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Round Square Representative : Ms Sunita Verma
Member: Ms Ritu Guglani
Student Round Square Representative: Ekamjot Kaur
Student Members: Vriti Sharma, Sehajpreet Kaur
‘There is more in us than we know. If we can be made to see it, perhaps, for the rest of our lives, we will be unwilling to settle for less.’ – Kurt Hahn
In 1966, Dr. Kurt Hahn, a visionary German educator renowned for his contributions to experiential education, laid the foundation for the concept of Round Square. His progressive philosophies, focused on holistic development and practical learning, continue to resonate worldwide and stand the test of time. At the heart of Round Square lies a set of six guiding IDEALS: Internationalism, Democracy, Environment, Adventure, Leadership, and Service.
Today, in 2025, Round Square has evolved into a vibrant global network encompassing over 200 member schools spread across more than 50 countries on six continents. These schools are unified by a common mission to provide holistic education that shapes well-rounded individuals. This educational approach equips students with essential life skills and empowers them to make positive, lasting contributions to the global community. Annually, Round Square engages over 200,000 students in a transformative programme of self-discovery and personal growth, guided by the six IDEALS. Rooted in Dr. Hahn’s enduring philosophies, this framework continues to inspire the development of empathetic, courageous, and globally minded leaders.
ROUND SQUARE AT VDJS
We are privileged to be the first all–girls’ School from India to become the proud member of the Round Square organisation in the Year 2004. Round Square schools encourage students to learn beyond textbooks and our girls have been enhancing their personal and global development by taking part in a range of activities offered to them internationally.
The Round Square Student Committee at Vidya Devi Jindal School led several impactful service initiatives, reinforcing our commitment to environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and leadership through action.
In partnership with Eminent College, students spearheaded a transformative project aimed at fostering sustainability and civic engagement. This collaboration marks the beginning of a long-term partnership, with plans to host the service project annually at Eminent College to steadily enhance infrastructure and promote community welfare. Students also engaged with local officials and social activists, and visited institutions like Eminent T.T. Girls College to gain valuable insights into grassroots challenges. Cultural programs hosted by partner schools deepened our appreciation of India’s rich diversity and offered meaningful opportunities for exchange.
Another highlight of 2024 was the Mayyar Diaries, a service-based initiative focused on empowering underprivileged youth through sports and self-defense training. VDJS students volunteered weekly to mentor children from nearby communities, nurturing confidence, discipline, and teamwork through hands-on coaching. Additionally, students collaborated with the Government Senior Secondary School to revamp their campus by painting walls, cleaning surroundings, and planting saplings—efforts that underscored their commitment to positive change.
Students also demonstrated a spirit of entrepreneurship and service by raising funds for the Kjamste Gatsyal Project through chocolate-making and sales on special occasions.
The annual Adventure Camp, organized by Rock Sports, offered students an exhilarating experience through activities like rope adventures, zip lining, and zorbing. These thrilling challenges foster confidence, teamwork, and a love of adventure while strengthening bonds with peers under the careful supervision of trained instructors.
The Jindal Art Festival, a marquee event, brought together schools from across India to celebrate culture through performing and visual arts. This vibrant gathering provided young artists with a platform to express their creativity, collaborate across disciplines, and immerse themselves in India’s artistic heritage.
Together, the Jaipur Project, Mayyar Diaries, and the Jindal Art Festival exemplify the Round Square IDEALS of Service, Leadership, Internationalism, and Cultural Appreciation. Beyond the tangible impacts on communities, these initiatives nurtured empathy, resilience, and responsible leadership among our students.
The Jindal Art Festival further advanced the IDEALS by fostering creative expression, intercultural dialogue, and collaboration. Through hands-on service, artistic celebration, and meaningful reflection, our students discovered the essence of purposeful engagement—becoming more compassionate, globally aware, and action-oriented individuals.
This year, VDJS strengthened its commitment to community service by organizing student-led initiatives into four key groups:
In-House Service Projects: Supporting various school-based activities and internal needs.
Mayyar Diaries: A sports and self-defense outreach program empowering underprivileged youth in surrounding communities.
NGO Partnership – “Bheeg Nahi, Kitaab Do”: In collaboration with this initiative, students work to promote education by distributing school supplies and teaching vocational skills like diya-making during Diwali, which nurtures creativity and empowers children to earn through their craft. Sessions in the school’s Tinkering Lab further introduce them to STEM education, sparking curiosity and innovation.
Kanya Gurukul (Dhobi Community) & Animal Welfare: Students conduct digital literacy and hygiene awareness sessions at Kanya Gurukul and donated 10 computers to support digital learning. They also volunteered with an organization that cares for stray animals.
Every Sunday, students dedicate two hours to a chosen cause, volunteering for projects that nurture empathy, responsibility, and active citizenship. They also celebrate birthdays at orphanages and old age homes, spreading joy to those who need it most.
A shining example of our ongoing Round Square practice is the regular Sunday morning community service initiative. Every Sunday, students voluntarily participate in cleanliness drives at Tagore Garden and Heritage Park—efforts that go beyond maintenance, fostering environmental stewardship, civic pride, and teamwork.
Additionally, our “Each One Teach One” peer tutoring program empowers students to educate the children of our support staff, promoting equality, compassion, and mentorship. These sustained practices embody the spirit of Service and Leadership at the heart of the Round Square philosophy, proving that consistent, small efforts can create meaningful change in our school community and beyond.
Vidya Devi Jindal School also actively collaborated with several Round Square schools this year through various initiatives, including:
Online Curriculum Collaboration with Shiv Nadar School on the Economics Sandbox project (April–October 2024), engaging students in real-world economic concepts and critical thinking.
Online Collaboration with SAI International on Unity in Diversity (15th–17th May 2024), exploring cultural identity, inclusion, and global citizenship.
Round Square Forum for the South Asia and Gulf Region
Vidya Devi Jindal School actively participated in the Forum hosted by The Indian School, Al Ghubra, Oman (8th–10th November 2024). Our delegation included Principal Ms. Naina Dhillon and Round Square Representative Ms. Anindita Sinha.
Another RS Event: VDJS Service Project, Jaipur
Titled: Hearts & Hands Together, this service project was organized in Jaipur from 7th–12th December 2024. It involved 33 students working closely with local communities to promote the Round Square IDEALS of Service and Leadership.
King Constantine Medal
This prestigious award 2024 was presented to Nidhi Chaudhary of Class XII for her exceptional contribution to service and leadership. Nidhi demonstrated a remarkable sense of responsibility and compassion, leading several projects with maturity, organizational skill, and a collaborative spirit. Her ever-present smile, positive attitude, and dedication made her a role model for her peers and a deserving recipient of this honour.
International Exchange Opportunities at VDJS
At VDJS, Jindalites are encouraged to break boundaries and expand their horizons. Students can choose from a variety of international exchange programs based on their interests and what they hope to gain from the experience. One of the greatest advantages of participating in an exchange at VDJS is the flexibility to find an option that suits your goals, preferred timing, and desired destination.
Most of our exchanges typically take place in grades 9 and 11. We urge students to start planning early, as embarking on an exchange involves much more than simply choosing a destination—it requires careful preparation and engagement.
Since 2004, VDJS has proudly sent its students on educational exchange programs to some of the world’s leading Round Square member schools, nurturing curiosity, cultural understanding, and global citizenship.
In the past, our girls have engaged in exchange programmes with the following schools:
Round Square International Conferences
Every year, VDJS students and teachers embrace the opportunity to participate in age-appropriate local and global conferences. These gatherings connect them with peers from Round Square member schools worldwide, fostering discussions on contemporary issues, nurturing friendships, supporting local communities, and deepening their understanding of international perspectives.
Round Square Conferences Attended
RS Zoom Postcards
International Service Projects
Round Square International Service (RSIS) projects unite students and educators from Round Square member schools worldwide to support communities in need. On average, Round Square organizes four service projects each year, engaging about 50 students from its member schools. These projects, held in July and December, typically last two weeks and combine practical action with reflection. Participants gain insight into the needs of partner communities and work on tangible solutions.
Often working side by side with the community and living amongst them during the project, RSIS participants typically build vital infrastructure. Over the years, VDJS girls have enthusiastically contributed to these international service projects in countries like Thailand, Morocco, Tanzania, Nepal, Vietnam, Borneo, Sri Lanka, and South Africa.
Round Square Collaborations: Discovery Framework
Round Square schools frequently exchange resources, share ideas, and consult one another globally to tackle challenges and crowdsource solutions to shared problems.
Faculty members from Round Square member schools can connect with their counterparts worldwide to create subject-specific and interdisciplinary opportunities, enriching students’ global competencies within the curriculum. By linking our classrooms across the globe, we bring a wider international perspective and real-world learning into our subjects, helping to globalise the curriculum.
The Round Square Collaboration Platform supports these connections by offering a searchable database of teachers in RS schools worldwide who are eager to collaborate, share resources, and co-develop courses and lessons. It also highlights live opportunities seeking partners.
Through the Round Square network, VDJS students can participate in a range of collaborative activities that build global awareness. These collaborations unite students from member schools across the world, enabling them to work as a truly international team on various projects.
