Conference Day 1

Opening Ceremony

The Opening Ceremony of our DAIS hosted Round Square Conference 2025,
E K T A , began with a devotional Ganesh Vandana, where Bharatanatyam and Kathak dancers invoked the blessings of Lord Ganesha with intricate rhythmic movements. Dance here became both prayer and storytelling, marking an auspicious beginning.

The evening livened up further with a soul-stirring theatrical performance, Roots and Wings. Blending storytelling, music, and dance, it portrayed Elaria, a land torn between preserving tradition and embracing change. The symbolic Circle of Peace revealed how fragile harmony can be, yet how strong it becomes when nurtured with empathy, respect, and understanding.

Roots and Wings was a call to action—symbolic figures like the Dove and Mother Earth emphasized humanity’s shared duty to protect the planet and each other, a message that feels especially urgent in today’s world of environmental crises, rising conflicts, and the need for greater compassion across communities. The audience was left with a powerful truth: peace begins within us, thrives between us, and depends on the choices we make together.

The ceremony continued with a flag march, as representatives of each participating school proudly carried their flags onto the stage. Together, they created a striking display of unity and pride. More than a formality, it was a quiet yet powerful reminder that peace and understanding are built when diverse voices stand together—a moment that set the tone for the days of collaboration to come, with delegates stepping into their roles as changemakers of tomorrow.

Baraza Discussions The Conference Delegation then split into Baraza sessions in unique Round Square tradition. Gathered in circles, delegates reflected on the keynote address, explored prompts shared by their leaders, and drew connections to their own lives. They considered how the conference themes—resolving conflict, embracing empathy, and respecting diverse perspectives—could shape their choices beyond the conference. The discussions not only sparked new insights but also built meaningful bonds as delegates discovered and valued each other’s viewpoints. By the end of the session, delegates carried with them reflective takeaways on gender coexistence, peaceful communication, and collaboration—core values at the heart of both E K T A and the pillars of Round Square.

Themed Dinner As the first day drew to a close, the energy didn’t fade—it shifted into celebration at the themed dinner. After a day of intense and thoughtful discussions, delegates gathered for an evening of diversity, laughter, and friendship—woven together over some delectable food. Set in halls of Vantara Niwas, fit for royalty, the dinner embraced the theme of World Peace. The menu showcased international cuisines, symbolizing the richness of cultures coming together. More than just a meal, the dinner became a platform to bridge formal dialogue with personal connection. It set the tone for the days ahead reminding everyone that unity and peace are often best nurtured not just in discussion circles, but also around the dinner table.

The keynote speaker, Vibha Bakshi—an acclaimed filmmaker and National Award winner—spoke straight from the heart. Known for her powerful documentaries such as Daughters of Mother India and Son Rise, she has given voice to issues often silenced. In her address, she shed light on gender inequality, atrocities against women, and the urgent need for true gender coexistence. With honesty and conviction, she reminded the audience that creating a just and compassionate world begins with awareness, courage, and collective responsibility.

The session started with what seemed to be a simple quiz- identifying world leaders. Howerver, is soon became apparent that each highly acclaimed leader was impaired in there own way. Physcial, psychological or learing disabilities, none of these stopped these people from making history.

This was followed by an interactive game in which seven participants had to identify words while one of their senses her impaired. This was a simple game, with an important lession. it proved that if one sense is impaired, another is heightened.

This was followed by a short brief about how while life may throw us a few limitations, it often offers us other possibilities to fulfill our dreams. and it is our own responsibilty to find them.