Off Syllabus

Can a sport-filled childhood actually be the secret ingredient to academic success? In this episode of Off Syllabus, we explore the intersection of physical strength and mental resilience with one of India’s most influential fitness leaders, Ms. Swetha Subbiah.

As the co-founder of Sisters in Sweat and a Nike-certified coach, Ms. Swetha joins us to unpack why teenage girls often drop out of physical activities and how the language we use at home—specifically the "mother’s voice"—shapes a child’s inner world.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

The "Shrinking" Phenomenon: Why we tell girls to "be careful" while boys are told to "go for it," and the lifelong impact of that messaging.

The Mother-Daughter Mirror: How a parent's relationship with food and fitness serves as the primary "textbook" for their children.

Fitness as an Ally: Moving past the myth that sports are a distraction from academics to seeing them as a tool for cognitive growth.

Building Real Grit: How falling down on the field prepares a girl to stand up in the boardroom.

At the Brigade Group of Schools, we believe education isn't just about what's in the syllabus—it's about building the character and confidence to navigate the world. Join us for a conversation that moves beyond the scale and focuses on building strength for life.

Follow Off Syllabus to stay updated on how we’re redefining parenting and education, one conversation at a time.

Can ancient philosophy solve modern-day anxiety?

In this episode of Off Syllabus, we talk to Roopa Pai, the author who made the Bhagavad Gita accessible to a whole new generation. We dive into the "Hero’s Journey," exploring how parents can help children move away from the toxic trap of comparison and toward a life of purpose and Dharma.

From the power of storytelling to the secrets of Bangalore’s history, Roopa explains why education must focus on building "inner resources" rather than just chasing external rewards.

Key Takeaways:

• Why the Gita is the oldest self-help book in the world.

• How to help children handle failure with a "cyclical" mindset.

• The role of parents in modeling curiosity over control.

A must-listen for parents and educators looking to ground the next generation in values that last a lifetime. Brought to you by The Brigade Schools—pioneering holistic excellence in education.

Follow us for more deep dives into the topics that matter outside the textbook.

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"Success and failure are both impostors. Focus on the effort, not the outcome." 🌿

In Episode 6 of Off Syllabus, we dive deep with celebrated author Ms. Roopa Pai on a mission to make ancient wisdom accessible for the modern child. From the corridors of history to the high-pressure world of 10th-grade exams, Roopa explains how the teachings of the Gita can help our children live without fear.

As leaders in the education space, The Brigade Schools is committed to fostering more than just academic excellence—we’re nurturing "old souls in young bodies" to become empathetic, resilient, and critical thinkers.

Are we teaching our children to chase likes, or to chase the "long high" of inner peace?

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Your child's music class might be doing more for their math grade than their math class is.

In this episode of Off Syllabus, host Ms. Jeevitha Viswanath sits down with Manasi Prasad — Carnatic vocalist, IIM Bangalore alumna, former Director of India's first interactive music museum (Indian Music Experience), NCERT textbook committee member, and most importantly, a parent of two school-going children — for an honest, research-backed conversations about arts education.

This is not a feel-good episode about "let your child be creative." This is a parent-to-parent, expert-to-expert conversation about what the science actually says, what NEP 2020 is quietly changing in your child's school, and what you might be accidentally taking away from your child every time exam season hits.

In this episode:

- Why every child is born creative — and where we lose it

- How music builds memory, focus, pattern recognition and concentration (not just "right brain" skills)

- The real reason arts were called "extracurricular" — and why that's finally changing

- What LCM, physics of sound, and Carnatic talas have in common

- The 3 C's every future career demands — and how the arts build all three

- How to counsel a child (or yourself) who wants to pursue arts as a career

- The difference between a career and a calling

- What Mansi did when her son studied for the wrong exam the morning of — and why her reaction surprised even her

- Why taking away arts periods before exams may be making your child more stressed, not less

If you have ever said "arts is not a career" or quietly moved your child's music class to make room for exam prep — this episode is for you.

Drop a comment below:

What art form did YOU give up because of "practical reasons"? Do you wish someone had told you this earlier?

Subscribe to Off Syllabus for conversations that go beyond marks, ranks, and report cards — because the most important lessons are rarely on the syllabus.

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Why Arts Education Isn't an "Extra" | Off Syllabus Ep. 5Is your child’s passion for the arts being treated as a hobby or a core skill? In this episode of Off Syllabus, we sit down with Ms. Manasi Prasad, renowned Indian Classical Vocalist and Musician, to dismantle the age-old mindset that science and medicine are the only "serious" career paths.We also delve into the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which finally recognises the arts as a curricular subject rather than an extracurricular one. Discover how artistic exposure builds emotional intelligence, creates diverse career opportunities, and why we need to stop asking "Why arts?" and start asking "Why not?"Full episode out soon! Arts Education, NEP 2020, Parenting Tips, Holistic Education, Career in Arts, The Brigade Schools, Child Development, Indian Education System, Creative Thinking.#OffSyllabus #TheBrigadeSchools #ArtsInEducation #NEP2020 #ParentingIndia #FutureOfEducation #HolisticLearning #ManasiPrasad #CreativityMatters

In a world obsessed with grades and high-stakes exams, where does human connection fit in? Today on Off Syllabus, we explore the shift from academic pressure to emotional intelligence.

Guest Mr. Vikram Bhat (Chief Architect of the Delhi Happiness Curriculum) explains how well-being can be taught as systematically as Math. Meanwhile, Mrs. Hansa Vithani (Director, Vidya Niketan School) shares 40+ years of wisdom on "man-making" education and why her school prioritises character over competition.

Whether you are a parent worried about your child's screen time or an educator looking to bring more soul back into the classroom, this conversation is your blueprint for the future of learning.

Follow Off Syllabus for more insights into the future of education.

Does the modern school system prioritise marks over mindset?

In this episode of the Off Syllabus podcast, we dive deep into the future of human connection within our education systems. We are joined by Mr. Vikram Bhat, Chief Architect of the groundbreaking Happiness Curriculum in Delhi, and Mrs. Hansa Vithani, Director of Vidya Niketan School, Bengaluru.

We explore how schools can move beyond traditional academic pressure to foster resilience, empathy, and a strong sense of self. From mindfulness hacks for teachers to "buddy systems" that curb bullying, this conversation provides a blueprint for parents and educators who want to prepare children for a rapidly changing world.

Key Topics Covered:

• The Happiness Curriculum: The philosophy that well-being and emotional soundness can be taught like math or science.

• Cooperation vs. Competition: Why shifting the focus away from grades can actually improve academic performance.

• AI & Technology in Classrooms: How to use digital tools to enhance creativity without losing human connection.

• The Role of Parents: How to foster meaningful dialogue at the dinner table and support your child’s unique strengths.

• Building Resilience: Teaching children to have a healthy attitude towards failure.

Full episode coming out tomorrow.

Is your child’s identity being built on "likes" or life experiences? As a parenting podcast that goes beyond the classroom, this episode of Off Syllabus tackles the "Validation Game." We bring together two varied perspectives: Ms. Anoushkaa, a Grade 12 student, and Dr. Beena Roopak, a parent of a teenager and a primary schooler.

We explore anxiety in the digital age and how modern friendship challenges are often amplified by social media algorithms. This isn't just a discussion about screen time; it’s an educational podcast segment on the psychology of "Echo Chambers" and "Rage Baiting."

Key Discussion Points for Parents:

• Navigating childhood anxiety: Moving from the playground to the profile page.

• Parental Monitoring vs. Privacy: How Dr. Beena manages digital safety without losing trust.

• Helping teens build self-belief that doesn't rely on virtual validation.

• How Anoushkaa used boredom to fuel her passion for dance and design.

Whether you are looking for a parenting podcast for moms and dads or an educational podcast for kids to watch with their parents, this episode provides the "Syllabus" you need for the modern home.

The full episode is out now! Subscribe for more heart-to-heart conversations on the things they are not a part of the syllabus.

Is your child’s worldview being shaped by a feed or a family?

In this episode of Off Syllabus, we tackle the "Validation Game." To get the full picture, we’ve brought together two very different perspectives: a Grade 12 student navigating the final hurdles of school life, and a parent of two (a teenager and a primary schooler) managing the daily digital tug-of-war.

As a parenting podcast committed to more than just surface-level advice, we dive into the anxiety in the digital age that affects both Gen Z and parents alike. From the dopamine hit of a "like" to the quiet pressure of "story" views, we explore how modern friendship challenges are often playing out behind a screen.

In these parenting podcast segments, we discuss:

• Navigating childhood anxiety: Moving from primary school worries to high-school social pressure.

• The Echo Chamber: Why social media makes it harder for kids to see different perspectives.

• The Comparison Trap: Why Dr. Beena Roopak warns that we must stop the cycle of comparing and criticising.

Whether you’re looking for an educational podcast for kids to understand their own habits or a parenting podcast for moms and dads seeking practical boundaries, this conversation bridges the generation gap.

Are we raising "mechanical" children? In this episode of Off Syllabus, host Sangeetha Karthik sits down with the "Master Storyteller" herself, Ms. Geeta Ramanujam, Founder of Kathalaya’s International Academy of Storytelling.In a world dominated by screens and instant gratification, Geetha explains why storytelling isn't just a bedtime ritual—it is a vital life skill and a bridge for communication within families.

From the "Rahul and the yellow lollipop" anecdote to the powerful metaphor of the camel in the zoo, this conversation explores how parents and teachers can use stories to build empathy, discipline, and deep-rooted connections.

In this episode, you’ll learn:The Difference Between Instruction and Dialogue: Why your child stops listening when you start "advising."Storytelling as a Teaching Tool: How to make "boring" subjects like History or Science come alive.

The 10-Minute Rule: Practical tips for busy, working parents to incorporate stories into daily routines.The "Seed" Philosophy: How to accept and nurture your child's unique potential without "trapping" them in your own ambitions.

Live Demonstration: Watch Geeta bring a simple story to life using voice modulation and puppets.

About the Guest:Ms. Geeta Ramanujam is an Ashoka Fellow, TEDx speaker, and the academician behind Kathalaya. She has travelled to over 45 countries, reviving the ancient art of storytelling for the modern world.

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