Page, stage, life

To Do It For The Plot Or Not?

Ragini Singhal, AIS Gur 43, XII S

Sore thumbs and pristine white screens glow softly under the sliver of moonlight. Faces lit up, as yet another influencer echoes the words, “I quit my job for the plot.” Perchance, you too have encountered this phrase in the wild and stopped to wonder – what is living for the plot? The term ‘for the plot’ began gaining virality in 2021, often with videos of impulsive acts that lodged themselves firmly into public imagination. As explained in the Urban Dictionary, it is the conscious decision to see yourself as the main character, where you are both director and star of your story, and your life is to be lived unapologetically.

The allure of the narrative
“Do it for the plot,” whispers a voice in your head as you find yourself moving towards your teacher to ask for the lead role in the play. The Indiana Jones instinct – to leap into chaos for adventure – remains alive. Psychologists call this narrative identity: how we make sense of our lives by seeing them as stories. Research by Dan McAdams, a leading psychologist, shows that framing experiences as stories gives people a sense of purpose and control. Social media has only amplified this tendency. The plot-driven lifestyle normalises reinvention, be it travelling solo or trying new hobbies. According to a 2023 Deloitte survey, 61 percent of Gen Zs prefer experiences over material possessions. Doing plot-worthy things offers precisely that.

Plot pressure
But all that glitters is not gold. While spontaneous choices are thrilling, the pressure to stay interesting 24/7 soon follows. We can’t all be Luke Skywalker, fighting intergalactic wars just to move the story forward. Social media rewards drama with likes and sponsorships, but it also fuels anxiety and comparison. The American Psychological Association reported in 2022 that social-media-driven impulsivity is linked to higher stress. Suddenly, nothing you do feels enough. Your cereal is too boring, your trips too repetitive, and your steady job too dull. Psychologist Dr Mark Dixon cautions that constantly viewing life as fiction can blur the line between authenticity and performance.

Balancing the book
McAdams’ theory of narrative identity suggests that an integrated life story provides meaning, but unlike Shakespeare’s famous line, life is not a stage. So, the need to perform constantly may become an unnecessary burden. Meaning can be found quietly, in the ordinary moments between plotlines. So, go forth, dear readers, take life as it comes.

Education in expression

As we draw the curtains on the current academic year, I would like to turn the spotlight on one of the most cherished milestones of school life, i.e., the Annual Day, which is not merely an event. It is a reflection of emotions, parental faith, the nurturing guidance of teachers, and the joy of learning. This is why, at Amity, we have always been thoughtful about how Annual Days are conceptualised and conducted. When children step into the roles of great personalities or recreate stories from history, they imbibe values, understand heritage, and internalise life lessons. The preparation journey itself becomes transformative, where some children emerge as leaders, others as gifted performers or confident communicators, with all discovering the power of teamwork and self-expression. At Amity, every Annual Day is designed with inclusive participation at its core, ensuring no child is left behind. The year 2025 witnessed inspiring presentations such as ‘Chintan se Chetna, Chetna se Vikas, Amity ka Prayas’ (inspiring lives of Chanakya and Swami Dayanand Saraswati); Shivraya, the warrior king (based on the life of Chhatrapati Shivaji); ‘Mulyadhara’ (based on Gandhian values); ‘Nirantarta’ (continuity of values), ‘Shanti Sampann Bharat…a mission towards peace’ and ‘Swarn Kal se Swarn Kal tak (tracing India’s journey from a golden past to a promising future). These themes went beyond spectacle, celebrating India’s legacy, inspiring patriotism, and reviving timeless values rooted in our civilisational ethos. At Amity, Annual Days are the culmination of learning and serve as blueprints for lifelong growth 

The inner spark

As Principal of this distinguished institution, I reflect on the challenges that our students face today - academic rigour, digital influences, and global uncertainties. Amidst all these pressures, safeguarding one’s mental well-being becomes essential. Each child carries within themselves an inner spark of innocence, creativity, and resilience. When nurtured through play, reflection, and affirmation, this spark grows into emotional strength, enabling them to face life’s trials with confidence.
Educators, therefore, are more than transmitters of knowledge; they are custodians of holistic growth. By weaving compassion into pedagogy through empathetic dialogue, personalised support, and a curriculum that honours individuality, teachers create safe spaces where character flourishes.
A powerful avenue for such empowerment is The Global Times, a platform gifted to Amitians by our Chairperson, Dr (Mrs) Amita Chauhan. This platform liberates the inner child, transforming introspection into expression. Students gain the ability to sharpen their analytical skills, articulate emotions, and embrace constructive critique. In doing so, not only do they heal themselves, but they also inspire peers - cultivating resilience and unity. This Contest Edition, curated by the efforts of our talented editorial board, stands as a testimony to values, hard work, and high spirit. It reflects the vision of our Chairperson and the collective strength of every Amitian, thoroughly preparing them to thrive in a complex world.

Preserving creativity in era of AI

In today’s landscape, students interact daily with artificial intelligence, which permeates learning and creativity. What if AI eclipses the human capacity for original thought? Dangers lurk, but as vanguards, we must infuse our children with enthusiasm to emerge victorious in this test. Creativity remains an indelible human trait, fuelling meaningful expressions. To preserve its value has become a challenge for us educators. We must constantly remember that AI functions as an aid: effective only through the directive of a human mind.
AIS Gur 43, inspired by the vision of revered Chairperson ma’am, and mentored by Team GT, has plunged into a journey of self-discovery, moulding a creation true to itself. This edition unleashes the echoes of the soul, reflecting on the concerns of human existence, offering readers unique perspectives.
So, heed this summon. Society depends on your unparalleled visions. Pursue inquiry. Embrace originality.