JIGYASA 2.0: Quenching our Thirst for Knowledge

JAIN (Deemed-to-be University), School of Commerce organised JIGYASA 2.0, a Model United Nations Conference that stood as a beacon of intellectual prowess and diplomacy. With ten meticulously crafted committees spanning a spectrum of global issues, it offered a diverse array of challenges for the 350 passionate participants hailing from 25 prestigious universities nationwide.

The participants of JIGYASA 2.0 were tested on a multitude of challenges thrown at them by the ten committees. The students brainstormed for challenges pertaining to climate change, global security concerns, drug trafficking, gender-based violence, domestic policy-making, international cooperation, human rights violation, and crisis response.

JIGYASA 2.0 was not just an event; it was a crucible of collaboration, innovation, and diplomacy, where emerging leaders expanded their horizons through vibrant debates while embodying the spirit of the United Nations and fostering a deeper understanding of global affairs. More than a mere academic exercise, JIGYASA 2.0 transcended boundaries, fostering lifelong friendships, cultural exchanges, and a sense of shared responsibility for the world's most pressing issues.

Under the guidance of a dedicated executive board, JIGYASA 2.0 underscored the power of young minds coming together to address the world's challenges, and leaving an indelible mark on all those fortunate enough to be part of this remarkable conference. It was a testament to the enduring value of diplomacy and collaboration in an ever-evolving global landscape.

The conference comprised of 10 committees:

• UNGA DISEC (General Assembly - Disarmament and International Security): Delved into global security concerns, disarmament efforts, and international peacekeeping.
• UNSC (United Nations Security Council): Focused on pressing security matters, international conflicts, and crisis response.
• UNODC (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime): Addressed issues related to Drug trafficking, organised crime, and global drug policy.
• UNW (United Nations Women): Advocated for gender equality, women's empowerment, and the elimination of gender-based violence.
• AIPPM (All India Political Parties Meet): Engaged in discussions regarding Domestic Indian political scenarios and policy-making.
• SPECPOL (Special Political and Decolonization Committee): Explored Decolonization efforts, critical political matters, and self-determination.
• NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization): Discussed defence strategies, international cooperation, and collective security.
• IPC (International Press Corps): Provided media coverage, reporting, and analysis of the conference proceedings.
• UNHRC (United Nations Human Rights Council): Advocated for the protection and promotion of human rights on a global scale.
• CCC (Crisis Communications Committee): Worked to establish effective crisis communication strategies and mitigate global crises.

Every year on 25th January, National Tourism Day is observed to raise public awareness of the importance of the tourism industry. It attempts to promote awareness of both India's natural beauty and the value of tourism to the Indian economy. The School of Commerce celebrated the occasion with a panel discussion involving industry experts under the theme, Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav - Celebration of 75 Years of Independence. The industry experts to join the event were Mr. Anjin Mucharla, Director of Sales - Pride Group of Hotels, Mr. Jagadeesh H, Director of Big Travels, and Mr. Nithin Yadav, Founder and CEO of Smash Over-Cloud Kitchen. Dr. G. Saravana Kumar, Professor and Mentor (BMS - THM), presented a small video on the theme Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav showcasing the tourism developments in the last 75 years of independence. He then showed another video and this one was produced by the Ministry of Tourism. The 20-minute informative video, India 75 Years, addressed a wide range of topics, from India's struggle for independence to the current situation of tourism in all of our states, with its many different cultures and religions.

Post Covid the Challenges Faced by the Industry and Future Prospects was the subject of the panel discussion. In the conversation, Mr. Anjin discussed the hotel industry. He claimed that Covid caused a large loss in the hotel industry that resulted in fatalities, layoffs, salary reductions, and a lack of business. He claimed that the hotel industry"caught business by diversifying into outdoor catering, events, food delivery, etc., and it has been a continual increase on the 45-degree line. When asked about the sector's future, he added that it would see continuous expansion and that there would be no flattening out or decrease in activity for the ensuing 30 years.

Mr. Jagadeesh spoke on how Covid has affected the travel and tourist industry. During the pandemic, he described having no business and closed offices for nearly eight months. He continued by saying that although things eventually got a little better, vaccination remained difficult, and as a result, the industry was only partially operating with much less revenue. Later, as government restrictions were relaxed and vaccinations were given to those under the age of 45, domestic travel rose. He talked about how business was booming and new travel options including caravan tourism. He responded, "Domestic tourism was doing excellent in India and India is a big market for tourism and people have good spending capacity," when asked which of the outbound, inbound, or domestic is doing well in India.

Nithin Yadav discussed the food and beverage sector. He remembered starting his cloud kitchen during his final year at JAIN (Deemed-to-be University). He said that he started this firm with a borrowing of Rs. 2 lahks from his grandmother and that it has grown to be worth Rs. 33 lakhs in just three years. He has increased the size of his kitchen and now takes on international chains. Nithin said post covid there was good business since people ordered more from home due to safety concerns and Government restrictions. He thanked Dr. Saravana Kumar for inviting him and asked students to gain maximum benefit from his experience.

Dr. Rachana Saxena concluded the panel discussion by summarising the important points and a vote of thanks was proposed by Dr. G Saravana Kumar. The National Anthem brought the event to a close.