SHALINI RAMESH – Grade 9
Dear Reader, let us do some time travelling! Let me rewind the clock a little bit, back to the 10th of August, 2020, to be exact.
We (Graders 6 to 10), received word from the school that a special online event was to be conducted, called “Global Analytica”. According to the mail, Global Analytica is an online focus-group discussion, planned like an e-simulation of an MUN (Model United Nations conference), focussing on certain core skills such as analysis, research, evaluation, communication, and collaboration, to address vital global and national issues.
Student leaders will have the opportunity to role-play as concerned stakeholders in 2 panel discussions, gather diverse aspects, viewpoints on certain issues, propose solutions, amendments, and design plans. Virtually!
We had a quick pre-conference, on how this event will be held, rules and regulations to help us prepare better for the actual sessions. The focus-group discussion topic for Day 1 was something completely new to me – The NEP 2020. I admit, I thought the NEP draft document is going to be long, full of words that Government authorities use, which I wouldn’t understand. Surprisingly, it was in simple English, with many interesting solutions, suggestions, recommendations and proposals that can make schooling available for all and make schools a better place to be!
The goal of Day 1 (17th Aug) was to come up with changes we would want to make to the NEP draft. Burning the midnight oil, I read through the entirety of 60 pages of the NEP, learned about the hierarchy of the government, and how a policy administration is reaching the districts, cities, and villages. I went through news stories, press releases, videos, government sites, and I tried my best to leave no stone unturned! I was the representative of the Minister of School Education. This led to a lot of research and knowledge, on how the Ministry functions.
On the actual day, I was nervous, yet excited to share my ideas! The moderators – Grade 11 student leaders, were patient, kind and encouraging, making sure that everyone was comfortable to present their stance on the topic – 90 second speech. Followed by our individual presentations, we had debates. This was and still is, my favourite part of the entire Global Analytica! We each came up with possible debate topics – ‘Should 3 languages be taught in schools? Should the regional language be the mode of communication in all schools? Should PRPs still be introduced?’ and lots more! We gave in our thoughts, ideas, solutions, and amendments based on our role, backed up with reliable sources of evidence. Many of my friends across the grades showed a lot of confidence, while some were shy – but still gave it their all! In the evening, both the panel groups had a reflection session together, sharing on what went right on Day 1 and how we can do better in Day 2. We also had the much-awaited Award Ceremony!
Fast forwarding on to the second day (18th Aug) – I did burn the midnight oil (again!) If, that is what you are wondering about, but it was worth it!
I was the representative of Dr. Beela Rajesh IAS – former Health Secretary of TN, who handled the initial surge of Covid-19 situation. This day was all about the Pandemic – what were the challenges we (our delegation) faced, what we can do to make it better in the future. The same routine
followed – 90 second speech, followed by the debates. Here again, I got to know the challenges faced by citizens, government authorities, daily wage workers, and other people from different backgrounds as well. This time, most of the participants spoke out, with more data and statistics to prove their points and arguments!
In the reflection sessions, we discussed our new learnings (I had a lot!), improvements and more! Teachers, students, and visitors felt the Moderators deserved a huge pat on the back, for handling the events so well! It’s true, they rocked it!
I learnt that there is no end to learning! I also learnt a LOT of facts, statistics, and trivia – which I previously was clueless. Most importantly, I learnt about perspectives, and how they play an important factor in life. A solution which might seem flawless to the Minister, might have major issues with regards to a teacher or a parent.
To close the event, awards to the Best Speakers, Emergent Speakers, and Special Mentions were handed out, resulting in a lot happy, proud smiles in students across all the grades. This was followed by a super hyped-up motivational dance, to keep the traditions going! Most were in their element – singing, dancing, and jamming along to the tune while others just revelled in the music. This was an amazing finish to the whole event!
I got an opportunity to shape up a lot of my skills – analysis, problem-solving, planning, time management, public speaking, and how to put my thoughts across in an orderly fashion. Most importantly, I learnt that data, statistics, facts and figures are the best way to support an argument, or a statement. I have learnt to look up for information from reliable sources like UN, WHO, our Government websites, for policies and directives.
There is one thing that I have learnt from being a proud Student of BMIS – ‘Prepare to be wowed every single time!’
I believe that, when opportunities are presented before us, we need to make a deliberate choice to work for it, give it our best. That’s the only way to nurture our skills.
Dear Reader – Now, are you wishing to be a part of our future Global Analytica? Well, you might get a chance!
Until next time!
