"Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn." — Benjamin Franklin
The MU20 Opportunity Summit at Chitkara University was more than just an event, it was an immersive experience that sparked creativity, leadership, and purpose in every young mind present. With schools from across the country coming together, including the enthusiastic team from SAI International Residential School (SIRS), the summit unfolded as a four-day journey filled with learning, laughter, exploration, and transformation.
Day 1: A Grand Welcome & Meaningful Beginnings
The summit commenced with delegates arriving at Chitkara University and being warmly welcomed with a hi-tea session that encouraged early bonding and conversation. Volunteers made check-ins seamless, guiding students to their accommodations. Soon after, students embarked on a guided campus tour, soaking in the vibrant academic atmosphere and impressive facilities. The evening ended with a delicious dinner and a peaceful night walk around the campus, setting the tone for the days ahead.
Day 2: Thoughtful Dialogues & Creative Discovery
The day commenced with the Opening Ceremony, where captivating cultural performances created a fitting introduction for a heartfelt welcome by Dr. Sumer Singh, President of BSAI, and Tejas Kumar Jain, CEO of MU20. A panel discussion on educational reforms brought together experts such as Ms. Niyati Chitkara, Major Gen. TPS Waraich, and Dr. Dinesh Sharma, moderated by Tejas Jain. Following this was a symbolic flag hoisting, after which students attended briefings in Challenge Hall, while teachers participated in a session led by the Vice Chancellor. During the Impact Challenge, SIRS students showcased skits and speeches focused on SDG 4 – Quality Education, followed by engaging Q&A sessions and collaborative proposal development. The Content Creation Challenge acquainted participants with various news formats and tasked them with producing a 90-second video. SIRS chose to create a satirical piece on “AI replacing jobs.” Concurrently, the Theatrics Challenge delved into body language, voice modulation, and storytelling through imaginative group activities. After lunch, participants returned to their challenge zones, which were followed by Power Talks from Dr. Sharma and Tejas Jain. The day concluded with a vibrant Cultural Night and a satisfying dinner.
Day 3: Final Rounds & High-Energy Performances
The day began with invigorating power drill sessions that energized students for their final challenge rounds. In the Impact Challenge, students focused on three SDGs, with Team Delta of SIRS selecting SDG-1 to develop and present a collaborative policy proposal. Individual six-minute presentations led to a final vote to select the winning ideas. The Content Creation Challenge culminated in The Viral Showdown, where students showcased videos that ranged from emotional stories to humor-driven content. SIRS presented a creative YouTube Shorts-style video on “Digital Identity Theft,” which garnered positive feedback. In the Theatrics Challenge, students staged themed dramas they had prepared over the previous days. The session was emotional and impactful, concluding with a heartfelt certificate distribution. The day concluded with hi-tea, an inspiring Power Talk by Karan Gulati (TheSikhInvestor), and an electrifying DJ Carnival Evening, ending with dinner and smiles all around.
Final Day: Farewells, Reflection & The Journey Home
On the final morning, students relished breakfast and bid farewell to new friends. Team SIRS left the university, making a brief stop at a local market for one last round of exploration and shopping. After reaching the airport and having lunch, the team boarded their flight home. A peaceful layover allowed them to reflect on the memories and milestones from the last few days. By the time they returned home, the journey had left lasting impressions on every heart.
