'Postcard' from Shiv Nadar School, Noida
On Wednesday, 12th February, six delegates from DAIS joined the “Threads of Humanity: Celebrating Diverse Voices in Literature”, Round Square Postcard, hosted by the Shiv Nadar School, Noida. The Postcard involved around 168 delegates from 20 schools. The central theme of the postcard focused on inclusivity, equity, justice, and diversity, exploring how each of these topics can be examined through the lens of literature.
As soon as the meeting began, the delegates participated in a brief mindfulness session, meditating to calm their minds and prepare to bring their best thoughts to the upcoming discussions. They were also reminded of their pre-task, which involved identifying a piece of literature that had changed their outlook on life. The DAIS students then collaborated to analyse the poem ‘I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings’ by Maya Angelou.
After being divided into breakout rooms, the delegates were given excerpts to interpret based on their own understanding, with guidance from the host leaders and questions shared on a Padlet link. Each breakout room focused on different aspects of the postcard's theme. The breakout room discussions included the empowerment of people's voices, emphasizing how one can support a cause for justice while respecting their own voice and that of others. They also explored how literature often reflects lessons drawn from distinct historical and contemporary contexts, touching on the personal experiences of authors, such as apartheid, conflict, and chaos.
Another breakout room interaction sparked an enriching discussion that promoted communication with participants from around the world, encouraging everyone to step out of their comfort zones in unfamiliar situations. It facilitated learning and allowed participants to gain a deeper understanding of unique perspectives and ideas.
Additionally, there were discussions surrounding disabilities, focusing on how they should be seen as special abilities and strengths. The one-line excerpts provided by the hosts were truly transformational, reinforcing the powerful message that being different makes you unique. Delegates came to believe that if given the choice to be anything in the world, they should choose to be kind. The following quote by RJ Palacio was discussed, “If you have the choice to be right or kind, choose kind.” It was understood that putting a smile on someone’s face, especially to help those going through tough times, is far more rewarding than the desire to be right.
The discussions, which connected literature to real-world struggles, opened the delegates' minds to the profound power of literature and writing. After engaging discussions on the theme of the postcard, the delegates were encouraged to select a ‘presenter’ to summarize their discussions when the main meeting reconvened. Four DAIS students were chosen as presenters and shared their insights eloquently during the main meeting. After a heartfelt thank you from the hosts, the delegates logged out of the meeting, leaving with a renewed outlook on life and a deeper understanding of egalitarianism and freedom of speech.
Student Delegates: Ananya Mehta, Ishaan Mody, Ishaan Subramanian, Sanaaya Joisher, Siddhant Parikh and Tamanna Tripathi
