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By Ms Davleen Kaur

I was often feared of public speaking and debating. I used to love writing but often got conscious in front of people. Being an introvert  I really wanted to overcome my fear. Even teachers of my school knew about my hesitation. I was a brilliant student but my teachers never chose me for competitions and elocutions. I knew it was definitely my fault, I could never express this to my teachers. When I was in grade 11 my former social studies teacher introduced us about MUN – Model United Nations,  a kind of platform where many students of different schools and colleges have healthy discussions on many controversial and engrossing topics.  She told us that a school has invited our school to be a part of the debate. I heard the word ‘MUN’ for the first time so I came back home and searched it on internet. And to my surprise I found that MUN’s are not only held in our country but are held all over the world. The very next day my teacher asked for names to be sent for MUN. She even encouraged me to participate. So I finally said yes to her. Many students of my class even agreed to participate. Next task was to select the committee.

Again everything was so alien to me. My teacher knew I had no idea of this so she asked me to select AIPPM- ALL INDIA POLITICAL PARTIES MEET, as she knew I love to remain updated of all the current happenings in the world. I got my portfolio ( the leader I will be representing ) after a  few days.

With full enthusiasm I started with my research work reading current news , taking out print outs, preparing position paper the list is endless. Finally it was the first day of the conference. I still remember it was raining heavily. Somehow I reached the venue. I saw many students there dressed confidently and yes being very true I was getting very nervous. After the opening ceremony we were allotted our rooms where discussion would be held. There were many students who were really young to me, but as it was my first conference I felt that I am way too younger than all. The session commenced by introducing ourselves. Again my hesitation was very evident. I introduced myself, sat down and had a glass full of water. Finally the first task was accomplished. Then the debate on the topic started , many students brought in amazing points that I had no idea of. I too contributed my giving my points. I knew my points were not as great compared to what others spoke but still I continued giving points, stood up for resolutions and noted down all the valuable points spoken by others. Being very honest sometimes I felt I am useless for this conference but then gathered myself and with confidence gave some crucial points to the debate. After the first day of the conference I again sat on internet to gather much more on the topic. I slept very late that night and got up very late due to which I reached the venue very late . My social science teacher accompanied with us on the second day of the conference and she praised me for coming out of my comfort zone.

The second day conference went well and it was the time of closing ceremony. Of course I did not won anything because other students were way better than me. I came home empty handed but still I did not lose anything. In front of everyone I failed but I knew I did not . I could not participate in the next few MUN’s because of my studies. But I feel this lockdown period has given me other chance to rediscover my inner self and my hidden talents. So I feel I should give debating another try. I feel there is no age bar to learning. In my first MUN I learnt a lot from my juniors, their way of speaking, some of them even pointed out my mistakes and flaws. I narrated this entire incident to my cousin and encouraged her to give this a try. I feel each person is unique and has many undiscovered talents which are yet to be explored. I strongly feel there should be no halt to learning and no time to stop. I want to conclude by writing that no one can really stop you if you don’t wish to.