On a bright and sunlit morning, the campus of Apeejay’s IB School, Apeejay School International, Panchsheel Park, came alive with purpose, passion, and powerful ideas as students of MYP-1 to MYP-4 presented their Service as Action (SAA) projects under the meaningful theme Sarvahitaay-The Good of All. The exhibition was a true celebration of inquiry, research, advocacy, and community engagement. Beautifully decorated canopies displayed months of thoughtful effort, creative planning, and collaborative learning.
The occasion was graced by the school Vice-principal, Ms Neha Sharma, along with teachers and an enthusiastic gathering of parents who walked from stall to stall, engaging with the young presenters and appreciating their depth of understanding. The day began on an energetic note with a lively band performance by school students, instantly setting a vibrant and confident tone for the exhibition.
Service as Action in the IB Middle Years Programme is not merely about research; it is about translating learning into real-life impact. The exhibition reflected this philosophy wholeheartedly. The projects covered a wide spectrum of pressing local and global concerns, including Mental Health Awareness, Digital Addiction, AQI Awareness, World Hunger, Disease Control, Endangered Animals, Body Dysmorphia, Girl Child Education, Financial Literacy, Kitchen Gardening, Composting, Animal Welfare, Physical Health and Well-being, Coral Reefs, and Paper Waste Management. Each display stood as evidence of students’ ATL (Approaches to Learning) skills—critical thinking, research competence, communication, collaboration, and self-management.
Digital Addiction – Striking a Balance in a Tech-Driven World
Students of MYP-2, Neal Verma, Alessandra, Adiya, and Merey addressed one of the most relatable issues of today — Digital Addiction. With clarity and confidence, they explained how excessive screen usage affects focus, academic performance, mental health, eyesight, sleep cycles, and even hormonal balance due to prolonged exposure to blue light.
Through surveys and real-life observations, they discovered that many students use screens even during meals and experience anxiety when separated from their phones. The team presented practical and realistic solutions such as taking 15-minute breaks after an hour of screen time, keeping devices away for one to two hours before sleep, turning off unnecessary notifications, and consciously engaging in offline activities like spending quality time with family.
What made their presentation impactful was their honest reflection. The students acknowledged their own screen habits and demonstrated personal growth by reducing their usage after understanding its consequences. They also addressed an important concern—how to balance academic use of technology with leisure consumption—emphasising that purposeful screen time must outweigh unproductive scrolling. Their mature perspective resonated deeply with both students and parents.
Mental Health Awareness – Breaking Barriers and Building Empathy
Arshee, Aricia, and Khuman of MYP -1 shed light on the critical importance of mental health among adolescents. Beginning with a simple yet powerful definition — mental health is how we think, feel, and cope with everyday life, they emphasised that it deserves equal attention as physical health.
The team identified academic pressure, social expectations, peer comparison, and excessive screen exposure as major stressors affecting students. Through surveys and interactive sessions with PYP 5 students, they explored emotional awareness and coping mechanisms. One creative activity titled “ Feelings” encouraged younger students to express emotions through symbols like sunshine, clouds, and thunderstorms, helping normalise conversations around feelings.
They also interviewed the school guidance counselor to gain professional insights and incorporated these perspectives into their blog aimed at adults. Reflecting on their journey, the team shared how they overcame disagreements and time-management challenges through calm communication and collaboration: demonstrating that the process itself was a lesson in emotional intelligence. Their concluding message was clear: seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
World Hunger – Research Backed by Advocacy
Aarush Chawla, Navya Gupta, and Kenzy Mohammad Ali of MYP-3 presented a comprehensive study on World Hunger. Backed by credible sources from international organizations, they highlighted that hunger is not merely about a lack of food but is closely linked to poverty, climate change, conflict, and economic instability.
The students analysed data trends and presented graphical representations to illustrate the magnitude of the issue. Their advocacy extended beyond research. They conducted awareness sessions for junior classes, explaining the causes and long-term impacts of hunger. During the Diwali Mela, they sold over 200 diyas and donated the proceeds to a charitable foundation, demonstrating that awareness must be accompanied by action.
They also attempted collaboration with social initiatives to understand grassroots efforts. Their reflections emphasised how hunger affects national productivity, education, and overall development, encouraging viewers to see the issue from a broader socio-economic lens.
Body Dysmorphia – Encouraging Self-Acceptance
Addressing a sensitive yet increasingly relevant concern, Atharv, Vamika, and Himav, explored Body Dysmorphia and its psychological implications. Through peer surveys and expert consultations, they examined how unrealistic beauty standards and social media influence self-image among adolescents.
They emphasised the importance of recognising symptoms, seeking therapy when required, and cultivating self-acceptance. Their presentation sparked thoughtful discussions about empathy, kindness, and responsible digital consumption. By creating a safe space for dialogue, they encouraged students to appreciate individuality and challenge societal stereotypes.
AQI Awareness – Breathing Beyond Numbers
Aahana Mathur of MYP-1 focused on the rising Air Quality Index (AQI) levels and their severe health repercussions. Through research from authoritative sources and interviews with a pulmonologist, she highlighted symptoms such as breathing difficulties, fatigue, and long-term respiratory disorders. Her presentation underscored that clean air is not a luxury but a fundamental necessity, urging collective responsibility in reducing pollution and adopting sustainable habits.
Kitchen Gardening – Sustainability Begins at Home
Nandini and Nayantara, students of MYP-1, introduced the concept of Kitchen Gardening as a healthy and cost-effective solution to chemical-laden market produce. Drawing from personal experience, they explained how growing vegetables at home ensures freshness and nutritional value. They highlighted that while home-grown produce requires patience, it promotes sustainability and mindful consumption. Their simple yet impactful message inspired families to consider small green initiatives within their homes.
As the exhibition drew to a close, parents shared heartfelt reflections appreciating the confidence, clarity, and awareness displayed by the students. Dr Gauri Hasija, mother of Aditi Hasija, remarked, “It was truly a wonderful exhibition. The students were exceptionally well-equipped with knowledge and confidence. Their effort and dedication were clearly visible.”
The SAA Exhibition was not merely a display of projects; it was a testament to youth leadership, empathy, and responsible citizenship. Through Sarvahitaay- The Good of All, students demonstrated that when knowledge meets compassion and action, meaningful change becomes possible. The day stood as a powerful reminder that even small, informed efforts by young minds can contribute significantly toward building a more aware, inclusive, and sustainable world.