Mandela Gandhi International Exchange Program
“THERE’S so much talk about terrorists. I’ll say terrorists are people who are compelled to become terrorists. Hate terrorism, not terrorists.” Though she’s battling the ailments which seem customary for any octogenarian, Ms. Tara Gandhi Bhattacharjee, the Father Of The Nation’s granddaughter, was not just poise personified and grace exemplified, but also spoke from the heart with the spirit that completely justifies her lineage. Addressing the audience on a zoom call, she expressed her belief that it’s the children who are the future ambassadors of peace. Telling the august gathering which had impactful educators, representatives from the legal fraternity, media personalities, and students from India and South Africa, participating in this exchange program curated by www.voicesonline.com
The webzine which has been consistently presenting meaningful dialogues and is dedicated to providing a platform for the student community witnessed the attendance of dynamic who are also responsible citizens. The moderator Kanak Gupta, Director of Seth M.R.Jaipuria Schools, then introduced us to Consul General Of India, Johannesburg, Ms. Anju Ranjan. It was evident that such a dialogue, not just among the present vote bank but also the future citizens, is surely the need of the hour. It’s always a sheer delight to listen to Advocate Anoop Bose and on this special occasion, there was no way that the practitioner from the Supreme Court would disappoint. The CGO of Tata Sons,Tanmoy Chakraborty is always equipped to deliver with his signature style of ‘strong impact in the most sophisticated style.’ He too endorsed the need for such exchanges.
The Principal of The BSS School, Ms. Sunita Sen and Mr. John Andrew Bagul, the Principal at South City International expressed their perspectives on Peace and Global security. Adding power to this segment was educator Sumit Dargan who logged in from Bombay, where sir is the principal at the JBCN School.In his trademark style, Mr. Dargan was rattling facts and figures while waxing eloquent about a topic he was evidently passionate about.
Professor Deborshi Barat, faculty with the Legal wing from OP Jindal University in Sonepat, and an actor of repute, navigated us to the segment we were waiting for, the student segment. Chloe Van Wyk talking about indigenous tribes and the apartheid, and Faith Stride logged in from South Africa, shared with us, beautiful locales of Boulder’s Beach, Cape Town, City Bowl. Carli Kapp also joined the meeting, representing the guest nation. India was represented by Simran Choudhury, NavyaBhalotia, Aanya Datta, Bhumika Dahima and Naman Poddar. It was evident that the students were of the opinion that existence with peace and harmony was certainly a priority mandate. Environment issues and acceptance and appreciation of culture were explored and investigated.
Adrija Jana, not just represented India but also expressed the need for an exchange program of this nature. She played a pivotal role in ensuring this event was possible. Advocate Ruhail Chowdhury, the founder of www.voicesonline.com reminded us that this online platform will continue to ensure that students across the globe, find their voice on this platform and discuss any issue that they wish to share. During the acknowledgment speech, Adrija mentioned education facilitator Lopa Sharma who played the role of assembling the speakers.
We look forward to the next creative endeavor of the webzine and enrich ourselves as we listen to the voices of tomorrow.