Happenings

Guest Assembly by Mrs. Karen Engst

On December 30th the IHS students had the opportunity to meet a very unique person, Mrs. Karen Engst born of American parents in Communist China and who grew up as a Chinese citizen. Her father was an American dairy specialist who worked in one of the UN programs in China in the middle of the 20th century while her mother, Joan Hinton, an American pacifist, was a nuclear scientist who left the US in protest against the use of nuclear bombs.

Mrs Engst shared her experiences of living in the era of the famous Mao Zedong and Chou En Lai and the impact they had on the Chinese people. She told us about some awkward situations she and her family found themselves in given that they were white Americans living in the country side of China and despite their ability to speak Chinese fluently they still were not able to fully integrate in that society. She spoke about many issues including Tiananmen Square episode in a manner that was not accusatory or defending the Chinese government which gave us a well rounded picture of the times. The students appreciated this session which was hosted by Ms Cristina Dragomir who was teaching them the art of interviewing guests.

Guest Assembly by Shri Susheel Kumar

Shri Susheel Kumar, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Environment & Forests, visited Isha Home School on 30-Dec-2015. He was part of the Indian team that was involved in the Paris Climate Change summit.

Shri Susheel Kumar gave the students an overview of the Climate Change initiatives and explained to them the difference between Climate Change and Pollution control and spoke to them about a host of other issues to make the students aware of these critical issues that are being faced not just by one nation but by the entire planet. He gave them some useful information on the current government initiatives in this regard and inspired them to be prepared for their responsibilities when they grow up.

Guest Interaction with Mr. John Reiss

We had the opportunity to meet and interact with renowned film director Mr. John Reiss.

Mr. Reiss is a critically acclaimed film director who has produced and directed three feature films, including Bomb It, a film about graffiti and the battle over visual public space throughout the world. His experience of releasing Bomb It with a hybrid strategy was the inspiration for writing Think Outside the Box Office: The Ultimate Guide to Film Distribution in the Digital Era, the first step-by-step guide for filmmakers to distribute and market their films. Mr. Reiss now works with numerous film organizations, schools and festivals to present a variety of distribution labs and workshops around the world.

In this intimate meeting students (especially the aspiring directors) were able to ask him varied questions about the film industry and his productions which provided them with an insight into what it would be like to be in this line of work.

IHS Celebrates Christmas