Report: Nirvaaha: An Avasara-Nayanta Leadership Conference 2025
Date: 15th November 2025
Venue: Avasara Academy, Valley of Lavale, Pune
Time: 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM
Participants: Std. XI Students
Avasara-Nayanta Leadership Conference 2025
Theme: Youth Reimagining Civic Futures
The Avasara–Nayanta Student Leadership Conference 2025 was a day-long immersive programme that brought together youth leaders from various schools and universities across Pune. The event encouraged students to reflect deeply on civic challenges and explore their roles in shaping sustainable futures. Students from Vikhe Patil Memorial School actively engaged in all sessions, demonstrating curiosity, responsibility, and leadership.
A. Welcome and Opening Speeches
The conference began with inspiring opening remarks by leaders from Avasara Academy and Nayanta University. Students were encouraged to view themselves not merely as learners but as emerging civic leaders capable of driving change through informed action and critical thinking.
B. Panel Discussion I – Living the City
This session focused on how education, migration, identity, and urban opportunity intersect in modern cities. Speakers shared insights from their work across communities, highlighting:
- Inequities in access to education for migrant children
- How migration shapes identity and belonging
- Grassroots initiatives led by youth to support underserved communities
- The importance of empathy and inclusivity in civic leadership
Students found this session eye-opening, realising the profound impact of community-driven efforts.
C. Panel Discussion II – Building the City
The second panel addressed pressing environmental and infrastructural issues faced by rapidly growing cities like Pune. Experts discussed:
- Waste management systems and the importance of segregation
- Water availability, conservation, and sustainability
- Urban planning that prioritises ecological balance
- How climate-conscious decisions can shape resilient cities
The discussion motivated students to reflect on their personal roles in environmental stewardship.
D. Student Group Discussions & Presentations
In the second half of the programme, students worked collaboratively in mixed-school groups across four civic areas:
- Education
- Migration
- Waste Management
- Water Management
They analysed curated research, shared personal observations, and drafted meaningful problem statements that could evolve into year-long civic action projects. VPMS students displayed excellent teamwork, critical thinking, and communication skills, contributing valuable insights to their respective groups.
E. Student Reflections
A few reflections shared by the Std. XI students captured the impact of the day:
- “Change can begin with one conversation.”
- “The issues discussed today felt real and urgent.”
- “Working with students from other schools made the experience enriching.”
- “I now understand how closely waste management is connected to daily life.”
- “This conference made me feel responsible and capable as a citizen.”
Conclusion
The Avasara-Nayanta Leadership Conference 2025 was a meaningful and transformative experience for our students. It offered them exposure to civic realities, leadership responsibilities, and collaborative problem-solving. The programme helped them understand their civic identity and encouraged them to step forward as responsible contributors to society.
We extend our sincere gratitude to our principal and school management for enabling student participation in such enriching opportunities. We also thank Avasara Academy and Nayanta University for organising a conference that fostered learning, reflection, and civic responsibility.
Submitted by:
Ms. Kunjal Katre
Special Educator & School Representative
Vikhe Patil Memorial School, Pune
