Miss Rekha Pandey is the Unit Two Coordinator of Rato Bangala School and is behind getting most Rato Banagla students interested in debate and MUNing. Her constant support has helped many delegates come out of their shell and become vocal about their stances on world issues. Often working behind the scenes, today we pay homage with an exclusive interview of our very own, Miss Rekha:
1. Beginning in middle school, Rato Bangala School Students participate in their annual Model United Nations. What kind of effect have you perceived that MUN has on students?
A level students conduct the junior MUN for grade seven students, who are generally extremely enthusiastic about getting into MUN. I find the increasing level of enthusiasm and voluntary participation very fulfilling. Students get inspired by participating and observing the conferences.
2. How do you think RBS MUN has evolved over the years?
Well, I was there when RBS MUN started with just five committees. I did not have much idea aboutthe procedure of the MUN either. The teachers and the students all learned together about the caucuses, points and how it all came together. Now the level of student involvement and enthusiasm has skyrocketed. Hope to see the same this time as well.
3. Having taken a lot of students to international MUNs, how would you say RBS MUN compares to them?
In terms of debate? In my experience, that really depends on the committee. I usually choose to observe committees which are known for having high quality debates, such as the Security Council. In every MUN there are committees with heated debates, and others which have relatively less passionate debates. It is the same for RBS MUN. Overall, I think debates at RBS are at a pretty good level, about as good as anywhere else I have been to.
4. Despite RBS MUN being mostly student run, students must need help with a lot of things. How do you coordinate behind the scenes of this huge event?
Previously, we used to lend a lot of assistance but today, the MUN is almost entirely student run. However, since most students participating in the event are middle schoolers and grades nine and ten, it would be nice if we were kept up to date with the frequent changes and problems that students encounter. For example, being informed about the low attendance during the practice sessions since the first day would have helped teachers keep track of those who were attending and who were not. Besides this, the only thing I do look after is the room allocations.
5. MUN and debate in general have a lot of benefits. Personally, what is your favorite thing about the MUN? Would you like to take part in one of the conferences?
My favourite thing is definitely watching the students being so passionately and enthusiastically involved in the debate. Now? No, I don’t wish to take part in a conference as a delegate. I would rather remain a passive observer.
6. While most of Unit 2 are involved in the MUN as delegates, why are the tenth graders involved as members of the press team?
The tenth graders are involved as reporters simply because of the sheer number of important exams they have to give. Reporters require less preparation and research and, therefore, are able to devote the time they have for academics. The MUN is slotted in just after one of their term exams are over. Though of late, a handful of students have been asking if they can participate as delegates, we take their past experiences, passion and drive into account before deciding whether they can manage to give their positions as delegates justice without adverse effects on their academics. Recently, a lot more students are enthusiastic to participate as delegates. There is also the fact that most tenth graders can write pretty well.
7. Finally, do you dance in the delegate dance? Do you have a go-to move?
Of course I dance in the delegate dance. I always do. My go-to move? What do you mean by that? When I hear the music I just start moving, I tap my feet *taps her feet and clicks her fingers*. Well, the dance moves that kids seem to have these days are mostly jumping around. They form a crowd, jump and scream. I can’t keep up with the jumping.
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