VIBGYOR High, Gurugram, recently hosted the Women’s Day Minithon 2025, bringing together over 500 participants for a morning of fitness, community, and celebration. Beyond being a sporting event, the Minithon underscored VIBGYOR High’s commitment to fostering an engaged and active school community. In this exclusive conversation, Ms. Veena Gaur, Principal of VIBGYOR High, shares insights on how CX (Customer Experience) principles are shaping the school’s approach to education, events, and long-term engagement.
Crafting a Community-Centric Experience
Q. The Minithon saw enthusiastic participation from students, parents, and fitness enthusiasts. What was the driving philosophy behind making this an inclusive community event rather than just a school-led initiative?
VG: At our school, we believe in fostering a sense of community and togetherness that extends beyond the classroom. The Minithon was designed not just as a school event, but as an opportunity to bring together students, parents, and fitness enthusiasts from all walks of life. Our driving philosophy was to promote health, wellness, and unity, while creating a platform where everyone could participate, connect, and celebrate the joy of an active lifestyle. By making it an inclusive community event, we aimed to strengthen bonds, encourage collective well-being, and inspire a culture of fitness that benefits the entire community. It’s about showing that when we come together, we can achieve so much more—both individually and as a community.
Ensuring Personalized Engagement
Q. The event featured multiple race categories to accommodate various age groups and fitness levels. How does VIBGYOR High prioritize inclusivity and personalization in experiences to make every participant feel valued?
VG: At VIBGYOR High, inclusivity and personalization are at the heart of everything we do. We understand that every individual is unique, with different abilities, interests, and comfort levels. That’s why the Minithon was designed with multiple race categories—to ensure that everyone, regardless of age or fitness level, could participate and feel valued. Participants ranged from 4 years to 60 years, and we carefully categorized the races to suit their abilities and pace. For instance, we had a fun run for our youngest participants (4-6 years), age-appropriate races for students, a competitive category for fitness enthusiasts, and a leisurely walk for families and elders.
By tailoring experiences to meet diverse needs, we not only promote inclusivity but also empower individuals to challenge themselves in a supportive environment. This reflects our commitment to nurturing holistic development and ensuring that every member of our community, from the youngest to the oldest, feels seen, heard, and celebrated.”
Creating Emotional Connections Through CX
Q. Beyond the physical aspect of the Minithon, events like these create lasting emotional connections. How do you ensure that such experiences contribute to deeper engagement between the school, students, and parents?
VG: Events like the Minithon are about much more than physical activity—they are about building meaningful connections and creating shared memories. We intentionally design these experiences to foster a sense of community and belonging among students, parents, and the school. By involving parents and families in the event, we create opportunities for them to actively participate in their child’s journey, strengthening the bond between home and school.
The Minithon, for instance, was not just a race; it was a celebration of teamwork, encouragement, and collective achievement. We saw parents cheering for their children, students motivating their peers, and families enjoying moments of joy together. These emotional connections are what make such events truly special.
To deepen engagement, we also ensure open communication and follow-up after the event. Whether it’s sharing photos, stories, or feedback, we keep the spirit of the event alive and use it as a foundation to build stronger relationships. Our aim is to create experiences that resonate emotionally, leaving a lasting impact and reinforcing the trust and collaboration between the school, students, and parents. After all, it’s these shared moments that truly define our community and make it stronger.
Measuring Impact: Beyond Participation Numbers
Q. With over 500 participants, the Minithon was a success in terms of turnout. But beyond numbers, what qualitative CX metrics do you use to measure success—whether it’s feedback, sentiment analysis, or long-term engagement?
VG: While participation numbers are encouraging, we measure the true success of events like the Minithon through qualitative CX metrics. We gather feedback from participants through surveys and informal conversations to understand their experiences and emotions. Sentiment analysis helps us gauge the overall mood and satisfaction levels, while observing long-term engagement—such as increased interest in fitness activities or stronger parent-school collaboration—shows the lasting impact. For us, success is reflected in the smiles, stories, and strengthened connections that emerge from such events.
Leveraging Technology for Seamless Experiences
Q. Did VIBGYOR High incorporate any digital tools, social media integrations, or tech innovations to enhance the participant experience before, during, or after the event?
VG: Yes, technology played a key role in enhancing the Minithon experience. Before the event, we used digital registration platforms and social media to streamline sign-ups and keep participants informed. During the event, live updates and photo-sharing on social media allowed families and friends to engage virtually. Post-event, we shared highlights, videos, and feedback forms online to keep the excitement alive and gather insights for future improvements. These tech integrations ensured a seamless and connected experience for all participants.
The Role of Social Media & Influencer Advocacy
Q. The presence of social media influencers amplified the reach of the Minithon. How does VIBGYOR High view digital advocacy, and what role does social media play in shaping CX for students and parents?
VG: Social media and digital advocacy are powerful tools for amplifying our events and connecting with the community. By inviting inspiring dignitaries, including social media influencers and esteemed professionals from various fields, we not only celebrated Women’s Day but also introduced strong role models to our students. Their presence added immense value and inspiration to the Minithon.
Social media plays a pivotal role in shaping the overall experience for students and parents. It allows us to share real-time updates, celebrate achievements, and create a sense of inclusivity by involving those who couldn’t attend physically. Platforms like Instagram and Facebook help us showcase the event’s impact, foster engagement, and build a digital community that extends beyond the school grounds. For us, it’s about leveraging technology to create meaningful connections and inspire positive change.
Feedback & Continuous Improvement
Q. What kind of feedback mechanisms were in place for participants, and how do you use those insights to refine future events and school initiatives?
VG: We value feedback as a critical tool for growth and improvement. For the Minithon, we implemented multiple feedback mechanisms, including post-event surveys, suggestion boxes, and informal conversations with participants. We also monitored social media comments and direct messages to gather real-time insights.
These inputs help us understand what worked well and identify areas for enhancement. For instance, feedback on logistics, participant engagement, or activity variety guides us in refining future events. We take these insights seriously and use them to ensure that every initiative we undertake is more inclusive, engaging, and impactful than the last. Continuous improvement is at the core of our approach, and participant feedback is the cornerstone of that process.
CX in Holistic Education
Q. Beyond events like the Minithon, how does VIBGYOR High integrate customer experience principles into its educational approach to ensure students and parents feel engaged and satisfied?
VG: At VIBGYOR High, customer experience principles are deeply embedded in our educational philosophy. We prioritize open communication, personalization, and continuous engagement to ensure students and parents feel valued and supported. Regular parent-teacher meetings, progress updates, and feedback sessions help us stay aligned with their expectations.
By actively listening to feedback and adapting our approach, we ensure that every aspect of our educational ecosystem—from academics to co-curricular activities—is designed to foster satisfaction, growth, and a sense of belonging for both students and parents.
Building Long-Term Engagement & Community Loyalty
Q. How do initiatives like the Minithon contribute to VIBGYOR High’s long-term CX strategy? Are there plans to expand such initiatives to maintain a thriving school community?
VG: Initiatives like the Minithon are integral to our long-term CX strategy, fostering community bonding, wellness, and shared experiences that build loyalty and trust. They create lasting memories and strengthen the emotional connection between the school, students, and parents. We plan to expand such initiatives, introducing more inclusive and innovative events to keep our community engaged, inspired, and united in the long run.
Lessons for Other Educational Institutions
Q. For schools looking to enhance their CX, what are the key takeaways from Minithon 2025 that you believe could be applied to improve engagement and create more meaningful community experiences?
VG: The Minithon 2025 offers several key takeaways for schools aiming to enhance their CX. First, prioritize inclusivity by designing events that cater to diverse age groups and abilities, ensuring everyone feels valued. Second, leverage technology and social media to streamline processes, amplify reach, and create real-time engagement. Third, focus on emotional connections by celebrating shared achievements and fostering a sense of community. Finally, actively seek feedback and use insights to continuously improve. These principles—inclusivity, innovation, emotional resonance, and continuous improvement—can help any institution create meaningful, engaging experiences that strengthen community bonds.
Closing Thoughts
The Women’s Day Minithon 2025 at VIBGYOR High, Gurugram, was more than just a race—it was a celebration of fitness, inclusivity, and community spirit. In fact, through strategic customer experience (CX) principles, the event successfully engaged students, parents, and fitness enthusiasts, reinforcing the school’s commitment to holistic development.
As Ms. Veena Gaur emphasized, CX in education extends far beyond classrooms; it shapes events, interactions, and long-term relationships within the school community. In fact, y integrating personalization, digital engagement, and continuous feedback, VIBGYOR High sets a benchmark for how educational institutions can create meaningful, lasting connections with their stakeholders.
With initiatives like the Minithon, the school is not only promoting health and well-being but also strengthening the bonds that make a thriving, engaged learning environment possible. Looking ahead, VIBGYOR High’s dedication to fostering impactful experiences ensures that every student and parent remains at the heart of its journey—both on and off the track.
