OPEN AT THE CLOSE

All good things must come to an end. The inevitability of ends is what make them so overwhelmingly consequential. At the end of a conclave such as SAIMUN, one doesn’t only take home memories and experiences. They take back a sense of achievement, wilful learning of immense vastness, a broader mindset, sharper knowledge of global affairs and most of all, a purpose.

The Closing Ceremony which also includes the valedictorian ceremony of SAIMUN 2016 took place on July 30, 2016. The pouring rain couldn’t dampen the spirits of the General Assembly. They were high on energy after three days of deliberation and multicultural exchanges. The event was graced by the presence of Shri R. Balakrishnan, IAS.

A melodious musical performance by the SAIoneers set the tone for the day which highlighted the words ‘Together We Can Change The World’. Next, the gathering witnessed a highly energetic cultural performance by the students from The Kingdom Of Buganda.

The dignitaries on the dais unveiled ‘THE SAIMUN TRIBUNE 2016’ along with the International Press Chief, Photographer-In-Chief and the Editors. After motivating and encouraging all the participants to have a global outlook, the much deserved awards and certificates were bestowed upon the delegates and International Press members. The entire assemblage applauded the efforts put in by the winners and the other participants took it in good spirits, determined to work harder.

Tearful goodbyes and heartfelt congratulations were offered as SAIMUN 2016 drew to a close. Participants could be seen hustling to take those last few pictures to be added to their cluster of memories. Some could be seen rushing to their Executive Board members for last minute feedback and comments, anxious to improve. There were celebrations and deliberations that continued even after the final sessions of the committee. This edition of SAIMUN was declared close but it lit in the hearts of all its participants a fire that would remain ignited incessantly.

By: Akankshya Acharya

‘LAKSHYA’ by Mr. Akash Gautam

“Khush rehna ek aadat hai; jisko hai, usko hai. Jisko nahi – woh kuch bhi kar le; wo khush nahi reh sakta”. SAI Model United Nations 2016 was not just about debates and deliberations but was something sort of a lifetime experience. The guest lecture was delivered by Mr. Akash Gautam, a well-known motivational speaker and corporate trainer.

Mr. Akash Gautam has been addressing students since a long time. He also mentioned about how he has been coming across many intellectual personalities, a category of people who do everything correct. According to him, we should live our life forward, but understand it backward. The session circled around what it takes to create ‘Lakshya’. He also stated that how the life of students till Class-VIII was very smooth-sailing, and how parents say to their kids “Ab tu bada ho gaya hai, samajdhar ho ja.” He then added that “samajdhar toh hum sab hai, sirf deewani jagane ki jarurat hai.”

He also quoted from the film 3 Idiots indirectly that “success ke piche maat bhago, kamyabi ke piche bhago. Success toh saala jhaak mar ke piche aayegi.” He mentioned about certain norms such as mobile phones, day dreaming, TV, relationships, over eating/under-eating, funny emotional issues that have put a handbrake in a student’s life. He too mentioned about the communication revolution that has been swayed away by things like smartphones, WhatsApp, Facebook, 3G, music/songs etc.

He quoted that “woh kaam hi kyun karna, jiski karne ki jarurat hi nahi hai” which was repeated quite numerous times in the session. He believes that there are people who have everything good in their life. Happy and energetic students who have learnt “How to concentrate” are super successful.

He then informed the students that what this session is all about that is to try and demolish a huge mountain of delusions that lies in front of us. He then explained the five magic tricks to ‘lakshya’. The first is to be high energy which means to save energy for useful things in life. He also mentioned some influential quotes such as “you’ll never be seen and heard, if you follow the scene and herd” and “you are bound to feel useless, if you use it less.” The summary that was drawn from this was that just do not allow the energy that belongs to you to slip into people’s traps. Rather use that energy to become awesome in life.

The second trick was to progressively keep on reducing the mithya. Habits prevent us from doing what we want to do. The summary that was drawn from this is that, it all boils down to ‘what you do between 7PM and 7AM. The third trick was to learn the art of conscious concentration. He gave the example of toppers of competitive exams who are people with keen concentration. The fourth trick was regulatory/commitment to self-discipline. Regularity is the biggest key. Never think if to study or not, just sit down and do it and make the supreme effort. He then asked the students to make the 3 hour study that they devote to studies to be counted and it must make a solid difference to their preparation. He urged the students to work with solid concentration. The fifth trick was to remain free spirited.