PEERS UNITED FOR PEACE: SJC HOLDS FIRST EDITION OF G7
Winston Churchill once said “In the arena of debate, the clash of ideas is the forge where truth is shaped.” Forever committed to the cause of honing intellect through an impassioned exchange of ideas, St.Joseph’s College, Prayagraj organised and hosted the SJC Model G7 Summit 2025, themed “When Global Leaders Meet”. It is the inaugural student-led diplomatic simulation that was conducted on August 12, 2025. This academic simulation included G7 nations plus guest countries Russia and China, addressing global challenges including energy security, nuclear disarmament, economic recovery, and international migration through five specialised committees.
The Opening Ceremony was graced by the presence of Honourable Justice Ajay Bhanot as the Chief Guest,who is known for his empathetic approach, consistently using his judicial platform to protect the vulnerable, and for his assertive stance against bureaucratic and systemic delays that undermine the rule of law. The ceremony’s events included a welcome of the Chief Guest, the lighting of the lamp by the Chief Guest who was accompanied by the Principal Rev.Fr.Walter D’Silva, U.S.M. Chairperson Mrs. Ancy Thomas and the LTS Association chairperson, Mrs.Sarika Lyall and the presentation of a sapling to the esteemed Chief Guest. A Bible reading by Jaison D’Cruz, and a heartfelt prayer by Lemuel Aaron Singh, made the Auditorium resonate with prayerful vibes. A special song performed by the College Choir, added more depth to the proceedings.
Shashwat Pandey, the Secretary General, gave the welcome speech which focused on promoting peace over polarisation and emphasised the importance of dialogue.
The Deputy Secretary General Arya Pandey, presented the event overview via PowerPoint. This PowerPoint introduced how the G7 Summit would commence and it followed with the unveiling of the logo of the Model United Nations. A cultural dance, canvassing the journey of man through the centuries, opened the hearts of the delegates to the immediate cessation of war. The introduction of the Chief Guest and the committee judges followed, and a speech was given by the Chief Guest.
In his discourse, Justice Ajay Bhanot thanked the organisers for conceiving and executing an out-of-the-box idea.Values hold us together despite the vicissitudes of history. Service beyond one’s self is exemplified in Swami Vivekananda’s address at the World Parliament of Religions held in Chicago in 1893. The human race is one and we believe in the brotherhood of man and the fatherhood of God. Respect for different points of view is what truly one engages and informs one in not just events like Model United Nations but also life itself. Education is about honing the faculties to excellence, and not merely academic at that. Education is actually evolution of one’s character and fitness. He urged the audience to read books as they are the best counsellors. He also emphasised on the need to practise mindfulness and to spare a thought for the less privileged. Last but not the least, the ability to have a meaningful and constructive dialogue is of vital importance in all walks of life.
After his oration, Rev.Fr. Walter D’Silva took to the stage to emphasise the need for a more effective education system in India, noting the country’s vast talent pool. He called for concrete action and implementation rather than just discussion and “raised voice and assertion.” He thanked the stupendous efforts of the USM and LTS, and concluded by highlighting God as the ultimate source of intelligence.
The Chief Guest officially declared the SJC Model G7 open. The ceremony concluded with the Director General, Daksh Abhishiktt Lyall, officially bringing the event to a close.
At the closing ceremony of the programme, the Chief Guest, the Hon’ble Advocate Mr. Umar Zameer, an excellent criminal litigator, was welcomed by the school principal, Rev. Father Walter D’Silva who presented him a sapling as a way to show that the school cherished his presence.
Lemuel Aaron Singh introduced the Chief Guest, Mr.Zameer, who is a distinguished member of the legal community in Prayagraj. A proud son of St.Joseph’s College, he had his education from the C.M.P. Degree College Allahabad as a Bachelor of Art and LL.B. from the faculty of Law, university of Delhi. Known for his expertise in constitutional law, civil rights, and both civil and criminal litigation. He has served as an advisory in UAE for
corporate matters. He is led by the motto “To serve the legal field by making the best use of one’s knowledge, skills, and abilities.” He is highly respected for his eloquence, integrity, and guidance to budding lawyers.
As part of the programme, students from the U.S.M. and L.T.S. classes first presented a PowerPoint Presentation showcasing the highlights of the event. The announcement of winner followed. After that, the Chief Guest and the Principal distributed certificates, presented mementos to the judges, gifted Bodhi Trees to teachers from various schools and also awarded participation certificates to all contestants.
In his inspiring address, Hon’ble Advocate Umar Zamir praised the efforts of the students and wished them a bright future. The Principal, Rev. Father Walter D’Silva, also congratulated everyone on the success of the event and encouraged all participants. He appreciated the guidance and support of the teachers of the organising bodies U.S.M. and L.T.S., namely Mrs. Ancy Thomas, Mrs. Manjula D’Cruz, Mrs. Sarika Lyall, and Mrs. Shruti Rajauriya, for flawlessly arranging and conducting this grand G‑7 conference at the school level.
The official vote of thanks was delivered by Mrs. Shruti Rajauriya. Last but definitely no the least, Mrs. Manjula D’Cruz thanked the Almighty for His guidance and support. The formal declaration of closure by the Chief Guest, marked the conclusion of the summit which was followed by the Indian National Anthem.
Post-Event Documentation
Crisis Committee
Best Delegate → Chief of Armed Forces – Nishkarsh Gupta
Minister of Defence: Arnav Pandey
High Commendation → Canada → MOD – Adishakti Rai
COA – Aradhya Pandey
Italy → MOD – Aradhya Mishra
Special Mention → Russia: CAF – Anvesha Sharma
Italy: CAF – Triparna Ghosh
Best Position paper → Gaurang Shrivastava (UK)
(Verbal Commendation) → Defence Minister – Aarav Mishra
China →CAF – Shivansh Shekhar
MOD – Rashi Yadav
Deportation from USA
Best Representative → Italy – Sargun Kaur Chaula
High Commendation →Canada – France – Raghav
America – Vanya Pandey
Canada – Zainab Siddiqui
Special Mention → Russia – Shreya Kesarwani
China – Aradhya Pandey
Best Position Paper → France – Raghav Mishra
Verbal Commendation → UK – Manasi Pathak
Japan – Yashika Yadav
International Press
Best Press Report → Arya Singh
Best Journalist → 1. Arya Singh
2. Vihan Katiyar
3. Nandika Duggal
Best Coverage → Samridhhi Jaiswal
Outstanding Contribution to IP → 1. Bhagyashree Pal
2. Sofiya Khan
Nuclear Disarmament
Top Representative → Russia (NSA) – Akhya Malviya
Best Position Paper → Italy – Both
High Commendation → Trance – Shaura Goswami (NBA)
Canada – Jahnvi Dwivedi (HOS)
UK – Indrani Bhattacharya (HOS)
Special Mention → France – Pranav Tripathi (HOS)
USA – Shubh Gupta (HOS)
Finance (Aid to Ukraine)
Best Representative → France – Mohd. Zafar Siddiqui
Best Position Paper → UK – Avinish Gupta
High Commendation → Canada – Riya Agarwal
China – Alima Bano
Special Mention → Russia – Utkarsh Dixit