Today, we had the pleasure of welcoming the vibrant new cohort of Leadership Collective 2024, featuring students from all corners of the globe. The day kicked off with engaging ice breaker activities such as “Guess the Riddle” and “Find Your Common Buddy,” creating a sense of camaraderie and unity. The Indian students from the cohort then presented an insightful introduction to India, covering cultural heritage, climate, and conservation. This was beautifully complemented by lively folk dance performances showcasing the diverse traditions of different states. 

 

Alongside, the alumni also shared their enriching experiences, with one testimonial highlighting, “I was largely introverted, but this journey significantly built my confidence in daily interactions. I hope all of you find this experience as transformative as I did!”, giving the new cohort a sense of comfort hearing about the experiences from people who have lived the journey and helping them understand the transformative potential of this journey.

We then explored the core values of our Leadership Collective: inclusivity, flexibility, attention and focus, curiosity, and active participation. Through an engaging activity, groups presented scenarios where these values might be challenged during the trip and devised strategies to tackle such situations. This exercise not only reinforced the importance of these values but also equipped the students with practical solutions for real-world challenges.

 

 

 

Following this, two insightful sessions were conducted by subject matter experts on this year’s theme, “Embracing Conservation – Wildlife, Biodiversity, Arts & Heritage.” The students also participated in a workshop on Social Change through Conservation, selecting approaches to address environmental crises and proposing innovative solutions, helping develop a deep understanding of the theme and its applications.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The day concluded with an introduction to our dedicated team and a captivating jam session featuring talented musicians who seamlessly blended art with climate action, leaving a profound impact on the students. The evening ended on a flavorful note with a traditional Rajasthani cuisine dinner, providing the students with their first taste of Indian culture. This enriching start set the stage for the transformative journey ahead, filled with learning, growth, and unforgettable experiences.