Modmun

On the 11th of November, 2011, the Shankar Lal Hall played host to more than 450 students from schools across the world for the inaugural ceremony of ModMUN’11. Whether it was the brilliant speeches given by the guests of honour or the truly unique nature of the gathering, graced by the rather curious presence of a dog who wandered onto the stage whilst a speaker was speaking, each aspect of the inaugural ceremony was a resounding success. The opening speeches were given by the eminent politician Mr. Aiyer and National Information Officer, Mr. Rajiv Chandran. Where Mr. Aiyer deliberated about the events taking place around the world and their significance to us, Mr. Chandran talked of what the students were to expect from the MUN. And as the delegates sat there listening to the speeches, trying to simultaneously balance their precariously placed laptops and thick folders, they knew, ModMUN had begun. As with all important beginnings, introductions were to be made. The delegates were introduced to the chairs of the various committees by the Secretary General Dhruv Chand Aggarwal, who despite his small stature and a gentle voice, managed to make quite the impact on the delegates. As the delegates filed out of the hall, to the siren call of tea on the basket ball court, trying to desperately avoid the International Press, they were prepared for days of deliberations, of discussions and of solutions, from which we all hope they emerge as true leaders (with impeccable taste in formal attire). Through the three days of committee, the delegates discussed an array of issues, ranging from the universal to the acutely specific. The General Assembly discussed disarmament across nations, an issue hotly debated in a committee of over 160 members. The Security Council debated to what extent a country’s sovereignty can be breached to administer humanitarian aid. The NATO saw much internal division over the question of right, ownership and exploration of the North Artic region.