My experience while attending the 18th NCSQC-2024

I am Ashim Pandey, a grade 7 student at Bhu Pu Sainik School. I have been part of SQC for 3 years, but this year was my first time participating in the National Convention on Students’ Quality Circles (NCSQC) held in Naikap, Kathmandu.

I was really excited about the convention. Every night before I went to sleep, I would think about it and sometimes it even appeared in my dream. I dreamed that our circle members and me presenting our SQC case study and the commentator would be praising our work. In my imagination, my partner and I performed excellently at the competition. These kinds of thoughts filled my mind every night.

When we reached Kathmandu, my excitement level rose quickly and my curiosity about 18th NCSQC grew even more. Even I didn’t sleep well the night before the convention.

On the 1st day of convention, on the morning of 24th of Kartik (9th of November)’s morning, my friend and I wake up early and quickly get ready to go. Later, we all arrived at Bright Future Secondary School, the host school of 18th NCSQC 2024. The students of the host school warmly welcomed us with tika and a handmade paper flower crafted by themselves. The flower was beautifully made, and their welcoming way was truly impressive. They also guided us on where to keep our belongings, making us feel even more comfortable. Then it was time for breakfast. As we were moving to the dining area, the volunteers greeted us warmly and showed us the way, where all students were standing in line in a very orderly manner, which was impressive to saw it.

We all had our breakfast quickly as there was a rally scheduled afterward that required everyone’s participation. The rally was in Kathmandu, so the rally was organized in traditional Newari style, leading the rally with performance carrying traditional where the Lakhey was dancing at first in Newari style baja. As we moved through Kathmandu, we were able to see and experience so much of the local culture. As moving forward, we saw many local temples throughout the area truly providing the Kathmandu as really the “City of Temples”. We also saw various local sights and people were even clicking photos of us. Through the rally, we got to see beautiful places in Kathmandu. Each one was incredibly the best moment for us.

Soon after the rally, we returned to school. A Lakhey performance took place briefly before we took at our seats. The welcoming ceremony followed where we were introduced to the chief guests, special guests and dignitaries, including the father of SQC, Prof. Dinesh Prasad Chapagain. After the ceremony, the competition begins, and we went to our respective venues. I initially found it difficult to locate my room for the competition, but with the help of some volunteers, I finally reached the treasure hunt activity room. Then, the competition begins. Me and my partner done good. We had completed all 8 given tasks under the time limit and turned it into a memorable experience. Collaborating with each other using our creativity was very beneficial for us.

After finishing the competition, I proceeded to the main stage for the forward section. Although not much happened in the evening, we had the chance to watch the cultural program, which was an amazing performance. Once the program was concluded, we returned to our hotel. These were some of the observations I made and while the main lesson from 1st day was the importance of improving creativity, developing this skill is essential. Also, I found a way to enhance it.

2nd day of convention, at 25th of Kartik, (10th of November). We woke up early and got ready. After we reached and had breakfast, we quickly took our seat for the keynote speaker. While listening to the speaker, I learned an effective way to enhance creativity by practicing on hobbies regularly. Soon, it was time for our case study presentation. We went to the room, observed others presentation, learned from them, and provided suggestions to them. When our turn came, our team had presented wonderfully on time. The commentator gave us feedback. After receiving a token of appreciation, we went to the dining area to have lunch. Later, we enjoyed the second day. The cultural dance was also excellent.

3rd day of convention at 26th of Kartik (11th of November). We woke up early, packed our belongings, and checked out of the hotel. Before going to school, I felt a bit sad as it was our last day in Kathmandu. After reaching school and having breakfast, we took our seats. After having breakfast, we attended a special keynote speech by Mr. Subarna Raj KC and during his session me and the entire people were very emotional and almost everybody had tears in their eyes because he delivered such a heart-touching lesion I can’t describe it in words. That was the most awesome session I attended. After those parallel sessions started and I was excited about my workshop, the OHP painting. I even don’t know what this is and how to make, but the facilitator taught well us everything in detail and I got understand by which my creativity rises at high level.

In the evening, the closing ceremony began, and we eagerly waited for the result. Though our name wasn’t called, I wasn’t disappointed. Our goal in participating in the 18th NCSQC wasn’t just to win. We had participated in learning, growing and developing new skills, and we had achieved that.

Participating in the 18th National Convention on Student Quality Circle 2024 was a truly transformative experience. It wasn’t just about attending and winning an event, it was a journey of learning, growing, and self-discovery. Throughout the convention, I had the opportunity to observe and learn many things that enhanced my skills. For improving my communication ability, to start increasing my creativity, boosting my confidence level, and developing other essential life skills. Despite the initial hesitation about the investment for this program, we soon realized that the value we gained was priceless. We not only acquired invaluable skills, but also created beautiful memories and a bond that will last a lifetime. The experience was so impactful that it felt like a small investment for such a grand reward. Instead of feeling sad that it ended, we were overjoyed and grateful for this incredibly journey that will last forever.

ASHIM PANDEY

Class- 7

Deputy Leader- IKIGAI QUALITY CIRCLE