Peer Education workshop

The second in the series of five Mindsmart Peer Education Workshops, organised by Expressions India was held on Friday, 4 May 2018, at the National Science Centre. Former

president of India, HE Mr Pranab Mukherjee, graced the occasion as chief guest. The event was also attended by several dignitaries-Prof. Rama Sarma Dhulpati, director-NSC, Prof. Saroj Yadav-NCERT, Ms. Riti Chaudhary and Dr. Jitender Nagpal.

The workshop began with presentations of a set of skits ( nukkad nataks) by the heterogeneously mixed groups. We learned that under the umbrella of Ayushman Bharat, the Health and Education Ministry has collaborated to launch a framework for the ensuring the well-being of adolescents.

The chief guest and other guests of honour were welcomed with a rendition of the Saraswati Vandana. Vanshika Kanoujiya, one of our peer educators, got an opportunity to be a part of the choir. This was followed by the lamp lighting ceremony.

Mr. Pranab Mukherjee addressed the gathering and shared the concept of Pranab ki Pathshala, a unique initiative by him to interact with adolescents in schools. He shared personal experiences; conflicts he experienced as head of State and the realisation that it was a field to which he could contribute. He said that enquiry or the ability to ask questions is the best faculty that human beings are blessed with. The session was followed by a question-answer round, where, he answered questions of the numerous students present. Amongst them, Jahnnobi Roy of our School, asked the former president, How can we make our nation a well-being nation?.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks given by last year's peer educators. They shared their experiences from the earlier sessions.

It was an extremely fulfilling and satisfying outing for us, as we learnt more about the various life skills that are prerequisites of good peer educators.

Raghvendra Singh Gulia, 10-C.