Small Talk

Here there's freedom to go beyond clicheacute;s and let creativity rule. The issues of the plays, Global Warming and Girl Child...

Strings Attached
In this workshop, a blend of theatre 038; puppetry give children a unique perspective

Here there8217;s freedom to go beyond clicheacute;s and let creativity rule. The issues of the plays, Global Warming and Girl Child, may be serious, but the 27 children of the Navodaya Vidyalya, Sector 25, are giving the concerns an imaginative look and treatment. They are all set to present these at the upcoming regional competition of the Vidyalayas at Mandi and are these days rehearsing hard at the month-long theatre and puppetry workshop, being spearheaded by Anupama Neogi.

It all began with some theatrical exercises to build the children8217;s confidence, improve their communication skills, sharpen their memory and then followed brain-storming sessions on the issues for developing scripts. 8220;Once the mental kick was given, students were divided into small groups and were taken towards dramatization and gradually I weaved in the process of theatre from within and asked them to verbally voice their opinions on both the topics,8221; explains Anupama. The penning of the scripts, agree the students, was the most stimulating and challenging process, with many a draft written and rewritten and puppetry being brought in to make the act more live and engrossing. Making puppets, connecting them with characters, changing scripts according to characterization, voice modulation, 8220;it was all engrossing and stimulating for the children, who are all set to put their best on stage for the regional meet and then go on to the nationals,8221; smiles Anupama.

Parul

Parul is a Principal Correspondent at The Indian Express in Chandigarh. She is a seasoned journalist with over 25 years of experience specializing in public health, higher education, and the architectural heritage of Northern India. Professional Profile Education: Graduate in Humanities with a specialized focus on Journalism and Mass Communication from Panjab University, Chandigarh. Career Path: She began her career covering local city beats and human interest stories before joining The Indian Express in 2009. Over the last decade and a half, she has risen to the rank of Principal Correspondent, becoming the publication’s primary voice on Chandigarh’s premier medical and academic institutions. Expertise: Her reporting is deeply rooted in the institutional dynamics of PGIMER (Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research) and Panjab University. She is highly regarded for her ability to navigate complex administrative bureaucracies to deliver student-centric and patient-centric news. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2024 - 2025) Her recent work highlights critical reporting on healthcare infrastructure, academic governance, and urban culture: 1. Public Health & PGIMER "PGIMER expands digital registry: Centralized patient records to reduce wait times by 40%" (Nov 20, 2025): A detailed look at the digital transformation of one of India's busiest medical institutes to tackle patient influx. "Robotic Surgery at PGI: Why the new urology wing is a game-changer for North India" (Oct 12, 2025): Reporting on the acquisition of state-of-the-art medical technology and its impact on affordable healthcare. "Shortage of life-saving drugs: Inside the supply chain crisis at government pharmacies" (Dec 5, 2025): An investigative piece on the logistical hurdles affecting chronic patients in the tri-city area. 2. Education & Institutional Governance "Panjab University Senate Election: The battle for institutional autonomy" (Dec 18, 2025): In-depth coverage of the high-stakes internal elections and the friction between traditional governance and central reforms. "Research funding dip: How PU’s science departments are navigating the 2025 budget cuts" (Nov 5, 2025): An analysis of the fiscal challenges facing researchers and the impact on India's global academic ranking. 3. Art, Culture & Heritage "Le Corbusier’s legacy in peril: The struggle to preserve Chandigarh’s Capitol Complex" (Dec 22, 2025): A feature on the conservation efforts and the tension between urban modernization and UNESCO heritage status. "Chandigarh Art District: How street murals are reclaiming the city’s grey walls" (Oct 30, 2025): A cultural profile of the local artists transforming the aesthetic of the "City Beautiful." Signature Style Parul is known for her empathetic lens, often centering her stories on the individuals affected by policy—whether it is a student navigating university red tape or a patient seeking care. She possesses a unique ability to translate dense administrative notifications into actionable information for the public. Her long-standing beat experience makes her a trusted source for "inside-track" developments within Chandigarh’s most guarded institutions. X (Twitter): @parul_express ... Read More