MU20
The MU20 Residential program is a vibrant celebration of youth, knowledge, and global collaboration set against the backdrop of Pathways World School's 20th Anniversary. The program is an arena where personal growth is intertwined with global awareness, where students' passions and talents are not only showcased but also nurtured to flourish. As they navigate through various challenges, each moment is an opportunity for discovery and self-improvement. But perhaps the most significant aspect of the MU20 Residential program is the creation of memories that go beyond the event - memories that inspire and serve as a wellspring of motivation, encouraging students to become the change-makers and leaders of tomorrow.
The Power Drill Challenge was a team-based activity where students collaborated to foster a strong sense of unity by creating flags, chants, and other elements reflecting their collective identity. Following several group activities, finalist teams faced the main challenge. This main challenge was sponsored by EMotorad, an e-bike company. In the final challenge, students had to assemble EMotorad’s electric cycle using a single instructional video. The students were briefed about the challenge by Mr. Sachit, an EMotorad representative who also shared their success story. Provided with parts, their task was to efficiently construct and successfully test-ride the cycle. The team that completed the assembly and test ride in the shortest time won an electric cycle each as the reward.
The Theatrics Challenge, led by Mr. Suveer Bhambhani, an expert corporate acting training from Anupam Kher‘s acting school, Actor Prepares, taught young actors how to embody characters and enhance the emotive quality of their plays. Participants learned to make performances appear genuine and expressive. Activities included mimicking sounds and experimenting with body language. Mini-challenges, guided by experts, focused on communication without speech and facial expressions, tackling challenging themes and learning the art of synchronization and coordination. The Theatrics Community culminated the program with a final presentation—a short play showcasing their potential as aspiring actors and producers.
The Entrepreneurship Challenge was a platform for students to brainstorm business ideas and present a pitch. Students were divided into teams school-wise and worked on creating various business ideas for different challenges. Some challenges were to create a game idea from a business perspective and to rebrand any brand of their choice catering it to a younger audience. Teams were tasked with discussing various aspects of their idea, including the target audience, purpose statement, design thinking, constraints, and user mapping. The event concluded with a Final Pitch, where participants showcased their persuasion skills by pitching intriguing business ideas.
In the MUN, delegates engaged in discussions about their agendas. The sessions involved caucuses, where delegates strategized, discussed, and negotiated on specific issues related to the agenda. Many delegates experienced their first MUN feeling reserved and uncertain about their speeches. However, this platform served as an opportunity for them to cultivate confidence and acquire insights into the proceedings of a MUN. After heated debates, the committees successfully culminated their discussions with the development of an amended resolution. This resolution encapsulates the collaborative efforts and considerations of the committee members, reflecting their collective viewpoints, amendments, and proposed solutions on the pertinent agenda topics.
The Impact Challenge commenced by addressing the challenge of youth unemployment. Innovative strategies were discussed in groups, culminating in unique approaches presented by the end of the day. Reflective discussions ensued, instilling hope for a lasting positive impact on affected communities. A significant moment for the Impact Challenge participants was when they advocated through rallies, creating politically charged posters for the Lok Sabha committee. Intense debates between BJP and Congress led to diplomatic negotiations in the afternoon, resulting in a fruitful Impact Report outlining agreed-upon laws and schemes to improve youth employment.
The residential program featured MU20x, inspired by TEDx, where students shared diverse perspectives. They discussed topics like organizing thoughts, making New Year's resolutions, practicing gratitude and more. The talk provided a spectrum of topics lined up to enlighten the audience. The night concluded with a delicious buffet by the bonfire where everyone treated themselves to a hearty meal and danced their hearts out on the dance floor. An iconic surprise awaited everyone – our very own Pathways Panther joined us for the night! The night truly felt like a celebration with glow sticks, LED Lights, and the Pathways Mascot lighting up the venue.
The participants gathered in the auditorium for the closing ceremony. An atmosphere of celebration was created as the awards for the various events were presented to the well-deserving participants. Ms. Diya Bagdel, the National Director of AFS, inspired everyone with her address as she encouraged participants to take up more challenges and seize any opportunity available. The joyous ambiance was amplified by a musical performance by our very own school’s student-led band. The event concluded with felicitating the guests and addressing the gathering. Dr. Sumer Singh’s wise words touched everyone’s hearts and ingrained important lessons that the participants will certainly hold on to for a long time.
