Daily Assemblies: Seth Anandram Jaipuria School Lucknow, India

Seth Anandram Jaipuria School Lucknow, India

At Seth Anandram Jaipuria School Lucknow in India, student-led daily assemblies build students’ Spirit of Adventure through the challenge of public speaking.  

These assemblies also promote a Spirit of Democracy, as students tackle thought-provoking social, political, and environmental issues, opening the floor to interaction and debate with contributions welcomed from their peers. 

Sarthak, a 17-year-old student, recalls how transformative the experience has been for him: 
“When I first joined the school, the daily assemblies were unlike anything I had experienced before. Sitting there, I saw my classmates passionately discussing topics like menstrual hygiene and mental health. I thought, ‘I could never do that.’ I was incredibly nervous for them. I had never even considered speaking in public myself.” 

But over time, with gentle encouragement and a supportive environment, Sarthak began participating. At first, he contributed from the audience – a stepping stone for many students who go on to lead the assembly themselves. “It was nerve-wracking at first,” he says. “My knees trembled, my heart raced… But it wasn’t as scary as I thought. My peers weren’t there to judge me; they were there to listen, to engage. It felt like we were all in this together.” 

Now a confident and regular assembly leader, Sarthak reflects: “I learned that adventure doesn’t always require travelling somewhere far. Sometimes, it’s about facing your inner fears and finding strength in your own voice.” 

How it works

Preparation

Student Involvement and Grouping 

Assemblies are conducted across three age groups – Primary, Middle, and Senior School – with students from Classes VI–XII taking turns to lead assemblies in the auditorium, while others participate in classroom-based assemblies. The programme is designed to be inclusive, with every student encouraged to take part over time. 

Students typically volunteer to lead an assembly, working in groups of four to five. In some cases, teachers may identify and invite students who might benefit from the experience. This balance of autonomy and guidance ensures that all students, regardless of their starting confidence, have the opportunity to step forward. 

Topic Selection and Preparation 

Topics are chosen collaboratively by the student groups, under the guidance of a teacher. Students are encouraged to focus on themes they feel passionate about – from mental health and ethics to geopolitics, culture, science, and AI. The goal is to stimulate intellectual curiosity, build perspective, and foster critical thinking. Students are given complete creative freedom to plan, ideate, and shape the assembly discussion in their own way, with teachers offering mentorship and suggesting changes only if necessary. 

Once a topic is selected, students research and compile a multimedia presentation that may include case studies, newspaper editorials, poetry, skits, videos, or songs. Their preparations take place during the designated “zero period” or class/form room period, allowing dedicated time for group discussion, rehearsal, and refinement. Students are informed about their assembly approximately 15 days in advance, giving them around 8–10 zero periods to prepare. In addition, teachers may conduct 30-minute Zoom sessions outside school hours if further support is needed. 

Teachers play a mentoring role – helping students structure their ideas and ensuring the content is both thought-provoking and appropriate. Each presentation is expected to run for 30–35 minutes, with a strict upper limit of 45 minutes – regardless of the class or age group. It must conclude with a “word of the day”, a “thought for the day”, and incorporate current national and international news headlines. Students are also required to embed 4–5 discussion questions within their presentation to encourage critical thinking and diverse perspectives.  

The completed presentation is submitted to the Principal at least three days before the assembly for review and feedback. Students then work collaboratively to revise their work, strengthening their skills in communication, teamwork, and creative problem-solving. 

As Head of School Poonam Kochitty explains, “It’s not just about speaking in front of an audience; it’s about students owning the process – choosing topics, leading discussions, and learning to listen to and respect diverse perspectives.” 

Structure and Format

On the day of the assembly, students and teachers gather in the auditorium. The session begins with a five-minute silent meditation, followed by a prayer song to set a reflective tone. Then, the presenting student group takes the stage to lead their session. 

Each group manages their own presentation, operating the PowerPoint slides and guiding the discussion. Some sessions include performances – such as skits or songs – while others focus on debate and dialogue. The structure allows for a variety of expression, with no rigid format imposed, ensuring the students’ creative voice remains at the centre. 

Audience members, including students and teachers, are invited to participate using a microphone to share their views or pose questions. This open format encourages active listening, respectful debate, and confidence in public dialogue. All teachers are required to attend and often engage in the discussion, modelling thoughtful participation and support. The assembly concludes with brief concluding remarks from the Vice Principal or Principal, highlighting key takeaways from the presentation.

Follow-Up

After the assembly, the Principal shares more detailed feedback with both the students and the teacher-in-charge. Presenters may receive public recognition or rewards for outstanding contributions, further motivating students to grow in confidence and take pride in their efforts. 

Teacher, Gurpreet Kaur, notes the lasting impact of these assemblies: “There’s a lot of unlearning in these sessions. Students not only dismantle old ideas but build new ones. For some, it takes time to find the courage to speak – but once they do, it’s transformative.” 

Student Vedika, now a confident assembly leader, shares what she’s learned about navigating discussion: “If a debate gets heated, it’s important to step in and allow time for reflection.” 
Her classmate Saanvi adds, “You have to listen actively, not just wait for your turn to speak… one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that you must agree to disagree”. Sarthak echoes this spirit of respectful engagement: “It’s not just about proving your point – it’s about understanding where the other person is coming from.” 

Fostering the RS IDEALS

Daily assemblies at Seth Anandram Jaipuria School are a living expression of the Round Square IDEALS, particularly the Spirit of Adventure and the Spirit of Democracy. Every student is encouraged to take on a challenge that pushes them outside of their comfort zone – one that, through repetition, builds courage, self-belief, and resilience. 

By empowering students to lead, listen, and reflect together, the school is fostering open-mindedness, intercultural understanding, and the confidence to engage with the world around them. As Gurpreet puts it, “In a world divided by rigid ideologies, these assemblies create a space where students are kinder, more empathetic, and ready to discuss diverse ideas without fear of judgment.” 

The ripple effects are even felt at home, with one parent sharing: “I’m learning to control my anger because my son says, ‘This is what we’ve learned in our assembly.’” 

At Seth Anandram Jaipuria School Lucknow, assembly isn’t just a routine – it’s a transformative, community-wide experience that equips students with the voice and values to shape themselves, and their future.