and implement the Round Square discovery framework in line with the Round Square ideals; took trips to the ancient city of Mandu and holy city of Maheshwar; and every evening enjoyed gala dinners, which introduced different aspects of Indian life and culture – from religious festivals, regional food and flavours, dancing and performance, even Bollywood – giving a fantastic insight into the rich diversity of India and celebrating the Indian experience. There was also practical action. The students took part in service activities such as painting at schools for those less fortunate and a walk/run to support cancer research, which ended with each school planting a tree.
For Mark, it was totally unforgettable.
“It was an excellent opportunity to get involved in many meaningful events with other students from different backgrounds. It’s always crucial that we should show mutual respect and understanding between different cultures and people. From this conference I was aware of the importance of internationalism to our people and communities.” Toby says they spent the week prior to the conference acclimatising to India, absorbing the totally different culture, and on a pre tour. “The heat, the smell, the insanity of the roads – India was a huge culture shock. Instantly, as soon as you step out of the airport, you’re immersed in the intense heat and chaos,” he says. The pre tour took in some of India’s most significant sites in and around Delhi, including the Old Fort, Agra and the Taj Mahal, Keoladeo National Park and Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, and Jaipur. One of the first things they did was visit the Lotus Temple in Delhi, a Bahá’í House of Worship
open to people of all religions and therefore “very in tune with the Round Square ideals this trip was themed around,” says Toby. “One of the locations I especially enjoyed was the Taj Mahal. It was incredible, as was learning about its history and construction from the tour guide.
“It was fascinating seeing the India Gate and President’s House and surrounding area and learning about the political situation in India in the context of the Round Square ideals of internationalism and democracy, and how these related to the good and bad of India’s political situation.”
Christ’s College Canterbury
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