THE SISMUN CHRONICLESWebsite: www.sisindia.net/ The School’s Favourite Newspaper Since: 2010

SISMUN | Established 2010 | www.sisindia.net/sismun/ Mumbai | Friday, February 21, 2014 | Pages 6

Chief Guest - Ms.Manju Nichani Head of School- Mrs.Mullick

The much awaited SISMUN 2014 has finally begun! Delegates began bustling in the campus for registration, some like Men in Black parodies and others wobbling on spindly heels. The campus became vibrant with all delegates discussing their committees and forming their small group to discuss their country's stance. All the delegates seemed very excited for the 2 days of debating endeavor to voice their respective nations.

Since every MUN is incomplete without an opening ceremony, SISMUN too began with one where in the Executive Board of all the eight committees were introduced to all the delegates. The Secretary General, Shankhini Saha and her core team of

Executive Boards were introduced by the Deputy Secretary General, Sahil Rai. This was followed by an encouraging and a welcoming speech by the Head of School- Ms. Sharonee Mullick to all the delegates. She welcomed all the delegates to “join as global citizens.” Her words enlightened us on how the youth of today can share their vision of global issues and challenges. Go for the stars and change the world!

The Chief Guest for the opening ceremony was Ms.Manju Nichani who is the principal of K.C College and is an educationalist and a feminist too. She truly believes that the students of today are “going to make the change and take over the world” but she also reminded the delegates that they should “think Global but be Indian at heart.” She concluded her speech by urging the delegates to be “grounded and to think everything is possible.”

Rishabh Shah, the president and founder of Indian International Model United Nations who is also the chair of the United Nations Security Council for SISMUN addressed the audience to welcome them to debate through the procedure introduced by him.

The opening ceremony was also enlightened by performances from the young talent of Singapore International School and this ceremony ended with the Secretary General declaring SISMUN 2014 open.

CARPE DIEM.SEIZE THE DAY

Singapore International School, Mumbai

SISMUN | Established 2010 | www.sisindia.net/sismun/ Mumbai | Friday, February 21, 2014 | Pages 10

SISMUN GLOBAL

UNGAUnited Nations General Assembly

World Water Resources Exploited Full Membership of Palestine

& Somaliland Questioned

2

UNUUnited Nations University

Franchising Of Simulated UNprocedures to profit making agencies

United Nations University is an academy supported by the United Nations with a mission to contribute through collaborative research and education. It resolves pressing global problems of human survival, development and welfare that are the concern of the United Nations, its Peoples and Member States. Though not a very popular committee in the MUN circuit, it still held a challenge for the delegates. Whilst chair, Jai Goradia was absent during the session, the Vice Chair,Advik Sanyalvery efficiently led the committee through fruitful discussions, resulting in varied ideologies. Despite a clueless start, the committee did manage to raise important issues such as the franchising of simulated United Nations procedures to profit making agencies. On interviewing the chair, he stated that no crisis has risen in committee yet and that the delegates were not threatening one another.

However, the chair further added that no resolution had been formed either and that a crisis would hopefully stirproductive discussions.

Pratha Bhatia

The chair, Siddhanth Prasad and the Vice- chairs,Jeevesh Garg and Shashank Karnik, managed to provide a platform for a pragmatic debate. It was overwhelming to see all the delegates taking active part in the committee. Numerous delegates such as the delegates of Pakistan, France and Sudan raised interesting points such as the pros and cons of handing over of the worlds water resources to private firms. Since the chairwas approachable, lenient and rather friendly, it allowed the new delegates to showcase their debating skills to their maximum potential.

According to the vice-chair, Jeevesh Garg,“The committee progressed slowly but after a while hesitation was replaced by confidence and several delegates such as the delegate of Canada brought out amazing points to the floor. Altogether the committee's progress was impressive.

On interviewing the Chair,he stated that the delegates have been outspoken and since the beginning the committee has been moving in a progressive direction. He further stated that he is hoping that a comprehensive resolution would soon be passed. Overall, the chair and the vice chairs were very pleased with their committee. - Roshnit Bhumra

"This resolutio

n is lik

e

Edward Cullen; s

hiny, stro

ng,

and it protects women."

Press Team SISMUN 2014

Head Of PressRiya Awtaney

Editor-In-ChiefMegha ThakkerVrishank Menon

Head Of PhotographyDhruv ThakkerRaya Mohan

This is Syria-sly getting out of hand.

who cares if you are not paying attention to the speech , you can always raise a point of personal privilege when

you hear a reference to your country.

Everyone calm down. How about some music? I can Singapore rendition of Queen

It's fine, I have Togo anyway. I'm Ghana get a Cuba sugar

for my Papua.

Oman, I can't b

elieve you just

went there. You shouldn't q

uestion

other people's Belize.

SISMUN | Established 2010 | www.sisindia.net/sismun/ Mumbai | Friday, February 21, 2014 | Pages 10

SISMUN GLOBAL

UNSCUnited Nations Security Council

World Water Resources Exploited Full Membership

3

ILOInternational Labour Organisation

Labour norms in radiation areasEmployment opportunities in refugee camps

“The United Nations Security Council seems to be one of the most admired and envied legislative bodies in the world so it is our responsibility to come up with worthy and comprehensive solutions for the betterment of the world.” These are the words quotedby the chair at the beginning of the committee. The committee began with the chair explaining the procedure of Indian International Model United Nations (who better than the founder of IIMUN, Rishabh Shah could do this). The head chair tried to use minimal time to explain, as he wanted to waste no time to get the committee in action.

The core agenda- Reforms of the Security Council was introduced and soon during the General Speakers List the atmosphere was soaked in enthusiasm. One got to seethe tension of Argentina as the delegate hammered hard and harder every time to propose that the Veto power should be removed or kept partial. Africa on the other hand demanded rights to some of its countries.One of the delegates of Togo constantly bickered with the delegates of China and he kept trying to prove himself right.

Australia woke up the apathetic delegates (if there were any) by stating that the “veto powers are nothing but bullies,” and he kept his stance. The delegate of Francemade a point as she brought notice that they are only“increasing the conflicts in the security council and hence there should not be more permanent members in the security council.” China too supported France as they stated “Nations need to be developed economically, politically and military to play a significant role as a permanent member in the UNSC.”

After hearing this, the executive board demanded the delegates that they have been accusing each other, which is what happens in the Lok Sabha/ Security council/ United Nations but we need to come up with solutions that are worthy and comprehensive. The committee proceeded in full swing as they came up with working papers and the chair was too surprised that the working paper “was passed within 5 hours of debate.”

The Executive Board was extremely pleased with the delegates of the committee as a couple of delegates “exceeded expectations considering it was the first time”and Rishabh himself stated, “one of the better first sessions of a conference I have chaired.”

Member of UNSC press: Neysa Sanghavi and Delice Mascarenhas.

of Palestine & Somaliland Questioned

The International labour Organisation, chaired by SimranJehani and vice chaired by Stavan Shah, worked towards defining of labour norms in radiated areas and the construction of frameworks for employment facilities in refugee countries/areas or countries/area affected by war. For a committee with first time MUNners, the delegates gave rise to new ideas and rational discussion. They gave suggestions of possible precautions that could be taken to prevent diseases caused by radiation. While the delegate of Argentina took a more realistic, diplomatic approach towards the committee, the delegate of Germany maintained an aggressive outlook, moreover towards to the delegate of Bangladesh. Almost unexpectedly, arguements broke out between the delegates of the United States of America and the Russian Federation. Eventually, the committee settled down to work on and introduce a working paper, only after looking back on past events regarding radiation fallout, such as the events that unfolded in Fukushima. The committee succeeded in making significant progress and debate and succeeded in impressing an executive board with high expectations. Stavan Shah, Vice chair of ILO had a lot to say about this committee. He mentioned that the debate was better than he expected and that the delegates improved their work and became more confident through the day (90% of the committee actually spoke), especially since they were first time MUNners. Will this committee pass their working paper for defining of labour norms in radiated areas?

Member of ILO press: Ankika Menon & Hiya Hinduja

SISMUN | Established 2010 | www.sisindia.net/sismun/ Mumbai | Friday, February 21, 2014 | Pages 10

SISMUN GLOBAL 4

AUAfrican Union

Piracy in the Somali WatersRight to free education to rehabilitated child soldier

UNESCO United Nations Educational Scientific Cultural Organistion

Aid for maintenance of world heritage sites

The Chair, Ali Azghar Bootwala of the African Union refused to smile upon any motion for an un-moderated caucus. However his approachable candor made the first time MUNners feel at ease. Though only thirty-five minutes of the session had lapsed, it did not stop the delegates from candidly asking for a motion of entertainment!

Although the session started on a monotonous note, the excitement of the delegates and the constant urging by the chair, resulted in a fruitful discussion on pressing issues such as curbing maritime piracy in Somali waters. There were only a few who were still shy but otherwise most of them opened up and stepped out of their comfort zone and spoke with poise. This obvious progress in the discussion pleased the chair who eventually relented into passing a motion of entertainment!

The vice-chair, Sara Shirodkar seemed quite pleased with the progress of her committee as they were discussing on passing two directives. A crisis about the independence of Somalia and the Sharia law in the committee further fueled debate. The delegates of Uganda, Rwanda and Angola were few of the most outspoken delegates in the African Union. - Avisha Goyal

"This resolution,

ladies and

gentlemen, is a ship. It is a

great, big ship. And this

ship, is the

Titanic...Let. It.

Sink."

There's Norway I could like you back

Iran home and cried when you said

that

This resolution is like an onion.

It makes me cry.

Well, what Uganda do about it?

SISMUN | Established 2010 | www.sisindia.net/sismun/ Mumbai | Friday, February 21, 2014 | Pages 10

SISMUN GLOBAL 5

JCCIndian Union Cabinet State Council Of People’s Republic Of China

Sino- Indian border conflict

NHRCNational Human Rights Commission

Lowering the age of juvenile crimeAmending Pharmacy Act

The Joint Crisis Committee, otherwise known as JCC, was kicked off by their first crisis, “Pakistan illegally handed over Askai Chin to China” The minister of science and technology was the first to open debate. JCC, which started off slowly, broke into a moderated caucus that brought up interesting points and ideas. Soon enough, updates for the crisis started to flow in. Chinese soldiers entered Indian territory, leading only to more debate. The Minister of Defense and the Minister of Human Resource Development raised very interestingpoints.

The delegates received a new update on how around 20 Chinese soldiers entered the Indian territory. Very interesting points were appointed by the Minister of Science and Technology, the Minister of defense and the Minister of Human resource development as well as the Minister of law and Justice.

I interviewed the chairs of JCC as there an unmoderated caucus going on. The head chair, aryamaan jalota wanted to see more passion as this is an Indian committee and didn't want the delegates to be shy. The vice chair,rishav Mehta wanted to see a challenge between to delegates with different points of view. And the chairs got a challenge between the Minister of Science and technology and the Minister of Human resource development. They got some what intense with some shouting. Ironically, the minister of human resource development was talking about the army issues with China and India.

Peony Chinoy

The delegates of the NHRC agreed to start the General Speaker's list based on 'Lowering the Juvenile age'. This was the first agenda that was put forth. The National Human Rights Council of SISMUN 2014 commenced with a bang. Straight away the delegates of the committee locked talons and began a stimulating discussion over the problem at hand.

The discussion started with the delegate, Shree M Shivanna, who stated that the juvenile age should be lowered and more time should be put into helping the juveniles who have committed crimes. Furthermore, he suggested that the age limit for juveniles across India should be set to fourteen years. Judge Yoshi Khanna collaborated with him and raised the urgency of the situation by displaying mind-blowing statistics, where in 2008 there were 17427 teenagers committing crimes and in 2012 the number had reached to 26473 people.This partnership intrigued the chairs of the committee. However, the level of maturity of the juveniles needs to be questioned. Can they really be mature enough to comprehend the consequences

of their performed crimes? Not only that, but studies have proved that juveniles have recently been coming into adulthood earlier and hence questioning their physiological level is important- Samit Godhania

SISMUN | Established 2010 | www.sisindia.net/sismun/ Mumbai | Friday, February 21, 2014 | Pages 10

SISMUN GLOBAL 6Why do I MUN? Really, why do I?

By Mukherjee. P

I MUN because I want to understand the mechanics of the real change that is taking place, to look at the world from the in-between zone of dread and delight. To learn the nuts, bolts and levers of how to proceed towards building a sense of consensus in a world that is increasingly becoming unilateral, unipolar and stridently singular.

Have you ever witnessed howThe spring descends in an empty bowl?This city unfolds this wayThus it fills and Then it empties out...Kedarnath Singh anniversary

thThis is 2014.Should I remember the 50 year of the African Union at a time when Mali is sorting its own ghosts? Which 25 do I remember this year? The 25th year of SafdarHashmi'sassassination or the 25th year of withdrawal of troops by Soviet Union from Afghanistan or 25 years of AmitavGhosh's book Shadow Lines. Or for that matter which 30? Three decades of Bhopal Gas tragedy or three decades of the violence that ravaged the Sikh community? Or 100 years of World War I, of Ocativio Paz, of musical maestros Gyanprakash Ghosh, the late Polish C.S. Muruga boopathy and composer AndrzejPanufnik, who spent more than half of his life in Britain, of Dylan Thomas and H.L Nagegowda, of Lakshminath Bezbaruah, painter K.H. Ara and AdvaitaMallabarman or Gandhiji's return from South Africa or Srinivas Ramanujan's trip to England or Tagore becoming the first Asian to win Nobel prize in any category? Or 200 years of the brilliant James Long or 150 years of Kamini Roy, Ramendrasunder Trivedi,Brajendranath Seal and Ashutosh Mukherjee?

And it was exactly 100 years before since Charlie Chaplin appeared in his first film and a new country burst into the global landscape of ideas, identity and idioms: Nigeria. The season of political upheaval, socio-cultural churning, elections, emotions of real and enforced spring, notions of occupy, occupied, occupier and occupation is playing itself out in diverse humans capes ranging from Central African Republic to Cairo to Dhaka, Tahrir square, Lebanon, Baharin, Liberia, Tunisia, Libya, Ai Weiwei-the Chinese dissident artist being taken to prison and then released with his lips sewn and shut..…all these points to a churning that the world is currently facing and will face in a far more complicated nature of things……these repeated questions…those repeated acts of washing imaginary blood by Lady Macbeth from her hands...Very recently, while shaping a note for a summit of the youth, I wrote about the changemaker. The answer lies in understanding diversity. Who, then, is a change maker ?The change-making force has to be defined by a newness of thinking, the ability to dare and to look the odds into the eye. A change maker can be a political activist theatre director, sportsman, a peacenik, a labourer, a human rights activist, a sportsman, a painter, a lawyer, a bunch of activists or even a group or collective that gives birth to an idea whose time has come or which is far ahead of times. But the change maker has to be in active change and not some passive theoretical change that is chained by academics. He/She has to take part and be a field observer and at the same time also be a footsolider for change. But let me take this article a little further than my previous piece. Can I identify a change maker? I was discussing about this man in a bookfest in Gujarat a few years back.

His name: Frontier Gandhi.Here is a story, I am never tired of writing, rewriting and rewinding again. Abdul Ghaffar Khan was born in a wealthy family of Utmanzai, Hasht-nagar, in 1890 and his only trust with education was one year at Mayo College, Aligarh. From a family steeped in feudal tradition of large land holding, he shocked his family by wanting to become a peace-worker. He was the second and last son of Bahram Khan (the Mashar Khan-great Khan or the Khan of Khans).It isn't very often that you stop the war to allow mourners to walk from Khyber Pass to Jalalabad to attend a funeral. He was also called Sarhaddi Gandhi and Fakr-e-Afgan.

In 1987, he became the first non-Indian to be decorated with the Bharat Ratna. He passed away under house arrest in Peshawar the next year, but was buried across the Khyber in Jalalabad, Afghanistan, with every warring faction holding fire to pay their respects to the great leader. The only such instance in landscape scarred by fire and crossfire. President Hamid Karzai, inaugurated the renovation work on the mausoleum of Badshah Khan in Jalalabad on April 15, 2010.It also isn't very often that you share reading glasses with Gandhi. It isn't very often that 6ft 3 inches, you prefer to walk gently yet firmly and abhor the word "military-solution." It isn't very often you realise that passive resistance is a more meaningful form of constructive workshop For the better part of 1987, Badshah Khan was almost unconscious in bed. He was in India for a period of time and then at Lady Reading Hospital Peshawar where he left his body. At the age of 98 on the 20th of January, 1988, Frontier Gandhi died fighting his own pitched battle with peace, He was buried in Jalalabad on the 22nd of January. He had spent 30 years of his life in all kinds of prison. And the "prison" that we are discussing is not a metaphor but a hard, cold cell that can play havoc with one's mind. It is not very often that your Red Shirt has been dyed with a colour from the red bricks. The power of Surkh Posh! It also isn't very often that the colonial imperialists jail you, your country jails you, your former undivided country awards you but hardly makes any internatonal clamour for your release and you still remain non-violent. As always.Diversity needs to be re-discovered. Discussed threadbare.Discussed inside the classrooms.Discussed with the Avarna of Ambedkar and Ahimsa of Gandhi. How else will be distinguish change makers from the headline-grabbers? The idea of SISMUN needs to be lauded. It takes praxis to student's not idle words of imagined pedagogy. All power to your collective voice. And all power to all those voices that shape their own idea of looking at procedures and not merely taking derivate MUN booklets following them to the T. Or even the photo-journalism competition in the true spirit of Cartier Bresson: Camera-it can be a machine gun, it can be a psycho-analytical couch, it can be a warm kiss, it can be a sketch book. The idea of MUN is to identify the traits of a changemaker. And then walk the path. The path in itself is littered with landmines. But then, how do you change the process if the process does not change you. How do you heal if you have never undergone the power of healing? Let me end with an extract culled from the Constituent Assembly of India Debates Volume I and delivered by Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan on Wednesday, the 11th December, 1946.... I admit that the people of the North-West Frontier' Province are much behind you in literacy and in wealth. Our Province is a small one while yours are larger but I can say that the people of the North-West Frontier Province, if not ahead, are in no way behind you in many things....Let us see what violence is and what non-violence is. I tell you that whether we are Hindus or Muslims we can win the people only by being non-violent because violence breeds hate and non-violence creates love. You cannot bring peace to the worked by violence. One war' will compel us to fight a second war more disastrous than the first. Violence begets hate in the minds of people...

Years later these eternally relevant extracts convince me as to why I do and why we should MUN. It is never about what is new. It is always about what seeking the tested values of tolerance against fist-pumping, air salute machismo. And that is an old fight. And a fight that tolerance has to win. And win it soon. (Mr Mukherjee. P is one of the important alternative theatre directors of the country and has developed projects for different arms of UN and other international agencies).