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Five-time Olympian. Ten-time national champion. Padma Shri. Khel Ratna. India's most decorated table tennis player.
And for 18 months somewhere in the middle of all that — a railway ticket collector at Madras station.
This is the Sharath Kamal conversation you haven't heard before. Not the medal count, not the career highlights — but the real architecture of what it takes to build something exceptional in Indian sport.
In this episode, Sharath talks about the years nobody celebrates: the losing streaks at nationals, the financial pressure on his family, the dark patch between 2010 and 2015 when he dropped from rank 38 to rank 94 and people started writing him off. He talks about what pulled him back — not talent, but character. And he explains the difference between the two better than anyone we've spoken to.
He also walks us through the Tokyo Olympics match against the world number one — five losses against this opponent before that day, not a single game won. What happened in that match, and what his coach said to him after he lost, is the kind of story that stays with you.
Beyond his own journey, Sharath speaks honestly about what parents are getting wrong right now — the obsession with early results, the lack of patience, the pressure that kills joy before it can become passion. He talks about what good parenting in sport actually looks like, why education and sport are partners not competitors, and why India's youngest athletes today have something he never did: a clear pathway.
Over 60 minutes. No fluff. Just one of India's greatest athletes telling the truth about what greatness actually costs.
Off Syllabus, a podcast by The Brigade Schools.
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We are raising children in a world designed to capture their attention, fragment their focus, and reward impulsive behaviour. And most of us are doing it without a manual.
Dr. Pratima Murthy — former Director of NIMHANS, addiction psychiatrist, and one of India's most respected voices in mental health — joins Off Syllabus for a conversation that is equal parts science, wisdom, and honest reckoning.
This is not a conversation about screen time limits or confiscating phones. It goes much deeper than that.
Dr. Pratima talks about how the reward circuits in a child's brain are hijacked by digital technology long before parents notice anything is wrong, why the adolescent brain is neurologically wired for risk and what that means for how we parent teenagers, the difference between a child who acts out and a child who goes silent — and why both need equal attention, how adverse childhood experiences leave marks that show up in adult mental health, anxiety, and relationships, what consistent parenting actually looks like and why contradictory messaging between parents is more damaging than most couples realise, the connection between perfectionism, achievement pressure, and addictive behaviour in children, and why emotional neglect — even in loving, well-intentioned families — is one of the most underrecognised risks of modern parenting.
She also shares the poem that reframes everything about how we think about raising children. You will want to save it.
Practical, research-backed, and deeply human — this is the parenting conversation that should be playing in every school auditorium in India.
Off Syllabus is brought to you by The Brigade Schools.
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Eksik bölüm mü var?
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In a world that is moving faster than most of us can process, are our children getting the emotional support they actually need?
Dr. Pratima Murthy — former Director of NIMHANS and a leading voice in addiction psychiatry with over three decades of experience — joins Off Syllabus for a wide-ranging conversation on modern childhood, mental health, and what parents are getting right and wrong.
She talks about the neuroscience of why teenagers take risks, how digital addiction forms the same neural pathways as substance addiction, why shame and secrecy take root in children when parents are emotionally unavailable, the difference between authoritative and helicopter parenting, how to talk to your child about failure without crushing their confidence, and where to get help when things go beyond what a family can handle alone.
Honest, grounded, and deeply practical — this is the parenting conversation we should all be having.
Off Syllabus is brought to you by Brigade Schools.
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When Nisha Lobo was four years old, a woman at a shopping mall spat on her and told her mother she shouldn't bring a child "like that" out in public.
Nisha's response, sitting in the car afterwards while her mother cried: "Mama, what she did is her problem, not mine."
Nobody taught her that. It was just how she saw it.
Nisha was born with lamellar ichthyosis — a rare genetic skin condition that affects approximately one in a million people — and has around 10% vision in one eye. She is also a TEDx speaker, a Satyamev Jayate guest, the subject of the internationally screened Vicks Touch of Care film, and today, a full-time item data specialist at Target who takes a cab to work and argues with her mother about walking on busy roads.
In this episode of Off Syllabus, Nisha sits with Dr. Aloma Lobo — her mother, a doctor, and someone who has spent decades working with the placement of abandoned and special needs children — for a conversation that covers a remarkable amount of ground without ever feeling like it's trying to.
You will hear about the school that told Dr. Lobo to take Nisha away, and the school whose principal held her hand on the first day. About the classroom where only one hand went up when a teacher asked if anyone didn't have a problem. About the brother who made Nisha a stack of cards that read: "I have ichthyosis. It is not contagious. I am just like you." About the family who saw Nisha and brought their child with Down syndrome back home from an orphanage.
And you will hear Nisha herself — calm, funny, entirely unbothered — talk about history being her favourite subject in school, crochet being her current hobby, and why she's been watching detective shows lately instead of anything remotely inspirational.
For parents especially, this episode asks a question worth sitting with: are we raising our children to handle the world, or are we handling the world so our children never have to?
Off Syllabus is the podcast of Brigade Schools. New episodes explore the conversations that shape children beyond the syllabus.
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What does it look like when a child grows up never seeing herself as a victim — even when the world occasionally treats her like one?
Ms. Nisha Lobo was born with lamellar ichthyosis, a rare genetic skin condition, and has about 10% vision in one eye. She is also a TEDx speaker, a Vicks Touch of Care film subject seen internationally, and today, a full-time professional who goes to work in a cab and argues with her mum about walking on busy streets.
In this episode of Off Syllabus, Ms. Nisha and her mother Dr. Aloma Lobo — doctor, child welfare advocate, mother of six — sit down for a conversation that covers everything from school friendships and sibling dynamics to the meaning of real inclusion, the danger of raising children as their diagnosis, and why "respond, don't react" is not just a TEDx title but a daily practice.
For parents especially, Dr. Lobo's perspective on letting children fail, find their own direction, and own their identity — without making their challenge the headline — is something worth sitting with.
Off Syllabus is the podcast of Brigade Schools. New episodes explore the conversations that shape children beyond the syllabus.
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In this episode, we welcome Ms. Swetha Subbiah, a Coorg-born athlete and co-founder of Sisters in Sweat, to discuss the vital role of sports in a girl's upbringing. Swetha joins our host to explore how we can stop the "teenage drop-off" and encourage girls to occupy space rather than shrink away from it.
What’s "Off Syllabus" in this conversation:
Role Models at Home: The profound impact of a parent's fitness routine and diet on a child’s psychology.
The Biology of Strength: Debunking myths about lifting weights and "becoming bulky".
Consistency over Perfection: Why a 20-minute walk or a quick YouTube workout is more valuable than a "militant" gym schedule.
The Father's Role: Why the father’s encouragement and "permission" remain a critical catalyst for daughters in traditional households.
Navigating Social Media: Moving away from the "before and after" weight loss culture toward a "movement mindset".
At the Brigade Schools, we advocate for sports as a main subject for life, helping children develop the cognitive skills and emotional regulation they need to succeed.
Follow Off Syllabus to join the conversation on raising resilient, strong, and empowered children.
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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.
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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.
#ParentingPodcast #TheBrigadeSchools #RoopaPai #BhagavadGita #LifeSkills #Education #Storytelling #IndianAuthors #OffSyllabus
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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?
#OffSyllabus #TheBrigadeSchools #RoopaPai #ModernParenting #AncientWisdom #EducationLeader #Storytelling #GitaForKids #BangaloreSchools #ResilientKids #NewEpisode
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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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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. Full episode coming soon.
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We tell first graders to "ask for help," but why do they stop by high school? Join us as we break the silence on the hidden struggles of today’s students.In the premiere episode of Off Syllabus, host Ms. Sangeetha Karthik and Ms. Bornono Sen sits down with expert counsellors Ms. Reshma Narayan (The Brigade Schools) and Ms. Renu Srinivasan (Trauma & Adoption Specialist) to discuss the "fulcrum" of healthy relationships: the courage to ask for help.
From the "hoodwinking" of parents over screen time to the heartbreaking reality of self-harm and panic attacks, this episode provides a raw, unfiltered look at the modern parenting experience.
In this episode, we cover:The Transition: Why children stop seeking help as they grow older.
Digital Pressures: How social media, FOMO, and "brand status" impact teen identity.Recognizing Red Flags: Identifying the difference between "attention-seeking" and a "cry for help.
"The Brain Science: Why adolescents struggle with immediate gratification and rational choices.
Self-Harm & Panic Attacks: Practical advice for parents and teachers on responding to crisis with empathy, not judgment.
0:00 – Introduction to Off Syllabus 1:30 – Why kids stop asking for help in middle school 4:15 – Meet the Counsellors: Reshma & Renu 13:45 – Cultural differences in mental health awareness 18:00 – The "Screen Time" battle: Hoodwinking vs. Curiosity 31:00 – The truth about self-harm and emotional distress 43:00 – Academic pressure and the fear of failure 54:00 – Monitoring vs. Privacy: What is invasive? 1:05:00 – Final advice for parents: Connection over Correction
#OffSyllabus #MentalHealthAwareness #ParentingTips #TeenMentalHealth #SchoolCounselling #AskingForHelp #EmotionalIntelligence #Education
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"My child is just seeking attention." But what if that attention is actually a desperate cry for help?
In this powerful episode of Off-Syllabus, we peel back the layers of student mental health. From the hidden pressures of social media to the heartbreaking reality of self-harm and panic attacks, we discuss what students are really going through behind closed doors.
Join counsellors Ms. Reshma Narayan and Ms. Renu Srinivasan as we break the stigma and learn how to bridge the gap between parents, teachers, and students.
It’s time to listen. It’s time to talk. Full Episode coming soon!
#OffSyllabus #StudentMentalHealth #ParentingTips #ItsOkayToAskForHelp
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Are we focusing too much on grades and missing the bigger picture? Welcome to Off Syllabus, the podcast where we close the textbooks and open up conversations about the things that truly matter in your child's life.
Produced by The Brigade Schools, this show is designed for parents, educators, and anyone raising the next generation. In every episode, we sit down with psychologists, educators, and experts to tackle the tough questions.
Join us as we explore the lessons that aren't in the syllabus but are essential for life.
🔔 Subscribe now so you never miss an episode!
