It was a wonderful experience for T. Pavan Kumar, class IX student, as he made his presence felt through his forum ‘General Assembly’ at the 8th Rome International Model United Nations (RIMUN) conference. The international delegates were not just impressed with his resolutions but also his pleasing appearance. “I was nominated as the ‘sexy delegate’ among my committee members. I was not sure how to respond to the new title but then I felt nice that most girls voted for me,” he finally admits with a smile.
M. Vinay, another student, says the platform was useful to discuss the international issues and draw conclusions on diverse topics. “The five-day conference made me understand issues pertaining to Palestine and Australia in a broader perspective. We were divided into groups to exchange ideas, debate and come up with multiple solutions to address global issues,” he said.
While Samyukta explained the special commission on education and changing culture, which she spoke at the conference, Pulkit Dutta, who represented Security Council as an Australian ambassador, shared his views.
Though the foreign tour brought cheer and excitement to the seven-member team of Class IX students of Sri Prakash Vidyaniketan in its own way, Kumud Kaushik and Rekhasri were bit disappointed with the Italian food. “We have to make do with eggplant sandwiches which we have never heard before. But yes, pancakes, French fries and soda water saved us during the rest of our stay,” they said.
Among 500 delegates, representing 22 countries across the globe, these students had an opportunity to represent South India in the conference, organised by the host school Liceo Statale Farnesina, Rome. “It was a simulation of United Nations where our students had a different kind of exposure addressing global issues and framing resolutions,” director of the school Ch. Vasu Prakash said.
Apart from the conference, the team, accompanied by a couple of teachers and director of the school, spent extra few days to visit places such as Tower of Pisa, Leonardo Da Vinci museum and Vatican city.
