On 11th November, all the 15 schools gathered together in the amphitheatre for the opening ceremony of the Round Square Conference.We all sat at the places allocated to us. We were addressed by the Pathways Aravali School Director and the Middle School Principal followed by a group photograph.
The Opening Ceremony :
This was followed by a very interesting address by Mr. Vimlendhu Jha, a dynamic environmentalist. He spoke about Yamuna, which accounts for more than 70 percent of New Delhi's water supply, yet is one of the most endangered waterways in India. He also emphasized that the youth is always considered to be the future of the country, but more than the future they represent the PRESENT!!!
He advised small steps which could be taken by young students to save the environment and to conserve resources.
A short film based on the life of rag pickers was shown. It showed the difficulties and struggle of the people living in slum areas. We were really moved by the movie and promised ourselves to help these people.
Then everyone went to their barazza groups for the discussion points given by the keynote speaker. We discussed the possibilities and our contribution which could bring a positive change in society.
The glimpses :
After lunch we were divided into two groups, the first group went to a nearby village, Patuda and witnessed some of the CAS project done by the students of Pathways World School to rejuvenate a dried lake and the success they have achieved;at the same time the second group went to the DT lab and made bird houses and then the process was reversed for both the groups.
After a day packed with activities it was time for dinner at the nearby Chancellor club.
We then gathered in the AV room for de-briefing for the next day's activities. Mr. Sumit Dargan, Principal Middle School, showed a video about the illegal mining in the Aravalli Ridge Area.
The short movie gave us food for thought...
Another animated movie on birds was shown which changed our mood. It was extremely funny and we were soon falling over each other in mirth.
Then another presentation was shown to us, which showed a number of birds which are commonly found in the Aravali area. We were told about the characteristics of various birds, which we could perhaps spot the next day...
The day ended with a hot cup of milk and we went to our dorms to sleep for an early rise the following day :)
