Lucknow: The vibrant campus of Study Hall School, Gomti Nagar came alive with ideas, performances, and spirited debate as it successfully concluded the second day of its much-awaited 3rd Democratic Citizenship Festival—a unique inter-school event that seamlessly merges education with active civic participation.
Over 180 students from 15 schools across Lucknow, Varanasi, Bareilly, and Gurgaon participated in the two-day event, which aimed to embed democratic values directly into the classroom experience. The festival’s design reflected the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, promoting experiential learning, critical thinking, and social engagement.
Fostering Democracy Through Dialogue and Creativity
The event featured thought-provoking competitions and collaborative challenges that urged students to explore citizenship, rights and responsibilities, and the role of youth in shaping democratic societies.
Participating city schools included MR Jaipuria, AR Jaipuria, Arvind Academy, GD Goenka, Maharaja Agrasen, Scholars’ Home, Modern Academy, and the Prerna Boys and Girls Schools. Outstation schools like Sunbeam Varuna and Sunbeam Lahartara from Varanasi, Chickar International School from Bareilly, and Vidya School from Gurgaon brought regional diversity and fresh perspectives to the table.
Signature Events That Sparked Civic Thought
The second day of the festival was packed with creative, civic-centered competitions:
- Dance of Democracy: A compelling fusion of artistic expression and civic ideals, this event used performance as a medium to highlight democratic rights, inclusion, and justice.
- Civitas: We the People: A social science challenge where student teams simulated policymaking, debated public issues, and reflected on their role in a functioning democracy.
- Chain Reaction 2.0: This innovative science-based challenge linked academic knowledge to real-world socio-political issues, encouraging systems thinking and empathy.
Words that Inspired a Generation
During the closing ceremony, Principal Meenakshi Bahadur praised the students for their enthusiasm and insight:
“In these two days, students didn’t just learn about rights and duties, they practiced them, performed them, and lived them.”

Her words echoed the larger vision behind the festival—to move beyond textbooks and nurture active, aware, and responsible citizens.
Recognizing More Than Just Winners
The event concluded with a prize distribution ceremony, acknowledging the outstanding efforts of students across various categories. Yet, true to its spirit, the festival celebrated every voice, every act of expression, and every idea that contributed to the democratic discourse.
A Festival with a Vision
Conceptualized and conducted solely by Study Hall School, the Democratic Citizenship Festival stands out not just as an inter-school competition but as a transformative platform—a space where young minds are encouraged to think critically, speak boldly, and act empathetically.
As the students dispersed, they didn’t just take home certificates and medals—they left carrying newfound confidence, democratic values, and a sense of purpose to contribute meaningfully to their communities and beyond.
In a world that increasingly needs thoughtful citizens, this festival was not just timely—it was essential.