Category Archives: Study Hall

Study Hall School, News and Events posts

Study Hall Hosts Career Fest 2024: Over 700 Students Gain Insight into Global Educational Opportunities

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Study Hall School recently hosted its Career Fest 2024, attracting over 700 students from 7 esteemed schools. Professional career counsellors from organisations like IDP, Pratham, Princeton Review, Plymouth Morjan, CCA, Prep Guru, UPES, IIAD, and CLAT Possible provided insights into the admissions process for various private and international universities.

The counsellors also guided students on fee waivers, scholarships, academic and extracurricular requirements, and how to craft a compelling letter of recommendation.

Priyanka Chopra, a counsellor from IDP, remarked, “Our goal is to help students confidently navigate their future. We’ve met many talented students here who aspire to study abroad, and our counsellors are ready to assist with visa support and guidance throughout the process.”

Anagha Ramady, a student of class 12th at Study Hall, shared, “The counsellors broadened my perspective and gave me clarity about my future aspirations.”

Another student of class 10th, Uplabdhi Sachan, added, “I gained a clear understanding of my future plans, and the counsellors resolved all my doubts.”

The event was a resounding success, with active participation from students, teachers, and parents alike.

Inter school drama competition: Study Hall bags first position

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Lucknow: A unique inter school drama competition was organised by Study Hall on Saturday at the Sant Gadge Ji Maharaj Auditorium in Gomti Nagar. The competition featured five prestigious schools of Lucknow – CMS Gomti Nagar, Seth MR Jaipuria, Loreto, Vidyasthali and Modern Academy, participated in the English drama competition. Three notable theatre personalities judged the performances; Ms Kanak Rekha Chauhan, Founder Director of the Lucknow and Kanpur Literature Festivals, Dr Meenakshi Pahwa, retired English Professor of Lucknow University and Mr Faisal Husain, Creative Director of theatre group, ACTORS. Theme for the competition was ‘Raising Collective Consciousness for Social Justice’ to highlight core principles of democracy and the role of individuals in promoting and protecting these values.

Dr Meenakshi Pahwa said, “It is  incredibly heartening to witness these young talents perform with such conviction on such critical issues in our society. Drama plays a crucial role in raising awareness and driving positive change.”

“Drama plays a key role, providing a platform for experiential learning and self-expression. It helps children understand critical social issues and rehearse resistance in a safe environment. At Study Hall we blend drama, reading, writing, and critical dialogues to empower children to see themselves as active knowledge producers, enhancing their sense of belonging in a challenging world,” says Dr Urvahsi Sahni, Founder and CEO Study Hall Educational Foundation.

“We are using drama to elevate collective consciousness about the need to challenge stereotypes and build an equitable society where everyone can flourish,” said Uplabhdi, a student of class 10th at Study Hall.

“We’re using drama to highlight the inequalities present in our society. I am determined to champion this cause and strive for social justice in the future,” said Khushi from Vidyasthali School who played the lead role Moyna in the play Why Why girl.

The judges lauded each presentation and the evening came to a conclusion with the award ceremony felicitating participants in the categories of Best Play, Best Direction, Best Actor (Male /Female) and Best Stage Setting. Study Hall were the winners of the drama competition, the second position was bagged by Vidyasthali and Modern Academy got the third position. This event provided a platform for all young students from various schools to showcase their talents. 

Study Hall girl scores perfect 800 out of 800 in CUET exams

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Zoha Azeem, a recent graduate of Study Hall, has achieved the extraordinary feat of scoring a perfect 800 out of 800 in the Central University Entrance Test (CUET) exams. This result sits within the broader framework of the school’s commitment to nurturing top-tier academic talent, especially for girls, with 3 more students, Urja, Ridhi and Harshita, scoring 794, 788 and 786 respectively.
Meenakshi Bahadur, principal of Study Hall said, “Ours students have once again made us all proud. They have proved that if you put your heart and mind to it, your efforts will surely bear fruit. Many congratulations to all the students who have cleared CUET 2024.”
“It took me some time to register the result,” she recounted. “My parents and sisters had gotten me a mini cake and flowers along with the advice of remaining humble no matter what.” Zoha’s parents, Sameena Akhtar Siddiqui and Azeem Khan, also expressed their immense pride and joy. “I am absolutely overjoyed”, they remarked, that “her hard work has brought her fruit”.
Sharing her insights into her meticulous organisation and preparation strategies, Zoha claimed that she “tried to identify that pattern in every subject I studied” and relating these with “real life experiences…helped me the most.” Zoha attributes much of her success to the environment and teaching style, unique to Study Hall, emphasising the techniques she employed in her preparation. Additionally, “It emphasized as much on co curriculars as it did on bookish knowledge”, which helped her employ “critical thinking skills while studying instead of just blind memorization”.
Zoha now aspires to study History at College. It’s been her favourite subject since the 7th Grade and she would love to pursue an academic career in history itself, but ultimately, it is storytelling which really inspires her. “Whatever I do in life”, she remarked, “I would want it to be a medium for storytelling.”
Zoha Azeem’s journey exemplifies how a combination of hard work, innovative study techniques, and the nurturing environment at Study Hall has led to exceptional academic success.

Study Hall Hosts ‘Art With Heart’ Exhibition at Lalit Kala Academy

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Lucknow, July 26, 2024 – Study Hall Educational Foundation (SHEF) organized the ‘Art With Heart’ exhibition at Lalit Kala Academy, Aliganj, showcasing the remarkable artistic talents of students from all its units. The exhibition was inaugurated on July 26 by the esteemed Padmashri Dr Vidya Vindu Singh. The event commenced with the traditional lighting of the lamp, accompanied by a harmonious performance on the harmonium and vocals by Dr. Biju Bhagwati.

The ‘Art With Heart’ exhibition features an impressive array of artwork, including paintings, murals, lino art, and illustrations. Padmashri Dr Vidya Vindu Singh, while appreciating the artwork, remarked, “Art is a powerful tool for emotional well-being, offering a healthy outlet for emotions and alleviating stress. I am truly impressed by the beautiful artworks created by the students of SHEF. Their immense talent promises a bright future ahead.”

Dr Urvashi Sahni, Founder and CEO of SHEF said, “Study Hall integrates arts into school curriculums. It enhances the learning process by fostering creativity, critical thinking, and emotional well-being among students. Artistic activities such as painting encourage students to express themselves uniquely, develop problem-solving skills, and build cultural awareness.”

The opening ceremony was graced by the presence of Meenakshi Bahadur, Principal of Study Hall, Meenakshi Shah, Vice Principal, Rakhee Panjwani principal of Prerna Girls School, Pratima Srivastava principal of Center For Learning, Anand Chitravanshi – Chief Operating Officer at SHEF and Heads of various SHEF units. A captivating dance performance by Study Hall students added an extra touch of charm to the evening. SHEF integrates various art forms into its curriculum, recognizing the value of art in enriching the learning process. Through cultural appreciation, fostering empathy, promoting mental well-being, and holistic development, SHEF ensures a comprehensive educational experience for its students. 

The exhibition is open to the public from Saturday, July 27, to Thursday, August 1, from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm daily at Lalit Kala Academy, Aliganj.

Thriving Together: Study Hall’s annual concert inspires empowerment and creativity

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Lucknow: Study Hall hosted its annual concert “I THRIVE, WHEN WE THRIVE” on the 22nd of November 2023 at the Sant Gadge Auditorium, in Gomti Nagar. Through the concert, the students conveyed a message of self-empowerment and one’s connection with others and the earth.

Ms Meenakshi Bahadur, principal of Study Hall, addressed the students and parents, said “Thriving, at its core, embodies the fusion of vitality and learning—a principle which is embraced by our school. From the concert’s theme which was introduced in April to their final presentation, the students amazed us all with their creativity and innovation.”

Dr Urvashi Sahni, CEO of Study Hall Education Foundation (SHEF) said “For over 37 years we have been focusing on holistic development of our students and drama, arts and music has always been a part of our core curriculum. Even the New Education Policy (NEP) aligns perfectly with our school’s vision and plays a pivotal role in encouraging new students to take more interest in creative fields like theater, dance, and music.”
The evening commenced with performances like “Aham Brahmasmi” “Surya Vandana” “Ubuntu,” “Symphony” “Bus Chalna Hai” and Maya Angelou’s “Still I Rise” by the students.

These performances left a lasting impact on the audience and the parents were able to connect to the message that the students were trying to portray. The evening reached its end with “Mangalam,” a prayer for universal well-being, serving as a finale, with all audience members participating.

Concluding the event, the Vice Principal, Mrs. Meenakshi Shah, addressed the audience and said “The students and the teachers have worked very hard to make this concert possible. Their hard work takes all the credit and this concert is proof of how hard work and teamwork trumps all.”

Study Hall Prep School: Tiny tots celebrate Rhyme, Rhythm and Races at Annual Sports Day

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Lucknow: Study Hall Prep School organized its Annual Sports Day on December 2nd, 2023. The theme of the sports day was Rhyme, Rhythm & Races. Mrs. Rachna Sinha, headmistress of Study Hall Prep School, welcomed the guests and said, “Our tiny tots and their teachers have worked really hard to make this event a success. This event celebrates their journey of learning and growth through teamwork.”

The event began with the children releasing colourful balloons with fun captions. Students from Nursery, Lower Prep, and Upper Prep kept the audience entertained with energetic dances, engaging drills, and spirited races. The event’s highlight was the students’ final dance and Taekwondo display. The event saw active participation of parents as well.

Dr Urvashi Sahni addressed the audience and said, “Study Hall is a happy school. Our ethos goes beyond academics and children are at the center of our universe. The dedication of our teachers and students, evident in their confident presentations. We are grateful to all the parents for their support.”

SHEF concludes Democratic Citizenship Festival: 19 schools from 3 districts, over 200 children participated

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Lucknow: Study Hall Education Foundation (SHEF) concluded its  “Democratic Citizenship Festival” on Saturday, The festival saw enthusiastic participation from more than 200 children representing 19 schools across three districts. The event was organized to foster active and responsible citizenship among youth. Dr Farzana Shakeel, Secretary, CBSE Sahodaya schools cluster Barabanki and Amrita Das, Founder Director, Institute for Career Studies were the Chief Guests. 

Dr Urvashi Sahni Founder and CEO of SHEF said “We still have very strong patriarchal mindsets which govern how we behave and unless those are deconstructed and democratic mindsets are constructed, we will never have a robust democracy” 

Study Hall School, branches of CMS, A.R Jaipuria,  Prerna Girls and Boys School, Vidyasthali Kanar Inter College, Loreto school, Arvind Academy and Modern Academy and many other prestigious schools participated in the festival. The last day of the festival was packed with exciting events – students showcased prowess in dance in the segment “Dance of Democracy: We the People.” centred around Article 19. Students showcased their talents in art and poetry through “Unmesh”. In the “Perimeter” segment students reimagined constitutional scenarios mainly Articles 14, 19 and 21 showing profound insight. 

Meenakshi Shah, Vice principal Study Hall School, Concluded the event by highlighting the vision of SHEF, “A world where everyone is educated for Gender Equality, Social Justice, Personal Flourishing and Active Democratic Citizenship.” She expressed gratitude to all those who participated in the festival. 

“Theatre provides a safe space for children to express their feelings, rehearse resistance and think critically,” says Dr Urvashi Sahni

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Lucknow: “Theatre provides a safe space for children to express their feelings, rehearse resistance and think critically. At SHEF we provide all our children safe space to learn and fail. Arts and drama are an integral part of our pedagogy,” said Dr Urvashi Sahni at Yuva Manch, a theatre festival organised by Study Hall Educational Foundation (SHEF) at Sant Gadge Auditorium in Gomti Nagar. The festival showcased three critically acclaimed plays by renowned writers – Munshi Prem Chand, Anton Chekhov and Rabindra Nath Tagore, and performed by the students and alumni from various units of SHEF.

Yuva Manch opened with Thakur ka Kuan, an adaptation of Munshi Premchand’s story of the same name. The play was performed by students of Vidyasthali Kanar Inter College (a unit of SHEF). It was followed by a series of two English stories under the theatrical performance “Cheers to Chekhov” as a tribute by the students, to the renowned Russian playwright and master of modern short story, Anton Chekhov. ‘The Chameleon’, was a comical parody that kept the crowd guessing. It captured the hypocritical nature of individuals in society who prioritise authority and status over principles of truth and justice.

Meenakshi Bahadur, Principal of Study Hall said “Drama instils discipline and hones multiple skills in the children. It helps in fostering creativity, self-expression, and teamwork.”

The final presentation was an adaptation by Shrimati Usha Ganguly, of Rabindranath Tagore’s story ‘Chandalika, a poignant tale exploring caste, compassion, and self-liberation in 20th-century India, a compelling story of societal barriers shattered. Students of Prerna Girls School, Prerna Boys School and Study Hall performed the play for the audience.

A month-long theatre workshop was organised to hone the acting, diction and stage presentation of students by Mr. Bhartendu Kashyap and Mr. Vinay Kumar Mishra who directed all the plays. At the core of all these plays, societal issues were brought to light, which made for an evocative theatrical performance by the children.

Study Hall School Convocation – Children should pursue excellence and success will follow: Ashok Ganguly at Study Hall Convocation

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Study Hall School organized its Convocation Ceremony on Wednesday, 29 December. Ashok Ganguly, Ex-Chairman CBSE Board and Advisor State Resource Center (SRC) was the chief guest for the occasion. The ceremony facilitated 250 students of class 10 and 12.

The chief guest, Ashok Ganguly motivated the students and the parents present at the ceremony. He said “Congratulations to all the students graduating this year. It has been a tough year for all. You all have braved the challenges of the pandemic and have done so well. Children you all should pursue excellence and success will follow.”

The programme commenced with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by the Chief Guest, along with all the heads of different units of SHEF (Study Hall Educational Foundation). Academic procession of teachers and students was carried out to honour the hard work.

The Principal, Meenakshi Bahadur, extended a warm welcome to all the guests, “I welcome you all to celebrate the hard work and achievements of our children. The last two years have been difficult for everyone, especially for our children. This shift from classroom to online medium was tough for all, and our children have once again exceeded our expectations with such brilliant results.”  

Tasneem, an alumna of Study Hall said, “My teachers were great at mentoring me throughout the course. Even during the pandemic, academics, life skills and co-curricular activities were still a part of our classes. As a product of this unique pedagogy, I share my success with my parents, school, principal, teachers and peers.” Tasneem is currently pursuing her Bachelor’s degree from St Stephen’s College, Delhi.

The chief guest was invited to felicitate the meritorious students of the batch 2020-2021. The graduating batch was conferred with medals and certificates for their achievements. A short cultural programme, which included an inspirational song and dance, enthralled the audience. The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks by the Vice-Principal, Meenakshi Shah.

Climate Warriors 2021: 22 schools, over 13,000 children come together to raise awareness on climate crisis

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Lucknow: Inspiring action on climate issues, Study Hall School, Prerna Girls School and Center For Learning organised the culmination ceremony of a unique inter-school competition – Climate Warriors 2021. 22 schools, 13800 children from Lucknow, Barabanki and Jaipur participated in the competitions. The event was organized in partnership with the British Council and Scottish Youth Theatre under the Conference of the Parties (COP26) banner. Climate Warriors was organized in accordance with the 13th Sustainable Development Goal set up by the United Nations. All the three organiser schools are a unit of Study Hall Educational Foundation (SHEF).

Priya Kakkar, event coordinator said, “It was exciting to see all these young minds bring their creativity to make the competitions a success. The idea was to engage children and youth and spread awareness about the climate crisis. These children have worked on brilliant projects to bring about change through small but effective solutions to climate change issues.”

Viraj, a student of class 9 at Study Hall said, “Climate change is real, we all need to take this seriously. We are responsible for it and it is our duty to make sure that we work to find solutions to this crisis. It was a great opportunity for all of us to learn and work together.” Study Hall School, Vidyasthali Kanar Inter College, Prerna Girls School, City international School Manas City, Modern Academy, were among the top schools who won laurels in various categories. 

From drama to arts to memes, children raised awareness about the climate crisis through these competitions. Earlier in March 2021, Study Hall Educational Foundation (SHEF) qualified for Phone Call to the World – a collaborative project created to mobilize youth to take actions regarding climate issues. Youth from England, India, Palestine, Scotland and South Africa collaborated to create digital performance work to draw attention to climate change issues through artistic means. Phone Call to the World is one of the 17 global projects commissioned by the British Council to sensitize the world about the environmental crisis through performing arts and digital technology. The event ended with prize distribution and vote of thanks.