In the heart of Kolkata, amidst the bustling streets and rich cultural heritage, lies the prestigious venue for the La Martiniere Calcutta Model United Nations 2024 (LMCMUN'24) conference. For a group of eight enthusiastic Bhavanites, this journey promised not only a platform to engage in diplomatic discourse but also an opportunity to immerse ourselves in the vibrant tapestry of Kolkata's culture. The team consisted of Shannon Mariam Varghese (the head delegate), Mohammed Mujtaba Ali, Durga Suresh Kumar, Neha Hareesh, Jalaluddeen Akbar, Kamya Chandrahas, Sreehari Rajeev and Akshaya Ramesh (myself), accompanied by Mr. Nagarajan Murugesh and Mrs. Hajira Banu, our social studies teachers. Over five days, with three days dedicated to the Model United Nations (MUN) conference, our experience was one of growth, learning, and exploration.
Day1:
On May 16, school ended far too quickly, and after spending our lunch break discussing the trip with one another, we soon found ourselves outside Kuwait International Airport at around 5:30 p.m. We eventually came to the realization that it was our duty to look after our passports, our civil ids, and most crucially, OURSELVES, while we checked-in our luggage. We bid our parents farewell in a heartfelt manner and set out on an exciting yet sleepless journey to Kolkata.
Our flight to Delhi had delayed by an hour as we reached the Indira Gandhi International Airport on the 17th of May around 5:30 am, thus, we missed our connecting flight to Kolkata. Hence, the airlines had booked us another set of tickets to Kolkata with the flight being around 12:30pm that very day. We were all so excited about the MUN that we didn’t sleep throughout the flight to Delhi and it really did affect us the following days.
On our flight to Kolkata we slept soundly for at least an hour. Finally, the intense heat and humidity of Kolkata's climate hit us when we stepped out of the Netaji Subash Chandra Bose International Airport. As we reached the hotel, we were welcomed by the sweet admins of LMG who gave us a tour around their school that very hour. Walking back to our hotels, we freshened up and went out for dinner and then later prepared for the big day ahead.
Day2:
Jetlagged, the cold shower didn’t quite help in keeping me awake. But after reaching LMB and witnessing the captivating opening ceremony, which featured a heartfelt speech by the Secretary General, the introduction of our committee chairpersons, and a lively song by the school band, we were thrilled to get started with our MUN sessions. There were a total of 33 schools among which we were the only international school, besides there were two other schools from Mumbai and Delhi. The committees we took part in were as follows:
_UNGA SPECPOL: Kamya Chandrahas, Sreehari Rajeev
_UNGA HISTORIC: Shannon Mariam Varghese, Mohammed Mujtaba Ali
_UNHSC: Akshaya Ramesh, Jalaluddeen Akbar
_OSCE: Durga Suresh Kumar, Neha Hareesh
As we all resolved to our first MUN sessions, we were immersed in our committee sessions, representing our countries and tackling a myriad of crisis updates from the very start of the session. The atmosphere was charged with intellectual fervor as all the delegates engaged in lively discussions and negotiations, analyzing the situation unfolding in front of us.
The day came to an end with two exceptional committee sessions being over and we all set back to our hotel rooms. With the second day of the MUN conference looming ahead, we dedicated the rest of our day to intense preparation. Hours were spent researching our assigned countries' policies, drafting communiques, and lobbying with the other delegates of our respective committees.
Day3:
As the conference entered its second day, our committees dived deeper into the intricacies of the agendas. Debates were spirited with delegates bringing diverse perspectives to the table. Amidst the heated discussions and diplomatic maneuvers, bonds began to form; transcending boundaries and fostering a sense of unity among delegates. After three intricate and focused committee sessions, the day 2 of the MUN came to an end. And once we stepped out of LMC, we all decided to pay a visit to the Victoria Memorial in our school uniforms.
Built with white marble, its grandeur was evident in its domes, columns, and intricate sculptures. Surrounded by lush gardens, it offered a serene escape and a glimpse into India's colonial past. A visit here promises a blend of history, art, and tranquility. Following the visit, we had ice creams from a street vendor and walked around the street: later retiring back to our rooms. After a tummy-filling dinner, we got together in one of our rooms and began drafting resolutions for the last and final day of the MUN.
Day4:
On the final day of LMCMUN'24, the conference halls buzzed with anticipation and fervor as delegates geared up for the culmination of days of debate, negotiation, and diplomacy. Delegates arrived early, dressed sharply in their school uniforms, ready to present their final resolutions and defend their positions one last time. Tensions ran high as final amendments were proposed, alliances were tested, and compromises were reached in the pursuit of consensus.
As the clock ticked towards the closing ceremony, delegates hurriedly finalized their speeches, ensuring that every word was crafted to leave a lasting impact. Delegates reflected on the progress made during the conference, acknowledging both the challenges faced and the achievements celebrated.
Amidst a backdrop of applause and cheers, the closing ceremony commenced, marking the end of LMCMUN'24. Delegates exchanged farewells, exchanged contact information, and reflected on the friendships forged and lessons learned throughout the conference. With hearts full of memories and minds brimming with newfound knowledge, delegates departed, carrying with them the spirit of diplomacy and the hope for a better world.
For the very last day in Kolkata we visited the Howrah Bridge, an iconic symbol of Kolkata. Exploring the neighborhood around the Howrah Bridge unveils a delightful tapestry of shopping experiences, where the allure of traditional sweets and exquisite sarees beckon. Wandering through narrow lanes adorned with colorful stalls offering an array of delectable Bengali sweets, from creamy sandesh to syrupy roshogollas, tempting the taste buds of passersby. Meanwhile, nearby saree emporiums showcase the timeless elegance of handwoven silk and cotton sarees, adorned with intricate designs and vibrant hues, inviting visitors to indulge in the rich textile heritage of Kolkata. Shopping here is not just about acquiring goods; it's an immersive journey into the heart and soul of Bengali culture.
After a tiring day, along with the lack of sleep for the past four days, setting an alarm for the following day was quite annoying. But after all we all wanted to come back home more than wanting to sleep in those fluffy beds of our hotel rooms.
Day5:
We woke up around 3 am to get ready for our flight and checked out around 5:30am. The LMC School had provided us with a bus to go to the airport: it was a pity to watch my friends tired and sleeping in uncomfortable positions in the bus. As we finally reached the airport, some of us got coffee while the others embraced their slumber. On reaching the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, we were chilling at the food court and then roamed around the duty-free buying novels while one of our friends went back to his slumber.
And in four hours we were in Kuwait; the feeling of home engulfed us despite being at the airport. We were welcomed by our parents with exchange of hugs and laughter on seeing us.
Having a 12 hour sleep after reaching home was very refreshing.
In a nutshell, I would say, participating in LMCMUN'24 in Kolkata was a transformative experience for us. From engaging in diplomatic debates to forging friendships that spanned continents, we emerged from the conference with a newfound appreciation for the power of dialogue and cooperation. As we return home, we carry with us the lessons learned and memories made, knowing that our journey at LMCMUN'24 has left an indelible mark on our lives and our future endeavors.
Until next time, Kolkata, we carry with us the memories of this unforgettable experience.