Bengaluru : The Brigade Foundation felicitated Ms Nisha Lobo, an inspiring professional born with Lamellar Ichthyosis and visual impairment, at the Graduating Students’ Programme of The Brigade Schools. In the same spirit of giving, the Foundation extended CSR support to Ms Lobo’s chosen beneficiary, Jyothi Seva Home for Blind Children, as well as Jeevan Aadhar Medical Foundation and Humanist – Cyte Care. The initiative highlighted the Foundation’s commitment to compassion led action and inclusive progress, with Mrs Githa Shankar, Founder of The Brigade Schools, formally handing over cheques to all beneficiaries at the event.
Nisha Lobo, the youngest of six siblings, has navigated lifelong physical and visual challenges with extraordinary resilience. Despite having only about 10% vision in one eye, she independently earned a business degree and today works for an American company. Addressing the graduating students as the keynote speaker, Nisha Lobo shared her belief that “looking different, attracting adverse attention, and yet choosing happiness is a conscious choice.” She encouraged students to practise self-love and respond to adversity with grace and forgiveness rather than bitterness, guiding them through a mindful breathing exercise focused on gratitude and personal strengths.
The programme reflected the ethos of “Passion with Compassion,” a concept envisioned by Mrs Githa Shankar, Founder of The Brigade Schools, who addressed the graduating cohort on the importance of grit in shaping one’s life journey. Speaking on the occasion, she said,
“Grit is what carries you through uncertainty and challenge. When talent is paired with perseverance and compassion, it has the power to change not just individual lives, but the lives of those around you.” She also cited examples of alumni who, driven by grit, have gone on to serve in the armed forces.
The event opened with a traditional invocation and lamp lighting, setting a reflective tone for the evening. Adding to the spirit of the programme, the Junior School Choir, comprising students from all three Brigade Schools, presented a themed medley. The Brigade Schools Choir performed “Be a Light” by Thomas Rhett and “Little Blue” by Jacob Collier featuring Brandi Carlile, evoking messages of hope, resilience, and emotional strength.
Students from The Brigade Schools in Malleswaram and JP Nagar concluded the programme with a dance performance portraying life as a stage shaped by maya—the illusion of difference, while affirming love as the constant that binds all roles and relationships. Blending social impact, inspiration, and artistic expression, the programme left a lasting impression on students, parents, and the wider school community.
