On September 27, 2024, Sunfeast Dark Fantasy held a dynamic event at St. Joseph's School, launching Lil' Big Fantasies to inspire creativity and ignite young imaginations. The event encouraged students to explore new ideas and unlock their potential through imaginative thinking.
A distinguished panel of guests, including Mr. Prakash Rao (former ISRO Director), Dr. Megha Mahajan (NIMHANS child psychiatrist), actress Mandira Bedi, Fr. Rohan D'Almeida (Principal, St. Joseph's School), and Mr. Ali Harris Shere (COO, ITC), engaged with over 100 students, discussing the role of imagination in education and personal growth.
During the event, the panelists shared profound insights on the power of imagination in shaping young minds. ISRO's former director, Mr. Prakash Rao, echoed Rudyard Kipling's famous approach of asking "why, what, where, and how," drawing parallels with the kingfisher's keen observation of nature. He emphasized that, much like the bird absorbs its surroundings, students should embrace nature to fuel their imagination, adding that connecting virtual learning with nature can accelerate creative thinking.
Fr. Rohan D'Almeida highlighted how fast-paced imagination, when combined with innovative teaching methodologies, can revolutionize education. He stressed the importance of bridging creativity and reality in the learning process.
Dr. Megha Mahajan, a child psychiatrist from NIMHANS, discussed how imagination must be nurtured logically, cautioning that a lack of such nurturing could hinder cognitive development. She emphasized the need for a balanced approach where both logic and creativity are cultivated in young minds.
Actress Mandira Bedi added that excessive reliance on screens-whether through audio-visual learning or entertainment-can stifle imagination. She advocated for a balance between screen time and real-life experiences, encouraging students to feel and imagine the world around them rather than just observing it through devices.
Mr. Ali Harris Shere, COO of Biscuits & Cakes at ITC, drew attention to the importance of creating the right stimuli to encourage active thinking. He explained that Sunfeast's Lil' Big Fantasies campaign is designed to spark imagination by providing a unique, creative stimulus. He noted that by striking a balance between the real world and fantasy, children's minds can be guided to think bigger and explore boundless possibilities.
Together, the panelists affirmed that nurturing imagination, when balanced with logic and real-world experience, can unlock creativity and create a lasting impact in education.
Several students shared their reflections on the event. Darren Fernandes from 6B described it as a "beautiful experience of being in space with the characters." Gaurav from 6B remarked that the simulation of space travel on the bus was exhilarating. Yashvi 6 'B 'shared that "our imaginations have turned into reality," while Betsy Ma'am found the panel discussion both "interactive and educational." Vani echoed these sentiments, appreciating how the event showed that their imaginations could indeed become reality.
The event was a resounding success, demonstrating the transformative power of imagination in inspiring students and shaping the future of education.