Launched in 2009, the Chettinad Model United Nations (CV MUN) is a unique platform provided by Chettinad Vidyashram, R A Puram, to its students and the students of other schools to showcase their diplomatic skills in the form of grilling discussions on current global issues, leading to the framing of resolutions which are viable solutions to the problems at hand.
The third edition of the CV MUN was held recently. The two-day conference allows its participants, known as ‘delegates’, to discover ythe hidden diplomat within themselves, enhance their public speaking skills, and become well-informed citizens. The delegates are judged by a jury composed of members who have been delegates themselves at some point during the programme.
The first CV MUN was an intra-school competition. It took a big leap in the second and third year becoming an inter-school competition, with an increase in the number of enthusiastic delegates pouring in, which is a testimony to its success. With the undiminished energy of the social sciences department and the organising committee, each year CV MUN raises its standard in every respect.
Personally, for me, the CV MUN has been a synonym for ‘transformation’. It helped me break through my shell and allowed me to believe that public speaking could become my forte. I remember the first MUN back in 2009. I mustered courage to participate, never expecting what was destined to happen. I won the “best delegate” award from my committee! With the experience of a few more MUNs I polished my skills and in 2011, I was made the chairperson of the Security Council, one of the most challenging committees of all.
The journey from a nervous delegate to a dexterous chairperson has been enthralling. It has given many students like me a completely different persona altogether. They say, “when opportunity doesn’t knock, you have to build a door”. Chettinad Vidyashram has helped us build our doors on which incredible opportunities like the CV MUNs happen to knock.
by Lavanya Chopra
Class XI A
Chettinad Vidyashram