Say the word "MUN" and you'll probably get a raised eyebrow and a puzzled expression from the person you're speaking to. Fascinating though the concept is, it is rather surprising how few people know what you're talking about. It's never too late to learn, however!

So what is MUN all about? Very simply, it stands for Model United Nations, which should perhaps clear things up a little bit. MUN is a simulation of the actual United Nations Organization, where the participants play the role of foreign diplomats, delegates, of various countries. The delegates investigate the international issue on their agenda, debate on it and finally consult each other to come up with a resolution.

How is a MUN different from a parliamentary debate? The participants need to remember at all times that they are not individuals expressing an opinion; they're representatives of entire countries addressing the United Nations. Everything they say needs to be in keeping with the foreign policy of their country and diplomacy is the order of the day. On no account can they disgrace or threaten another nation. The World Press is represented too, and the press conferences conducted by the formidable spokespersons really keep the delegates on their toes.

Model United Nations or MUN was organized first by Harvard University in 1951. Since then, the concept has found itself immensely popular all over the world. St Stephen's College in Delhi organizes a MUN every year, a major event for schools and colleges all over the country. Bangalore Model United Nations is hosted here in the city by Vidya Niketan School. The concept grew so popular in the city that the Rotary Model United Nations was organized in June this year and was a great success. Sophia High School is hosting its second MUN, the SMUN, as they like to call it.

A Model U.N educates students about international issues, brings about effective communication, fosters globalization and also teaches them a thing or two about multilateral diplomacy. The delegates have to make their voices heard, for they have the people of their country depending on them, while making sure that they never say anything that could injure the reputation or destroy the international relations of the nation they stand for.

Even if a Model U.N doesn't do any of these things for the participants, they will, at the very least go home feeling enlightened about countries like Tuvalu and Burkina Faso, and with the ground breaking awareness that they are actual countries with real people living in them. Besides, they will discover in themselves a newfound enthusiasm for reading the newspapers everyday!

-Darshana Ramdev