Shiv Nadar School Noida recently organised its annual two-day inter-school event called Lumina -CAS Illumination highlighting the transformative power of Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS) initiatives. NGOs, students from other International Schools (offering IB and IGCSE programs), educators, and community leaders passionate about community service, social entrepreneurship, and youth empowerment participated in the event.
Lumina -CAS Illumination event highlighted the school’s dedication and efforts aimed at fostering meaningful connections between students and NGOs, leading to collaborative initiatives for positive social change. Among the invitees was Mir Mustafa Ali Hasan, Strategy & Foresight – Executive Division, United Nations Climate Change.
The two-day event focused on the Service strand through interactive workshops, a Pitch Competition for social projects, and a walkthrough of projects, creating a space for networking and collaborative brainstorming. It also witnessed the students’ competitive spirit through competitions in Art and Sports, followed by prize distribution and a closing ceremony.
Inaugurating the initiative, Anju Soni, Principal of Shiv Nadar School, Noida, said, “Together we embark into this 1st edition of a unique collaborative venture —LUMINA. Lumina, derived from Latin, simply means light. However, Lumina, for us, implies transcending lives with our inner light, leaving behind an illumination that doesn’t fade away. CAS, no doubt, is an integral part of the IBDP curriculum, but for us, it resonates with our core values. As we spread light with our sense of purpose and responsibility, we do so with respect, compassion, and creative expressions illuminating the community. We define our boundaries like the sky, soaring as high as a bird’s wings take flight and as deep as the fathomless ocean.”
Shiv Nadar School Noida’s CAS projects are globally awarded and recognised, and the school is now networking with global leaders in the IB community. The school’s recent accolades in the IB community were also recognised during the event. These include IBO (International Baccalaureate Organisation) Awards for three CAS Projects – Project Neer (working on water conservation), Dosti (working on providing digital literacy to the underprivileged and Hifazat (working on reproductive health among women in rural areas).
Addressing the students, Shri. Manish Verma (IAS), the District Magistrate of Gautam Buddh Nagar, Noida, said, “Challenges come in many forms, but with time and effort, you can overcome them. Learn from everything and everyone around you—whether it’s a rickshaw puller, a shopkeeper, house help, or your teacher—there is always something valuable to learn. Always have a vision and dream big. With continuous effort and determination, you can achieve your goals. Remember, it’s not about how talented you are; it’s about how hard you’re willing to work to overcome any obstacle.”
This annual event served as a space for the Shiv Nadar School community to lead, inspire, and be inspired.
