Model United Nations conference encourages students to speak up

Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, September 1

On the second day of the ongoing Apeejay Stya Model United Nations Conference (ASMUN’18) being organised at Apeejay School here, political leaders presiding over the main session came across a serious discussion.

A girl from Panjab University, Chandigarh, (name being withheld), held the mike and said, “I am the daughter and sister of Army officers. My father is serving as Brigadier. My brother got recently posted near the Line of Control. We often hear about slogan ‘Jai Jawan Jai Kisan’ but I have been going through something else. When my brother came home recently, I asked him what have you been eating. Since he has lost weight, my mom asked him what has gone wrong with you?”

He replied, “Our ration have got slashed for high altitudes. It does not get sanctioned. We don’t even get potatoes to eat. My brother is in such a sorry state of affair. Since my father is still serving, he called me this morning asking me not to speak up as his job is at stake. It is such a shameful act. People will take out your details and mine too if I go ahead. Can I being the daughter and sister of Army officers not have an independent voice? Can I not express myself without fear?”

Everyone including PPCC chief Sunil Jakhar, Joint Secretary AICC Krishna Allavaru, president Punjab Congress Amanpreet Singh Lally and president Jalandhar Youth Congress Ashwin Bhalla, were taken aback. At this, she received a lot of appreciation for her courage.

Allavaru replied, “You must always speak up. You are a motivation to all. It is your freedom of expression”. Jakhar too encouraged her, “You will be betraying our martyrs if you don’t speak up. Do not be cowed down.”

The brainstorming session brought about ideas and perspectives put across by student delegates on burning topics of national and international concern on human rights, international affairs, women empowerment, drug addiction, agrarian crisis and brain drain. Students from Pune, Delhi, Chandigarh and far-off places attended the event.

The delegates representing their committees in a high quality simulation of UN proceedings were Sukhamdeep, Zorawar Singh, Bhavna Chaudhary, Sahil Singh, Riya Sharma and Ankita Sabharwal.

The programme concluded with an interactive session followed by a debate contested by delegates on the prospect of youth entering politics. Girish Kumar, principal, Apeejay School, appreciated the role of such conferences in creating global leaders of tomorrow. The second day ended on a lighter note with a fun-filled social event at night.