On April 11, Indus Valley World School hosted the “I Rise: Walk the Talk for a Gender Equal World” programme, bringing together 200 students from various schools. The event featured a powerful dance-theatre presentation followed by a panel discussion aiming to promote awareness and commitment to gender equality .

The programme was graced by Chief Guest Shri Kalyan Mukherjee, IPS officer, who shared valuable insights on how discrimination is often gender-specific drawing examples from his personal experiences and encounters. The dance -theater “I Rise” presented by Storytellers and directed by cultural innovator and educator Ms Sohini Das Hartmann powerfully portrayed a woman’s journey and her tryst with destiny using a range of mediums including classical, folk and ballet forms, theatre, and performative storytelling weaving images and emotions that struck a chord with the young student leaders. It was evident from their response and participation in the tableau workshop which followed the performance , that they volunteered to take action and commit themselves to change.

Following this was the panel discussion, which was moderated by Ms Hartmann that featured – Dr. Durga Khaitan, District Judge and Chairperson, Appellate Authority, West Bengal Board of Primary Education, Mr. Rishi Kant, Founder Member and Activist, Shakti Vahini, Ms. Anwesha Banerjee, Assistant Editor, Ei Samay and Trisha Roy, a survivor leader. It was heartening and inspiring to see the conversation where the panelists provided a reality check, making students aware of the difficulties and challenges on ground , but at the same time reiterating that the power to change lies within us right here, right now. It’s the small steps we take within our own homes and communities that goes on to have a bigger and far reaching impact.

Participating Schools:

– Shri Shikshayatan
– Swarnim International
– BDM International
– Gokhlae Memorial Girls School
– Lakshmipat Singhania Academy
– Aditya Academy Senior Secondary School
– Indus Valley World School