Buzz: Campus News

OORJA'S BACK! OORJA is back with a bang! The biggest annual intra-college cultural fest organized by Fergusson College, Pune, attracts both the best student talent and audience. Oorja promises a wide range of entertaining contests (ranging from dancing to creative writing) and evenings with pulsing music. Preparations are on full swing to make Oorja better than it ever was - one can see the 'Kimaya', an open-air auditorium-cum-college katta, bustling with students working for the cultural committee. Oorja, which literally means 'energy', is a 3-day cultural fest at Fergusson's, and with this year's theme centering around music legend Michael Jackson, we're sure to have some very interesting and engaging activities! The tentative dates of Oorja are January 15, 16 and 17, 2010. To witness the best of Fergusson's cultural activities, be there at Oorja! Tanya Pinto Fergusson College, Pune

Bachpan 2009 IF you believe true education is not only what happens within the four walls of the classroom, but that focuses on holistic development of a child, then Bachpan 2009, at DAV Public School, Nerul, was the right place to be. It was indeed a celebration of childhood filled with fun, entertainment and of course education as well. It reminded every one associated with children and all responsible adults to understand and accept children as they are innocent but defenseless, splendid but powerless. Born out of the visionary leadership of Jose Kurian, the Principal, it was the second time (first being in 2004) such an event was held at DAV, Nerul, to provide an ideal platform for child-teacher-parent interaction, information sharing and entertainment. The most outstanding feature of Bachpan 2009 was the display of more than 3,000 charts with inspirational and educational messages on themes that cater to the overall development and well-being of children. Using creatively displayed charts in-depth information on themes like parent-child relationship, health and hygiene for growing girls, career opportunities, teenage issues, dental care, food and nutrition, music etc., were made available to children, parents and adults. Acknowledging the hard work and support of the entire teaching faculty, Kurian says, "These charts are the fruit of more than 3 months of intense creative research and planning by the teachers. I admire their perseverance and personal sacrifice for children." Besides, experts from health care, cyber laws and crime, counselling and career guidance conducted interactive workshops both for parents and students. Mr Saxena, one of the parents, appreciated the innovative efforts of the school in imparting holistic education and felt that this is what makes DAV special. Team @ The Teenager

St Lawrence High School, Borivili receives
British Council Award
St Lawrence High School, Borivili (W) has received the prestigious British Council International School Award (ISA) in recognition of its exemplary practices of Internationalism in school. The school undertook various collaborative projects on currencies, festivals, food habits, school assembly, endangered species and the United Nations with overseas schools from UK and Sri Lanka to create a rich learning experience for students through the use of I C T and creative pedagogical practices. The school is also implementing joint curriculum projects with a cluster of schools from UK under the UK-India Education and Research Initiative (UKIERI).

The Government Law College Model United Nations Conference 2009-10 The Government Law College, Mumbai, with a heritage spanning more than a century and a half, is a staunch believer in the importance of knowledge and expression. The 2009-10 edition of the conference will be held on a national level, open to under graduate and graduate students of all disciplines, in addition to the 11th and 12th grade students studying in Mumbai. This edition of the Conference will be held at the Government Law College, Mumbai, India, from 28th to 31st Jan 2010. This edition will see over 150 students of the age group 16 years to 25 years, from all over the country participate in four varied committees discussing the Darfur Crisis, Global Warming and Global Sustainable Development, the Piracy Menace and Rights of Indigenous people and Alienation of Land. The Conference gives students a chance to analyze the issues assailing our world today from a global perspective and reach conclusions for the betterment of the society. This is a humble attempt to bring together students from various colleges and schools to witness and participate in an educational conference, and to help enhance their knowledge and understanding on the United Nations. Being held in a city like Mumbai, the delegates have the opportunity and are encouraged to explore the varied cultures of the city. It is the endeavor at the GLCMUN 2009-10 to provide a forum to the youth of today to voice their opinions, their concerns and their ideas and thereby increase the awareness about the problems and issues faced by the world today in addition to honing their oratory, research and analytical skills. Please feel free to contact us with any questions you may have at info@glcmun.org. More information is available on the website www.glcmun.org

INMUN 2009 The Indian Model United Nations i.e INMUN 2009 conference, convened by Ryan International Group of Institutions (RIGI), was held in CGO Scope Complex, New Delhi from November 26-28, 2009. It involved over 100 schools from several countries, representing 119 different delegations in 7 different committees like Security Council, International Maritime Organisation, etc. Each committee discussed two agendas of international importance and formed resolutions to find solutions of the problems faced by the world, ranging from drug trafficking to human rights to even piracy in Somalia. The three-day-event showcased student diplomats employing the actual procedures of the UNO and their own knowledge and debating skills, to defend and negotiate the interests of their adopted countries. It instilled global awareness and developed the art of peaceful negotiation in the students. I was the delegate of USA and I won the Best Delegate award along with the best delegation for my country. INMUN 2009 was all about 'Courage to Change' our attitudes and perceptions into an all-embracing philosophy of peace and harmony. It was an honour being part of such a prestigious and high-level competition. I am already eagerly waiting for INMUN 2010! Aayush Arora Ryan International School, Rohini

Goodwill Day at St Columban's, Chennai St Columban's celebrated the season of goodwill, a unique celebration with sharing and caring as its primary motive. Goodwill Day, celebrated on December 3, 2009, saw students contribute in cash or kind (rice, sugar, towel, soap, oil, etc.), with the intention of giving the best of what they could. Materials and cash collected were offered to the rickshawwallas who help students reach school as well as the less privileged. Medical and sanitary camps were also conducted for them. Lindya Doyel St Columban's School, Chennai

Dr Satish Gupta, Nuclear Scientist, BARC, Mumbai speaking at the inaugural function of the 'P' ward Science Exhibition organized at Carmel of St Joseph's School, Malad, Mumbai from November 26-28, 2009. Students from 125 schools participated in the exhibition showcasing their scientific skills.