The 360Plus Foundation proudly concludes the 2024 Leadership Collective (LC) with gratitude to all those who contributed to its resounding success. This year, we welcomed 23 diverse students from across the globe—hailing from India, Madagascar, Nepal, South Africa, Lebanon, and the USA—on a three-week journey that explored leadership, global citizenship, and conservation. These young leaders not only embraced the challenges of stepping outside their comfort zones, navigating monsoons, and adapting to new cultures, but also developed lifelong friendships while deepening their understanding of what it means to conserve our planet’s biodiversity and cultural heritage. The 2024 Leadership Collective revolved around the theme of “Embracing Conservation”, encouraging students to reflect on their roles in preserving the environment while experiencing India’s rich wildlife, traditions, and communities. The program took place across three key locations in India: Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore, with each leg of the journey offering unique insights into conservation, leadership, and collaboration. From urban exploration to wildlife immersion, the students came away with a holistic understanding of conservation’s importance—both in natural ecosystems and in our everyday lives.
This year’s journey started in February of 2024 when we opened up the 2024 Leadership Collective application. Each year, we strive to broaden the scope of our applicant pool by actively seeking out diverse perspectives from youth across the globe. We believe that every student applying to Leadership Collective by 360Plus is driven by a desire to make a meaningful impact on the world, and this program represents the first step toward that goal. We are honored to continue growing our international network and look forward to its continued expansion in the years to come. Before departure, students engaged in bi-weekly online assignments through Google Classroom, designed to stimulate their thinking around this year’s theme. These assignments covered topics such as Indian culture, art, history and wildlife conservation. By July, the students were well-prepared and excited for the real adventure to commence.
India greeted its travelers with open arms and extreme humid heat in our first stop in Delhi. For most of our students it was their first time flying outside their home states and countries. The feeling of nervousness didn’t beat the excitement that awaited them. The experience began with engaging icebreakers, insightful introductions to Indian heritage, and traditional folk dances that set a celebratory tone. Over the next few days, the cohort explored a variety of conservation themes, from learning about wildlife preservation at Asola Bhati Sanctuary to sustainable architecture at the Mudhouses in Surajkund.
They engaged in workshops on social change through conservation, learned about historical water conservation techniques at Agrasen Ki Baoli, and delved into the cultural charms of Old Delhi, including a rickshaw tour through Chandni Chowk and a visit to the Gurudwara Bangla Sahib. Despite the monsoon rains, which added an extra layer of adventure, the students’ enthusiasm never wavered. They experienced diverse culinary delights, from Himalayan and Bihari cuisines to local street food, enriching their cultural understanding! The Delhi segment of the journey not only highlighted India’s commitment to heritage and environmental sustainability but also created deep connections among participants, laying a strong foundation for the next phases of their transformative journey.
The next leg of the cohort’s journey began with the first group flight to Mumbai, where heavy rains greeted us upon arrival, along with a captivating mix of cultural immersion, historical exploration, and hands-on environmental action! The journey kicked off with Mumbai’s iconic monsoon weather, which the students embraced with enthusiasm. At the Museum of Solutions, they delved into innovative approaches to climate issues, with one student particularly impressed by a canvas made from air pollution—an example of the museum’s inventive take on environmental challenges. The adventure then led them to the Prince of Wales Museum, where they engaged with India’s rich history, followed by an impactful beach cleanup at Mahim Beach, where students rolled up their sleeves to tackle coastal pollution.
Mumbai’s exploration also took them to the Kanheri Caves and Sanjay Gandhi National Park, offering insights into ancient Buddhist culture and the vital role of urban green spaces in Mumbai. While there were heavy rains, the cohorts morale continued to soar as they engaged in team-building exercises and creative projects that strengthened bonds among students. The 360plus cohort decided to escape to the mountains on an exhilarating adventure to Matheran, where they soaked in the natural beauty and ecological wonders of Echo Point and Charlotte Lake. With breathtaking views and fascinating insights into sustainable practices, the students were captivated by the stunning landscapes and the role of the lake in water conservation.
Their days in Mumbai capped off with exuberant dance parties, featuring Bollywood hits and music from the students’ home countries. The shared laughter and dancing left everyone with smiles and a strong sense of togetherness, awaiting the experiences to come!
Our journey ahead was all about travel and camaraderie, as the cohort embarked on an adventurous trip to Mysore, a city known for its regal charm and rich cultural heritage. The long bus ride consisted of pop trendy music, with a twist of genres, while the cohort learnt about each other’s culture and interests! Days in Mysuru were a whirlwind of learning and exploration for the #360plus cohort, blending environmental insights with cultural treasures- like adventures from boating and bird watching at Karanji Lake to exploring Mysore’s innovative high-tech toilets and embarking on a heritage tour. The cohort was absolutely blown away by their visit to the Infosys campus in Mysuru, which felt like stepping into a futuristic green paradise- they marveled at how sustainability and cutting-edge technology danced together in perfect harmony, making even the most tech-savvy students feel like they’d entered a high-tech dreamland. One student exclaimed, “Seeing the Infosys campus was like watching a sci-fi movie come to life—green tech everywhere and zero waste in sight!”
The journey then took the excitement to the heart of nature at Nagarhole Tiger Reserve. The cohort explored the dynamic interplay between wildlife and local communities, learning about innovative solutions to mitigate human-wildlife conflicts. Guided by experts from the Centre for Wildlife Studies (CWS), students were divided into groups to explore the complex dynamics between wildlife and human communities. They learned about the conflicts that arise when animals damage crops and livelihoods and how local communities are compensated for their losses. An enlightening session with a forest officer and a tech-savvy glimpse into drone mapping showcased how modern technology is aiding conservation. These days were a perfect blend of awe-inspiring wildlife encounters and deep, meaningful learning about balancing nature protection with community support, leaving the cohort inspired and excited for the future!
We arrived at our final destination, the beautiful Bangalore, where we were welcomed by refreshing breezes, and no rain. Our stay at the Lilac Hotel added to the comfort and enjoyment of our visit. As the program drew to a close, we realized how quickly time had passed and the importance of making the most of every moment. Students had the opportunity to explore and shop for souvenirs in groups, utilizing their peers as resources. Bangalore was a vibrant finale for the #360plus cohort, blending artistic flair, environmental insights, and local innovation. The city’s vibrant energy was palpable as students kicked off with a fun-filled theatre workshop, exploring environmental themes through improv games along with a gripping Playback Theatre performance turning their stories into on-the-spot scenes, making them reflect on the impact of their individual actions. The artistic journey continued with a visit to the Museum of Arts and Photography, where the founder’s passion for preserving India’s artistic legacy inspired students and a visit to the Samhita Academy (Advaith Foundation), showcased how a small initiative can grow to make a significant difference in students’ lives, highlighting the power of education and support for those facing challenges.
The cohort explored the green spaces of Bangalore- from Lalbagh Botanical Garden for a serene nature trail to composting and recycling at Bare Necessities, they learned about the vital role of waste management and conservation. Their final exploration in Bangalore was a whirlwind of water conservation insights at Sihineerukere Lake with interactive water testing and learning about local conservation practices. They saw firsthand how rainwater harvesting and well maintenance contribute to water security in rural areas. As their Bangalore adventure concluded, the students were brimming with newfound knowledge and inspiration, reflecting on how the city’s innovative spirit and commitment to conservation have broadened their perspectives!
The 2024 Leadership Collective concluded with a final day dedicated to reflecting on each student’s experiences and exploring how they could apply their insights on conservation to themselves, their communities, and the world at large. From the beginning, our goal has been to empower youth with leadership skills, an understanding of global citizenship, and a strengthened sense of their role in the world. We hope that each year, every participant in 360Plus will carry forward the impact and lessons of these 21 days, recognizing their potential to make a difference and shape the future. We concluded our session by asking each participant to write down a single word that encapsulated their experience on the trip. They had the option to express this word in their native language, resulting in a diverse array of unique and personal reflections.
It’s hard to believe that these 21 days have flown by so quickly. It feels like just yesterday we were exploring the streets of Old Delhi, uncertain about what lays ahead. As the 2024 360Plus Leadership Collective season comes to a close and we look toward the future, we reflect on our successes and areas for improvement. We remain committed to advancing the 360Plus legacy and its mission of “learning through travel.” We have exciting plans for the future and are eager to hear feedback from our community, supporters, and alumni. Finally, remember: “Divided by Nations, United by 360Plus.”