Topic “Best Practices in Art Integration” –Social Science : November 25 Attended by Mr. Fayaz A Bhat, Middle Department 30. On-Line Training Programme on the Topic “Best Practices in Art Integration” –Biology : November 25 Attended by Ms. Iqra Shafi, Primary Department

31. On-Line Training Programme on the Topic “Best Practices in Art Integration – Chemistry : November 26 Attended by Mr. Adil, Primary Department

Teacher’s Training with other Organisations 1. Cultural exchange Programme with Shristi English Medium School, Aanand from Jan 10Jan.18, 2020. Attended By 10 students of Class IX and Ms. Irram Ashraf and Mr. M. Saleem Bhat from Middle Department 2. Teacher’s Cultural exchange Programme to SMK Vivekananda School, Malaysia from 08 Jan. to 22 Jan. 2020.Attended by Five Teachers from various departments. Ms. Fehmida Khaliq, Ms. Andilleb Yasmeen, Mr. Tanveer Nabi Mattoo, Mr. Firdous A Mir and Mr. Muzaffar A Bhat 3. Capacity Building Workshop at Indian Habitat Centre, New Delhi by Dr. B. L. Handoo from Dec.20th to Dec.23rd 19. Attended by Academic In charges Ms. Nowsheen Bashir, Ms. Monisa Khursheed, Ms. Hina Qadri, Ms. Radifa Khan, Ms. Rehana Tabasum, Mr. Sheikh Sajad 4. Workshop on “Substance Abuse-Role of Teachers for identification & prevention” by Dr. Muzaffar from Feb.13-Feb.14, 2020. Attended by 70 teachers form different departments of our school 5. Workshop on “Unfolding Positivity, Peace and Compassion” by Mr. Arun Wakhlu from Feb.16 to Feb. 17, 2020 for 45 Teachers of Tiny tots Department 6. Workshop on “The Inner Child” from 24th to 29th feb.2020 by Mr. Vikramjeet Singh for 14 teachers of LRC Department and 30 teachers of Tiny tots Department 7. Workshop on “Jodo gyan” on September 27, 2020 by Mr. Shahaji and Ms. Komal for 29 teachers from LRC Department as well as Tiny tots Department

Teacher’s Training with CBSE 1. On-Line Training Programme on the Topic “Vocational Education” : Sep.14,2020 Attended by Ms. Sadaf Ashaq & Jannat-ul-Nisa -LRC Department 2. On-Line Training Programme on the Topic “Alternate Model Of Education ” : Sep.16,2020 Attended by Ms. Sheetal Parimoo -LRC Department 3. On-Line Training Programme on the Topic “Promotion of Languages” : Sep.16,2020 Attended by Ms. Baida Mushtaq -LRC Department, Ms. Rehana Tabassum, Ms. Reeya Bakaya, Ms. Aasima Khanam 4. On-Line Training Programme on the Topic “National Education Policy to promote Competency Based Assessments in Schools” : Sep.17,2020 Attended by Ms. Syed Sumera 5. On-Line Training Programme on the Topic “Foundational Literacy and Numeracy” : Sep.18,2020 Attended by Ms. Saima Manzoor Tiny Tots Department 6. On-Line Training Programme on the Topic “Alternate Model Of Education” : Sep.22,2020 Attended by Ms. Tabassum Musatffa -LRC Department 7. On-Line Training Programme on the Topic “Quality Early Child hood Care and Education ” : Sep.25,2020 Attended by Ms. Sameena Bhat and Rubaya Jan Tiny Tots Department

Co-scholastic Activities for students

School organizes Skiing Camps at Gulmarg The school organized Skiing training courses for students of Classes 4th to 8th in two batches at Gulmarg in corroboration with IISM Gulmarg. The first camp was held from 20th January – February 2nd. Thirty students participated in the camp which aimed at developing the skiing skills of students, strengthen basic techniques and develop a love for the sport. Another camp is being held from 3rd February which is scheduled to end on 16th Feb. 30 students are taking part in the camp. Students are trained according to their skills and expertise under three levels – Basic, Intermediate and Advanced. Our students have performed exceptionally well, and earned several accolades and medals for themselves.

School wins big in Martial Arts Championship The school team won a rich haul of five medals in martial arts at the recently concluded 16th National Shastrang Championship held in Chandigarh from 28th to 30th December, 2019.

The championship was organized by Chandigarh Shastrang Association which is recognized by both SGFI and ISF. More than 560 fighters from 18 states had participated in the said event. All the five fighters of the school team secured medals in the event. Qubra Khan, Zibra Zahoor and Batool Fatima secured Gold medals while Sarish Koul and Zabiya secured Silver medals.

School wins seven medals in Thang Ta The school Thang Ta team has secured 7 medals – 2 gold, 1 silver and 4 bronze medals in the ‘District Thang Ta Championship’ organized by District Srinagar Thang Ta Association, held at Indoor Hall, Gin-Dun Stadium RajBagh on 17th & 18th February, 2020.

School Thang Ta team wins 14 medals The School Thang Ta team secured a rich haul of 14 medals including 4 golds, 6 silvers and 4 bronze medals in the state Thang Ta championship organized by Jammu and Kashmir Thang Ta association which was held at Indoor sports complex, Srinagar from 3rd to 5th of March.

The medalists have been selected for 26th national championship scheduled to be held at Imphal, Manipur from 26th to 29th of March.

DPS Srinagar wins five medals at Khelo India Winter games DPS Srinagar put in an impressive effort to secure five medals at the recently held Khelo India Winter games held at Gulmarg from March 7th to 12th. The five-day event was held under the auspices of Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council in a bid to promote development of sports. More than 30 events including snowboarding, snow skiing, cross country and snow show were held in which players from across India participated. Putting in a stellar effort Syed Zain of the school secured two Gold Medals in the U-17 Gents Salalom and Salalom races, while Rubab secured a silver and bronze in the U-19 category and Ayza won a silver in the U14 category.

School organized the B+ Series of Virtual competitions DPS Srinagar opened a plethora of fun activities to all its students from Class III- XII. A series of competitions was organised for Art, Music and Film Making in the month of April 2020. All these competitions were organized virtually. Our students participated enthusiastically in all the activities and presented several compelling expressions that exhibited the sharpness of their intellect, and optimism of spirit.

DPS Srinagar awarded the first SAT Center in J&K In a first for Jammu and Kashmir, Delhi Public School Srinagar has been allotted a SAT center in the school.

SAT or Scholastic Aptitude Test is an entrance exam used by almost every college and university in the west especially the US to make admission decisions. It is a multiple-choice, pencil- and – paper test created and administered by the College Board. The SAT is not only a highly recommended test but an extremely important one as it is the first criterion of eligibility. Most students take their SATs during their high school years. The purpose of the SAT is to measure a high school student’s readiness for college and provide colleges with one common data point that can be used to compare all applicants.

Prajyot Singh wins Silver Medal in International Astronomy and Astrophysics Competition Prajyot Singh of Class X brought laurels to the school by winning a Silver Medal in International Astronomy and Astrophysics Competition held in July 2020. The final round of the competition was a supervised exam of forty questions which required comprehensive astronomy and astrophysics knowledge. He scored 22 points and was placed among top 15% of all the participants. The Principal and staff congratulated him on his achievement.

Rubab Ali Punjabi wins ‘Pedal for Peace’ cycle race Rubab Ali Punjabi, a Class XII student bagged the first position in the senior girls’ category, cycle race “Pedal for Peace” on October 11, 2020. This race was organized by Jammu and Kashmir Police to promote sports talent and create sports awareness among the youth.

School hosts eminent poet Zareef Ahmad Zareef and renowned educationist Dr. Jauhar Quddusi We were honoured to have the eminent poet and writer, Mr. Zareef Ahmad Zareef and renowned author, poet and educationist Mr. Jauhar Quddusi in our institution on Sep.15, 2020. The guests were welcomed by Mr. Sajid, the Kashmiri language coordinator. The chairman, Mr. Vijay Dhar spoke a few words in honour of the guests. The main purpose of their visit was to revive the Kashmiri culture, language, literature and history of Kashmir and formulate an in house curriculum for different age level and induction of the same among the students. Mr. Zareef Ahmad Zareef, in his speech laid stress on imparting quality education to students and quoted the words of “Alexander the Great”— Children are given birth by parents but are moulded by teachers. A teacher is a ray of hope in a pupil’s life and it’s the efforts of the teachers due to which the child reaches his/her destination. He focused on teachers and teacher/student relationship. Many instances from our rich past were highlighted by the worthy guest.

A brief speech was followed by Mr. Quddusi in which he congratulated the School for enshrining the students with a great vision–revival of Kashmiri language, culture, literature, heritage, etc. He also laid stress on children being entangled to the roots of their existence and praised the esteemed Chairman.

The guests were felicitated by Mr. Dhar. A Question/Answer session was followed where teachers gave their valuable suggestions and ideas on how to implement the revival of Kashmiri language, culture, art and literature along with curriculum.

Students participate in Expression Series on Pandemic Challenge Innovation is best expressed and realized in unforeseen and unprecedented situations. The current COVID situation poses such a situation and requires positive and innovative thinking to tackle the challenge. In this spirit, CBSE invited students to creatively express their ideas/ views on the theme ‘Thinking Innovatively in Unprecedented Times like Covid-19’ as part of Expression Series. Our students participated enthusiastically in the activity, and presented several compelling expressions that exhibited the sharpness of their intellect, and optimism of spirit.

Online Career Counseling Session held for Class 12th On 19th September 2020, DPS Srinagar organized a career counseling session for students of 12th Class, Arts Stream. The session was held Online via a platform called Zoom meetings.

The resource person for the session was Mr Mushafiq Bhat, Ex-student of DPS who is currently pursuing engineering in New-Zealand.

The session aimed at making the audience aware of the multiple career options available. The resource person shared information regarding various courses available, and urged students to identify their interests and strengths. He also advised them to plan multiple activities during their vacations to hone their skills. He recommended the students that they should not drop years as it makes the student unprofessional in the eyes of universities and prospective employers. Dropping years unnecessarily gives the impression of non-seriousness from the student’s end. But if due to some reasons students are dropping the year or two, they should cover this gap by doing internships, projects and research work. They should constructively engage themselves in productive work like working on soft skills like interpersonal skills, communication skills etc. and IT skills like programming, computer skills etc. which will give them the extra edge than the other students.

First Online Assembly held for Class 1st and 2nd The word impossible exists in the dictionary of fools, so Napoleon is believed to have said.

Taking this maxim forward, at DPS Srinagar we conducted the first virtual morning assembly.

Students were admirably ready for the venture, and participated wholeheartedly in it. The assembly commenced with the morning prayer “Lab Pe Aati Hai Dua” in admiration of God. Children sang in chorus with the morning prayer played in the background. Different themes were given to children to enhance their speaking skills. Children had prepared poems, amazing facts, news headlines and profound thoughts.

All the participants were keen to be a part of the assembly and were delighted at being given a chance to bond again over the assembly. While, it might not be possible to organize offline assembly for some more time, yet the likeness is no less amazing and transformative. It sets the tone for many such virtual assemblies, where children will make the most of the amazing opportunities offered by internet.

Grandparents Day celebrated online by school Grandparents are a family’s greatest treasure, the founders of a loving legacy, the greatest storytellers, and the keepers of traditions. To honor them Class 1st and 2nd celebrated the first ever virtual ‘Grandparents Day’ on 2nd October 2020.

The event began with the school prayer, followed by a welcome song prepared by children.

The students put up dazzling performances comprising songs, speech, poems, especially dedicated for the grandparents. The success of the event was evident from the happy and

joyful smiles and laughter on the faces of the grandparents. The grandparents really loved the way the celebrations were held online during this pandemic situation.

Grandparents praised the teachers and school management for honoring them and recognizing their importance in the lives of grandchildren. They all were excited and enthusiastic about to speak and share their childhood memories and experiences. It was a memorable event for the grandparents, who left with pleasant memories, plenty of appreciation and blessings for the school and all the teachers.

Career counseling session in Collaboration with NIIFT Srinagar held for students On October 07 2020, the school organized a Career Counseling Session for students of 11th and 12th class, Arts Stream. The session was held Online via Zoom. The resource person for the session was Ms. Sushma Saitwal, Associate Professor, NIFT Mumbai. The resource person spoke about creativity, art and career in fashion designing. She spoke in length on the idea of fashion designing and the various courses related to that. It was followed by a question answer session wherein many students who were interested in the program asked questions.

Class III and IV present Theme Based Virtual Morning Assemblies The classes III & IV presented their morning assemblies on the theme of ‘Stay Positive’ under the guidance of their Home Room Teachers. The assembly started with the Morning Prayer “Lab Pe Aati Hai Dua” which was followed by the theme of the month “Stay Positive.” The main motive of the theme was to make children understand that you win half of the battle if you are confident of your abilities. Power of positivity promotes confidence. It boosts self-esteem as you work independently believing in your skills.

Power couple Abid Rashid and Sehrish Asgar release DPS Student’s book An event was held at DPS Srinagar to release the book ‘Butterflies of Paradise’ by a grade 10th student of the school – Sadia Nisar Shah. The book is published by FreshCode Books, the leading self-publishing press in the valley. The book written as a stream of consciousness has been inspired by the writings of Maulana Rumi. Various dignitaries including Abid Rashid Shah (IAS), Sehrish Asghar (IAS), Zareef Ahmed Zareef, Satirist and Chronicler and Shabir Mir author of critically acclaimed novel ‘The Plague upon Us’ were present at the release. A formal release was followed by a detailed Q and A session here the author explained her inspirations, motives and the writing process.

DPS Srinagar hosts friendly football match in collaboration with Real Kashmir FC DPS Srinagar in association with Real Kashmir football club hosted a friendly football match between two girl teams DPS Girls Team vs Real Kashmir Woman’s team with an aim of promoting girl power. The theme of the match was “SHE POWER”.

Maj Gen Raju Chauhan, GOC, 31 Sub Area, was the Chief Guest on the occasion. The event was also attended by large number of locals, parents, staff and school children. All Covid-19 related preventive precautions were followed during the whole event.

Students participate in Constantia 2020 Organised by La Martinere College, Lucknow Students of Class XI-XII participated in Constantia 20220 organized by La Martinere College, Lucknow. Constantia 2020 was three day-long event consisting of 10 competitions in various co-curricular activities. Commencing in La Martiniere College in 2012, Constantia 2020 is the eighth iteration of the event which was an opportunity to bring young people together in a controlled environment to compete against each other and to recognize each other’s talents.

The competitions were broadly Technical, Literary and Business-oriented. All our students participated enthusiastically in all the events.

Children’s day celebrated at the school Children’s day was celebrated virtually on Zoom with full fervor at Delhi Public School, Srinagar on 14th of November amid Covid-19 wherein teachers put their best foot forward.

Tiny Tots teachers organized a fun-filled day for the students by organizing a special event and an extravaganza filled with music, dance, act and an epic puppet show. Students were elated to see their teachers up on stage performing and celebrating the day with zeal and enthusiasm.

Delhi Public School, Srinagar released a Song “ILM” DPS Srinagar released the song 'Ilm', sung & composed by the students of Delhi Public School Srinagar. To attain knowledge is to make the world a safer and better place free of ignorance, malice and narrow mindedness. Presenting the wise pearls of Kashmiri poets and their ruminations on knowledge. The song was released on YouTube and all other social media platforms in November 2020.

DPS Srinagar Students put in spellbinding performance at Tagore Hall Our students put in an excellent performance in the program held at Tagore Hall organized

by KNITS AND KNOTS on 28th November 2020. The students held the audience in thrall with their finesse and skill, and the audience responded by being spellbound through the performance. The names of students who performed were Haseeb Qaiser – 12 B3, Aisha Alam – 12 B2 and Shahzaib Mushtaq – 11 B1.

Virtual Assembly based on Stress and Anger Management held To equip our children with skills to manage stress and anger effectively, an informative theme based assembly was conducted on “Stress and Anger Management” by the students of class III & IV. The children, through their thoughts, speeches and beautiful charts portrayed and explained stress and anger as faced by the students in daily life and highlighted a few hands-on solutions such as proper time management, reading of books, a balanced diet, exercise, water therapy, socializing and many more to deal with stress and anger effectively.

It was a thought-provoking and enlightening theme.

Visit of André Aranha Corrêa do Lago Ambassador of Brazil to India and Carlos Pereira Marques Ambassador of Portugal to India Ambassador of Brazil to India Mr. André Aranha Corrêa do Lago along with his wife Beatrice and Ambassador of Portugal to India Mr. Carlos Pereira Marques paid a visit to the school on November 16, 2020.

The school extended a warm welcome to them, and guided them around the school.

Accompanied by the Pro Vice Chairman of the School Mr. Vijay Dhar, Vice Principal Ms. Shafaq Afshan, they visited the various labs of the school including the State of Art English Lab established in corroboration with Encyclopedia Britannica. They also visited the Computer Museum, the ATL lab funded by NITI Ayog to encourage students to develop interest in STEM and internet of things.

The ambassadors were also taken on a guided tour of the Satya Devi Resource Centre for visually impaired, as well as its parent department – Learning Resource Centre that caters to students with various learning and physical disabilities. They expressed their delight at the impressive infrastructure of the school, which places it in the same league as the best schools of the country, especially considering that the school is only seventeen years old.

Visit of Mr. Pandurang K. Pole (IAS) Divisional Commissioner Kashmir The Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Mr. Pandurang K. Pole (IAS) paid a visit to the school on December 15, 2020. He was extended a warm welcome, and guided around the school.

Accompanied by the Pro Vice Chairman of School Mr. Vijay Dhar, Mrs. Kiran Dhar, Vice Principal Shafaq Afshan, he visited the Senior School Library of the school. He also visited the Computer Museum and the ATL Lab funded by NITI Ayog to encourage students to develop interest in STEM. This was followed by a guided tour of the Satya Devi Resource Centre for visually impaired, as well as its parent department – Learning Resource Centre that caters to students with various learning and physical disabilities. A visit to the State of the Art sports facility being constructed in the school premises for the development of sports in our state was also undertaken. He was presented with a memento by Mr. Vijay Dhar. The dignitary expressed his delight at the impressive infrastructure of the school, which places it in the same league as the best schools of the country, especially considering that the school is only seventeen years old.

World Disability Day celebrated in the school The International Disability Week was celebrated in Learning Resource Centre of Delhi Public School from (3rd December -9th December 2020) with commitment to realise the rights of persons with disabilities which includes investment, dedication and justice for the better future of these children. The observance of the International Day of Disabled Persons in Learning Resource Centre of Delhi Public School included filming a short movie, interview with parents of special kids and a short video based on the achievements of our children.

The short movie threw light on how to ensure wellbeing and promote rights of these children in all spheres of society and development. https://fb.watch/2gyD9Apiw_/ In addition to the movie, a student of LRC namely Zainab Bilal also hosted a show displaying her talent as a radio jockey on Radio DPS on the occasion of the World Disability Week. https://fb.watch/28HtGdClz0/ Exclusive interviews with the parents increased the awareness of tackling the children with disabilities in every aspect of social, economic and cultural life. It also revealed the journey of these parents, highlighting the role of parent teacher collaboration for the promising future of these children. http://fb.watch/2gx8ABDkEB/ https://www.facebook.com/396023764349151/posts/735765430374981/?vh=e&d=n

The short video based on work of students pointed towards effective strategies that can help in inclusive education to uphold the educational rights, sustainable development with peace and security. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BiCCxciDcew

School organizes a virtual Cultural Exchange programme with Hosur Public School, Hosur Tamil Nadu The need to confront intolerance, preconceptions, ignorance and fear of differences is much needed in today’s society. With this aim a Virtual Cultural Exchange Program was organized to provide students the opportunity for a dialogue and facilitating further inclusivity through intercultural immersions, structured experiential learning, goals-based curriculum, and methods, involving high school students from DPS Srinagar and and Hosur Public School, Tamil Nadu on 24th and 26th December.

The programme kick started with the prayers and formal welcome by the students of both the schools followed by an inaugural address by Dr. Karunakaran Executive Director, Hosur Public School, and Mr. Vijay Dhar, Chairman Delhi Public School, Srinagar. The students of Hosur Public School then presented a PPT highlighting the Tamilian Culture including the food, dress, architect and languages of their state.

On 26th of December, the participating students were divided into sub-groups wherein they interacted with each other and exchanged ideas and thoughts. This session helped the children to bond further with each other and understand the cultural similarities and differences further.

The session concluded with the circling down of thoughts of each one of the participant. The energy in the session was amazing and it developed a sense of oneness among the participants. They learned that there are no borders, we have created them. The session emphasized the importance of tolerance and to be more acceptable towards other cultures, religions, lifestyle and their views and perspectives.

Report Compiled by Syed Sumera Coordinator International Affairs Delhi Public School, Srinagar