A girl steps down from the stage after singing Wavin’ Flag by K’naan, a song that won the hearts of millions of fans glued to the screens during the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Before singing, she makes a request to the audience, “If you all know it [the lyrics], please sing along.”

Summer holidays are a great time to let children explore their creative freedom. One of the best ways is to let them be, and witness them nurture their imagination in their rooms at their own pace. Another is to encourage them to share spaces with others who, like them, are unburdened by the pressure of school during the break. This is where open mics come in. They create a non-competitive environment, not defined by the rigidity of rules.