Upholding the motto ‘Dare to struggle, dare to win,’ Bhavans Model United Nations convened its sixth edition on 24th and 25th October 2019, at Indian Education School, Kuwait. Bhavans Model United Nations is a simulation of the UN. It provides a comprehensive experience for the delegates in terms of diplomacy and international politics. The delegates also get acquainted with global issues, indulge in deeper analysis, and further dissect, and sort out concerns. It thus helps to mould global citizens who will learn how to reach a consensus in international negotiations and resolve crisis amicably.
BMUN 2019 commenced on October 24, 2019 at 9.00 a.m. with the recitals from the Holy Quran followed by the Kuwait National Anthem and the traditional lighting of the lamp. The school choir rendered the prayer song. Liana Maria Joseph, Head Girl of Indian Education School, Kuwait, extended a warm welcome to the august gathering comprising of Dr. Shamir Ally, the Ambassador of Guyana to Kuwait, Dr. Maryann Beebe Ally, Dr. Ameera Al Hassan, the acting Head, office at UN- Habitat GCC Office in Kuwait, Mr. M Pradap Felix, the distinguished guest of honour and the Principal of New Gulf Indian School, Mr. T. Premkumar, Principal, IES Kuwait, Mr. Mahesh Iyer, Principal, Smart Indian School, Dr. Shanta Maria, Principal, Indian Central School, Vice-Principals of IES, teachers and the delegates from various schools.
The Chief Guest Dr. Shamir Ally, in his inaugural speech, quoted the words of Mahatma Gandhi “honest disagreement is a good sign of progress. An eye for an eye will make the world blind and truth will stand even if there is no public support.” He spoke at length about the relevance of these quotes in today’s world and urged the students to take up opportunities and challenges to bring about a change. He said, “…conduct fruitful discussions to avoid wars and exude light over darkness.”
Dr. Ameera Al Hassan, while addressing the students spoke about the world peace and the challenges faced by the UN. She encouraged the young generation to play the most vital role by conducting deliberations on contemporary issues, and taking prudent decisions, as they are the future of the world.
The procedures of BMUN 2019 were initiated with the handing over of the ‘gavel’ by the Principal of IES to the committee heads. The Secretary Generals, after introducing the heads of the committee, declared BMUN 2019 open. More than 100 young vibrant delegates, with different ideologies, from various schools in Kuwait, were split into four dynamic committees namely: United Nations General Assembly, Joint Session of Indian Parliament, Historic United Nations Security Council and United Nations Human Rights Council. They engaged and delved deeper into understanding many of the current world issues. They involved in deliberations on ‘Censorship laws and freedom of press,’ ‘National education policy draft 2019,’ Hiroshima and Nagasaki post 16th August 1945’ and ‘Rights and freedom of Indigenous people.’ The first day deliberations of the diplomats were wrapped up by the BMUN committee at 3.00 p.m. with updates leading to its next day’s progress.
The second day of the event began at 8:00 a.m. The hosting committee proceeded with the voting on the draft resolutions officially drafted and presented by different blocs within the committee. The delegates vivaciously engaged themselves in debates.
The valedictory function of BMUN 2019 was held on October 25, 2019. Mr. Ajith Kumar, the Chief Guest and Principal, United Indian School, presided over the meeting along with Dr. Shamir Ally, the Ambassador of Guyana to Kuwait, Dr. Ameera Al Hassan, the acting Head, office at UN- Habitat GCC Office in Kuwait and Mr. T. Premkumar, Principal, IES Kuwait. The function began with a short video flashing the events spanning two days. The Chief Guest of the day appreciated the initiative of Bhavans, Kuwait, to foster the art of negotiation, communication, policy making and diplomacy in the students by raising exciting platforms like BMUN.
In the prize distribution ceremony hosted by the organizing committee of BMUN 2019, Mrs. Meenakshi Nayyar, CCA Vice-Principal, IES Kuwait, declared the names of the prize winners. Mr. Ajith Kumar, the Chief Guest of the day, Dr Shamir Ally , the guest of honour and Mr. T. Premkumar felicitated the prize winners and gave away the trophies and certificates. The delegates from the Gulf Indian School bagged the award for Best Delegation of BMUN 2019. A newsletter, comprising reports of various committees, report of the proceedings by the committees and the photographs of the events, was released by Dr. Shamir Ally. Mr. Ajith Kumar, the Chief Guest of the day, was presented a memento and the most unique BMUN newsletter as a token of love by Mr. T. Premkumar, Principal, IES.
The delegates were in praise of the challenges thrown to them, in awe of the distinctive platforms provided to prove themselves, and were generous in bestowing praises on the conduct of BMUN. Mr. Sriee Aswathaman (HoD, French), faculty advisor of BMUN proposed the vote of thanks. He expressed his gratitude to the distinguished guests for their presence, to Mr. N. K. Ramachandran Menon, Chairman of Bhavans Middle East, for his incredible support and guidance, to the Principals of the participating schools for their encouragement, and the delegates for their enthusiasm and participation. The rewarding experience of the delegates in BMUN 2019 came to an end with the official closing declaration by the Secretary Generals of BMUN.