Garhwal Post Bureau
Mussoorie, 15 Oct: A two-day ‘SDG Summit-2026’ has commenced at Mussoorie International School (MIS) aimed at fostering an understanding of global challenges, developing leadership skills, and discussing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Organized under the joint aegis of Mussoorie International School and Aspirant Learning, the summit has brought together students from various schools across the nation. Through committees modelled after the United Nations, the Lok Sabha, debate forums, and moot courts, students will have the opportunity to explore international issues, democratic systems, and decision-making processes.
The event began with the chanting of the Gayatri Mantra, a school prayer, a traditional welcome, and a captivating Kathak dance performance. School Principal Shalu Babbar welcomed the chief guest, Aryan Dev Uniyal—a standing counsel for the Central Government and a state secretary of the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) in Uttarakhand.
Addressing the students during the inaugural ceremony, Aryan Dev Uniyal emphasized that leadership is not merely about attaining a position, but about fulfilling responsibilities. He urged the youth to look beyond mere headlines, focus on consistent study, gain a deep understanding of subjects, and form opinions based on facts. He highlighted the importance of staying connected to Indian culture, the legacies of great historical figures, and the nation’s glorious heritage, while simultaneously embracing modern knowledge and a global perspective. He remarked that the youth are not just the future of the country, but a significant force in the present; through knowledge, creativity, and a sense of social responsibility, they can make vital contributions to nation-building.
A key feature of this summit is that it provides students with a practical opportunity to understand the functioning of various national and international institutions. Committees such as the International Press Corps, Capital Flash, the World Health Organization, the UN Commission on the Status of Women, the UN Security Council, the Lok Sabha, a debate forum, and a moot court have been established for this purpose. Within these committees, students will deliberate on topics including public health, women’s rights, international security, democratic discourse, judicial processes, and global challenges. This experience will enable students to conduct research, articulate their views effectively, understand the perspectives of others, and engage in the process of collective decision-making.
Chief Guest Aryan Dev Uniyal and Principal Shalu Babbar formally inaugurated the proceedings of the conference by presenting gavels to the heads of the various committees, including the Lok Sabha, the United Nations, and the debate forum. Principal Shalu Babbar noted that such events offer students practical experience and a broader perspective, extending well beyond the education provided within the classroom. The summit aims to foster logical thinking, communication skills, leadership abilities, and a sense of social responsibility among the students. Also present on the occasion were Vice-Principal Jitendra Das, along with teachers and members of the organizing team, including Akash Glover, Puneet, Mark, Adarsh, Nishchal Pandey, and Priyansh.
