A magical event bewitching one and all, the Global Young Citizen Summit 2012, under the aegis of British council, was inaugurated on January 26 at SAI International School by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik. The function was attended by the management, staff and student volunteers of SAI International School. More than 500 students and teachers from 115 schools all over India, British Council personnel and the trainers from the UK were associated with the summit.The first of its kind, the highlight of the summit was the participation of four State run schools of Odisha.The focus of the summit was exploration and experiencing of multicultural diversity leading to conjoining of thoughts for forming an active community of global citizens.Speaking to the gathering, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik asked the youth to prioritise its needs and reap the benefits of such summits in which the best of facilitators train participants for life. Charlie Walker, Director Programmes, British Council India, reiterated his delight on choosing Bhubaneswar to host the event. Emphasising the importance of integrating the International dimension in education and curriculum he added that the council always will remain committed towards enhancement of cultural diversity and communication skills in children and the youth.Chairman of the school BK Sahoo also addressed the audience. Principal Arun Prakash delivered the vote of thanks. The conclave had a series of workshops and summit addresses, entertainment programmes along with sightseeing for the participants over the three day programme.The summit was addressed by Mind Tree Co Founder, Vice Chairman and renowned speaker Subroto Bagchi, who said, ‘’ True Professionalism stems from three aspects like competence to complete a task which needs no supervision, integrity of thought and character, and flawless completion of work without any loose ends.’’ On the second day Chief Secretary Bijay Kumar Patnaik and Regional Manager, Connecting Classrooms, Rittika Chand Paruruck addressed the audience.The ultimate goal of the three day summit was on establishing a community of students and teachers committed towards developing global citizenship and internationalism in their schools. The council will encourage setting up of Global Citizens Club in the schools and engage with global partners in the near future.On the third day, Governor Muralidhar Chandrakant Bhandare addressed the summit.Summarising the fundamental aspects for chartering success, he emphasised on four issues which should be forbidden - communalisation, corruption, casteism and criminalisation. He also insisted on the four vital components one should have - character, credibility, compassion and choice, which ultimately create winners with a difference. Freedom to choose and excel with dignity and pride determine one’s course of life. The 16 winning schools of the Banyan Tree Project which was about promoting recycling were felicitated. Mrigank Mouli Mukherjee and Ritika Chanda Parruck were also felicitated for their contribution to furthering the global citizen code in the youth of the country.The summit culminated with the formulation of the Young Citizens Global Charter for Indian Schools followed by the valedictory function presided over by Sally Goggins Director Education, British Council India.
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