"Aspire to Inspire before you Expire" AFS 4th National Meet was organized at Sunbeam School, Varuna in the Spiritual Capital of India, Varanasi from the
17th to 19th of November 2022. RKK’s participants were
Suhani Baheti of Class XI and Pari Salecha of Class IX with their Teacher Escort Ms Ashna Jain, the AFS Mother Mentor. The theme of the event was 'Embrace Diversity and Inspire' which truly was experienced throughout the conference. 60 Schools from all zones of India participated in the event from across the country wherein 60 school representatives with 120 students indulged in many interactive sessions. The conference started with a warm welcome and a wonderful Opening Ceremony. With the melodious 'Sur Prabha' orchestra performance and bone-chilling act 'Leaves in the wind', people were made to think about the consequences of war, promoting peace. It was then followed by the felicitations of the Board Members and a briefing about the purpose and importance of the AFS Community which helps students to become Globally Competent Citizens. AFS India announced some Awards given to the member schools for their contributions and participation.
The gathering was then addressed by Dr. Sumer Singh, the Chief Guest of the Event. He spoke about making AFS an amalgamation of ideas that works towards a common goal of unity, not promoting competition. Some issues that were stressed by him were: organizing Triangular Exchange Programs among countries, Eye Camps for underprivileged people, and Career Fairs on the Campus. He also reiterated the idea of visiting Government Schools and teaching the children differently to expand their horizons. His address was enlightening and his book 'Folklore History of India' was welcomed by everyone.
Thereafter, the member schools witnessed a heart-to-heart conversation among the AFS Board Members that was moderated by Mr. Jayant Harihar Lal, Conference Chairperson. Evident was the vivacity throughout the discussion where the student delegates interacted with them and calmed their curiosities down in the question-answer round.
After lunch, the participants were taken on a heritage walk to Sarnath, a historical place where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon. All the students were told about the place by a guide as to how the place was found; excavations took place and this lost place was found again which is worshiped by the followers of Buddha. After that, the host school offered some yummy delicacies of Varanasi for refreshment which included tikki, golgappas, tamatar chaat, and Palak papads which were mouth-watering. Then the students from participating schools showcased the diversity of India through folk dances, folk music, classical dances, and poetry in the cultural event which filled everyone with enthusiasm and energy. It was followed by an open-air disco arranged for the students where delegates enjoyed themselves after having a fulfilling day.
The second day started at 5 am from Rani Ghat where the mesmerizing sunrise was witnessed from a boat called bajra which was followed by an unforgettable visit to the religious land of Kashi Vishwanath temple which was a truly peaceful experience. The school left no stone unturned to make it the experience of a lifetime for the delegates.
It was succeeded by an illuminating keynote address by Prof Banbrata Mahanta from Banaras Hindu University who talked about the importance of accepting each human as they are, gender equality and how humanity can save the world. Then there was an informative lecture by Mr. Chris Hunter who talked about ICU2, an initiative with AFS schools to provide spectacles to underprivileged students at the right age.
The visit enabled all to experience the rich heritage & legacy of the mystical city of Varanasi which will be itched evergreen in everybody's hearts. The students were led to gain awareness about crucial global issues imbibing the responsibilities as AFS volunteers to become empowered global citizens. It was a great learning experience for the delegates who made new friends, exchanged thoughts about various issues facing the world and got inspired from each other.
