The Model United Nations is a simulation of the United Nations summit where students don the shoes of the delegates and recreate actual UN committees that encompass issues that require dire concern or helpful resolutions. These conferences require ardent preparation and in-depth research of the allotted issue.
MUNing is a skill cultivated over a period of time. Along with this skill, comes a bevy of acquired qualities such as oratorical skills, an unwavering stance on worldwide relations, a cultured way of conduct, fostering an intellectual and emotional bond with fellow delegates, diplomacy, team work, etc. A bunch of college-goers think along the same lines as the esteemed officials of a global committee, in cases, their policies taking precedence over the ones passed by the global summit. MUNing, anyone?
Jerry George Thomas, SSN College of Engineering, ChennaiI started MUNing two years ago. With seven MUNs so far, I have won two best delegate awards, one high commendation and one verbal mention. The biggest lesson I learnt is the amount of power we have as individuals . I came to realise that all the organisational structures around us have been built by people like us and we have the power to improve it or change it completely . Since then, its been a journey of self- improvement where I have tried to imbibe skills that are priceless in today’s world and can be learnt from MUNs such as the skill to inspire and motivate, to do in depth research, tricks to get the crowd behind you and so on.
Manasa Rao, MOP Vaishnav College for Women, ChennaiI started MUNing in Class VIII. Initially it was because I was interested in general knowledge and current affairs. After six years, it’s become so much more. From solving world problems to helping bring about change in the local community.
There are many upcoming youngsters who have a growing interest in MUNs. Its a powerful tool for the youth. A lot of people get intimidated by MUNs initially. If they can just get past that stage they can really do wonders for themselves and the world by being part of this intellectually stimulating community.
Shouryadipta Sarkar, RV College of Engineering, Bengaluru.I’ve done 22 MUNs , 12 as a delegate and 10 as a chair. The sheer amount one learns from each conference and the potential to make lasting friendships with an intellectual and like-minded set of people is just amazing. The one memory I probably cherish is the one very random MUN we simulated at VIT at 1:30 at night in pyjamas . I believe MUNs are one of the best extra curricular activities a student can undertake. I shall continue to do it only as long as I am in college. But will I ever drop down to a MUN on a weekend for a few hours to scare some delegates and have some fun? Who knows?
Bharat Radhakrishnan, Sri Venkateswara College of Engineering, ChennaiHow has MUNing developed me as a person? Well, I would have to say that it has made me more grateful for the life I have now. When you debate on issues of injustice from the perspective of a country in strife, I tend to understand that the issues in my life are far more trivial than the lives most citizens in other countries face.
You get to debate about solutions to these problems with other people on the same wavelength. Well the best part of MUNing for me was representing the DPRK (Democratic Republic of Korea) — A country so insular and isolated from the rest of the world. The agenda on nuclear arms gave me room to impose my anti-U.S.A. stance completely.
