Round Square Collaboration - History Lab
History Lab 1
On the 8th of February 2024, six delegates from Grade 9 participated in the first session of the Round Square History Lab Series themed around the "Roaring 20s." This virtual Round Square collaboration for 90 minutes, aimed to delve into the historical era of the 1920s, exploring its global impact and relevance in contemporary times.
Accompanied by their History teacher, Ms. Parul Malik, DAIS delegates were eager to delve deeper into the topic and expand their understanding on the era of 1920s across the world, facilitated by The Kingsley School, UK.
Prior to the session, their pre-task involved creating a poster depicting an event from the1920s in India and its reflection in today’s modern world. DAIS delegation chose to illustrate how the Non-Cooperation Movement alongside the Khilafat Movement fostered Hindu-Muslim unity in India during that time. The session commenced with an intriguing presentation on the Roaring 20s, generated by AI to offer an unbiased and neutral perspective on the topic. This novel approach provided us with a comprehensive overview, setting the stage for deeper exploration.
Following the presentation, delegates were divided into Baraza rooms, where students from diverse schools, including several from India, Africa, and South America, convened. They had the opportunity to present their pre-task posters, exchanging insights into various cultures and historical perspectives. The hosting school enriched the delegates understanding of the Roaring 20s in the UK, unveiling new facts such as the emergence of ‘flapper culture’ and the impact of the Great Depression, enriching their understanding of the era. Engaging in discussions related to history and its real-world implications, delegates shared perspectives on cultural stigmas and societal norms, delving into the significance of specific historical periods in shaping contemporary societies. Focusing on the 1920s, allowed us to inquire into the complexities of cultural dynamics and societal transformations, offering profound insights into the interconnectedness of past and present.
Returning to the main session, leaders from the hosting school shared overviews of the discussions held in the Baraza rooms, encapsulating the diverse perspectives and learnings garnered from the session.
History Lab 2
The second session of History Lab - 'Civil Wars and Wars of Independence' was hosted by the Cate School, USA on the 15th of February 2024. The session opened with a brief presentation by the Cate school, an AI generated, unbiased perspective on the topic and then broke out into Baraza rooms for more individual, region-specific presentations. The hosts commenced the discussions with a presentation on the revolution and the American Civil War as they went on to hear various standpoints from multiple regions panning India, Columbia, the UK, Pakistan, and Spain.
The post presentation discussions included an intellectually stimulating round of questions and answers, encouraging the delegates to engage in enthusiastic conversations where they exchanged views and fortified their perspectives. These dialogues solidified the understanding of each region’s rich and diverse history, educating the delegates on important worldly affairs. Finally, the session elapsed on a positive note with the delegates sharing their personal reflections and experiences that further enriched their collective understanding of the intricate tapestry of the historical events.
History Lab 3
DAIS delegation along with Mr. Narendar Dalal joined the session hosted by St. George's Grammar School, South Arica on the theme - 'Historic Leaders'. The meeting began with greetings and a brief introduction to the topic with a reading of a script by AI - ensuring a lack of bias. The students were then split up into Baraza rooms. Here, the hosts began their presentations about their country’s leaders, with Albertina and Walter Sisulu featuring in their slides.
Numerous other schools presented too, with notable names such as Sam Nujoma and Akbar the Great. DAIS students presented Historic leader, Sam Manekshaw, the first Indian Field Marshal and a deeply revered figure. Shortly after the presentations, the delegates engaged in discussions on the qualities of leadership and how easy is it to be one. They explored diverse ideas on qualities of leadership and reached a consensus about a leader being defined by the circumstances and people that surround someone. Exploring the Round Square IDEAL of 'Leadership,'' delegates discussed how young people can make a difference and exhibit their qualities as leaders.
OUR REFLECTIONS
In conclusion, the RS Collaboration - History Labs were a riveting and enlightening experience, engaging in multicultural discussions, and reflecting on historical significance, each session fostered a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of past events and their enduring impact on modern society. As we continue to unravel the mysteries of history, we are reminded of its relevance in shaping our collective future, and the importance of embracing diversity and understanding across cultures and generations. This collaboration served as a testament to the transformative power of education in fostering global citizenship and intercultural understanding, embodying the ethos of Round Square's mission to nurture students into compassionate and responsible global citizens.
DAIS Student delegates: Aanya Thakur, Abhiraj Singh, Sanaa Malesra, Saphyra Khanna, Uma Shukla and Vir Gahrotra.
DAIS Adult delegate: Ms. Parul Malik and Mr. Narender Dalal