3rd January 2024 - Arrival Day! The new year started with a lot of excitement for a delegation of ten students and their teachers, Ms. Gayatri Nair, and Ms. Sushila Victor as they arrived at the Emerald Heights International School, admiring the beautiful campus of the host school representing DAIS for a Conference on sustainability. Rooted in responsible resource management, the Conference themed ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’, aligned perfectly with the ancient Sanskrit philosophy of environmental conservation, embracing the shared destiny and responsibility of humanity as one interconnected global family. They were warmly welcomed by the student leaders of the host school and enjoyed savouring the local cuisine. Delegates were excited to receive their Conference backpacks loaded with supplies, lanyard, and a warm hoodie as they completed their registration before settling in their dorms for the night.
Day 1: Opening Ceremony The day commenced bright and early with delegates rising at 7 am for an engaging Opening ceremony that marked the flag ceremony and welcome speech by the Director of host school.
The first keynote speaker of the Conference, Mr. Dev Kumar Vasudev, an avid bird enthusiast, offered a comprehensive overview of the theme of the conference in reference to the wetlands of India, highlighting the key aspect of the environment, to provide lush habitats for all animals and birds.
This was followed by a Conference photoshoot capturing all delegates in a memorable frame. Delegates dived into their baraza groups, each named after a national park in India, including Ranthambore, Bandhavgarh and Kazi Ranga. The session started with some interesting ice-breaker games including basketball throw and catch, hula hoop and one word please which fostered constructive discussions based on the keynote address. Delegates shared how they would try and make an impact in their school with an understanding of the significance of red and green flags in the environment. The day concluded with workshops on sustainability, during which delegates created tie-dye shirts and customized their very own tote bags and pouches using the block painting. These items were crafted with the intention of benefitting underprivileged children, providing a meaningful conclusion to the day's activities.
Day 2: Visit to Sirpur Lake - A wetland paradise! Day 2 began with delegates commencing their day at the crack of dawn, with a short bus ride, filled with anticipation for the action-packed day ahead as they headed towards Sirpur lake.
Nestled along the Indore- Dhar Road, the Sirpur Lake, a captivating oasis, renowned for its rich biodiversity, harboring over 130 bird species, marked as a Ramsar sire is home to migratory birds from Serbia and Mongolia. It attracts several flocks of birds, especially in the chilly winters of the city. Equipped with ‘bird passports, delegates tried to identify various birds cited in their bird passports adding an element of excitement, engagement, and exploration to their experience. Divided into groups and guided by mentors, delegates explored evergreen trails, spotting birds like rock pigeons, house sparrows, egrets, cormorants, pied kingfishers, and many more gaining newfound insights and knowledge.
After their enriching experience at Sirpur Lake, the delegates engaged in their second baraza session that included fun games, interactive drawings of the environment and discussions about their favourite birds. Subsequently, insightful conversations unfolded from their learnings at Sirpur Lake, exploring the similarities between birds and humans as delegates discussed the problems faced by the wetland, and found solutions for the same. They expressed their thoughts through short poems and songs related to sustainability, the Earth, the environment, and the conference themes.
After intellectual baraza sessions, delegates actively participated in community service by visiting various NGOs. At ‘Kripalaya’ Old Age home, they engaged in activities like bedsheet block printing, stencil and masking tape activities, and interaction with the elders. In addition, other barazas extended their outreach to the education Centre for underprivileged children, ‘Gyanodaya’, nurturing meaningful relationships with the students through interactive games and activities like bottle painting, lemon races and dancing fostering a sense of belonging beyond the completion of the activities. Delegates visiting institutions supporting people with special needs such as ‘Indore Deaf Bilingual Academy’, ‘Sanjeevani’, and ‘Mahesh Dhrishteen’, delegates participated in various activities like sign language sessions, poster-making, wall-painting, and interactive culinary experiences. Customized bags and pouches created in the workshops were distributed among the NGO’s, leaving positive impressions as creative and sustainable solutions. The day concluded with a bonfire dinner including game stalls, scrumptious food, drinks, and entertainment. A memorable experience, with delegates roasting marshmallows on bonfires, a live band and DJ playing music and delegates grooving together added a magical touch to the evening, leaving everyone happy, content, and with enormous smiles.
Day 3: Visit to Mandu Day 3 began with the delegates waking up early to embark on a 2-hour bus ride to Mandu, a fort city close to Indore, that has withstood hundreds of invasions and stands today as one of the finest examples of strategic capitals of love and stones.
With beautiful monuments constructed in Afghan and Hindu style of architecture, the view from the top of Rani Roopmati’s pavilion cheered the students up after completing a long and tedious climb. In their baraza groups, they followed a tour guide around the city, visiting other historical sites such as The Jahaj Mahal, Jami Masjid, and the Hoshang Shah tomb, every site depicting an exquisite marble craftsmanship. As the delegates delved deeper into Mandu's historical gems, each location revealed its own distinct tales and architectural marvels. These wonderous monuments are more than 500 years old, and still stand tall. Throughout this visit, delegates discovered a great deal about the royal lifestyle that kings and queens of the 15th and 16th centuries led, and how it differed from the present-day scenario. Students had the opportunity to purchase handicraft goods as souvenirs to remind them of this truly marvellous city. Back at the campus, followed by a short tea break, delegates joined the closing ceremony of the conference. After witnessing several captivating cultural performances by the participating schools, DAIS delegates proudly presented their skit on sustainable solutions for the future with Mother Earth questioning the consumption of renewable and non-renewable resources. The day ended with the Directors dinner where students got an opportunity to meet and interact with the Director of the Emerald Heights International school, Mr. Siddharth Singh. While engaging in a delightful conversation, the students exchanged thoughts about the conference and expressed gratitude towards the host school. After a group picture, the delegates proceeded to a lavish, wide-range buffet followed by another lively DJ night. Amidst the music and dance, the delegates interacted with their Round Square peers for the last time. They returned to their dorm, exhilarated with memories to cherish for a lifetime!
Our Reflections:
“An opportunity to connect and share opinions with various delegates from all around India, this conference taught me the significance of every living organism on this planet and its integral role in the Earth's ecosystem.”
- Anaya Jhunjhunwala
“Attending this conference was an outstanding opportunity as this conference taught me how to push myself out of my comfort zone and reflect on the diversity of India.”
- Anika Jalan
“This conference taught me something that can change the world- to practice what you preach. It was the most educational, yet fun filled experience and I left with an understanding that every being or creature on this Earth is equal.”
- Ananya Mehta.
“The EHS conference was a pivotal and enjoyable experience that highlighted the significance of embodying our beliefs, embracing diverse viewpoints, and committing to sustainable practices; a remarkable journey in appreciating the vast diversity of our world.”
- Hitansh Bhatt
“An insightful and memorable experience, this conference taught me valuable lessons on stepping out of my comfort zone, voicing my thoughts, forming new connections, appreciating time spent with friends, and recognising the equal worth of all living beings.”
- Hridaya Sharma
“An unparalleled experience, the Conference provided me with a profound understanding of the importance of diversity of opinion, reinforced my sense of responsibility, and instilled in me a deep appreciation for the fundamental concepts necessary for a sustainable future.”
- Ishaan Subramanian
“Going to the EHS conference allowed me to share perspectives, debate topical issues, forge friendships, support local communities, and develop international understanding.”
- Ria Subramanian
“An extremely fun experience, this conference was extremely informative, allowing me to interact with multiple delegates, helping me think outside the box, and recognizing the importance of every little thing around us and its role on our Planet Earth.”
- Sara Mehta
“A fun, thought-provoking experience, I learned a lot by attending this conference, including how to push myself outside of my comfort zone, to understand various perspectives and to acknowledge the value of all living things.”
- Sivah Navle
“The conference taught me to value diverse perspectives, embrace responsibility, and adopt core values for sustainability. It emphasised cherishing every moment, making it one of my most educational and invigorating experiences.”
- Vihaan Saxena