2025 RS Conference: Sunbeam School, Lahartara, India

School: Sunbeam School, Lahartara
Location: Varanasi, India
Title: The Eyes Behind the ‘I’
Theme: Leadership
Age Group: 12–14 years
Dates: 19–23 August 2025

The Round Square Conference 2025, hosted by Sunbeam School Lahartara, Varanasi, welcomed 242 delegates from 31 schools across four countries. Guided by the theme “The Eyes Behind the ‘I’”, the conference offered a platform for students to explore leadership, empathy, creativity, and cultural understanding.

At the centre of the conference were the Baraza sessions which allowed delegates to engage in intimate group discussions guided by timeless works such as Atomic Habits by James Clear, Ikigai by Héctor García and Francesc Miralles, The Leader in Me by Stephen Covey, Start with Why by Simon Sinek, and Wise and Otherwise by Sudha Murty. These books served as compasses, encouraging participants to reflect on identity, resilience, leadership, and empathy.

“Sitting in circles with people from across the globe, sharing ideas, stories, and sometimes even silences, opened my eyes in ways I didn’t expect,” says Diya from Sunbeam School Lahartara. “Those honest conversations made me realize how much there is to learn from simply listening.”

The conference blended keynotes, workshops, and cultural experiences to enrich student reflection. Presentations from Prof. Himanshu Rai, Mr. Syed Sultan Ahmed, and others prompted delegates to consider leadership, creativity, and societal impact. Storytelling, movement, and artistic performances demonstrated how communication, empathy, and expression intersect with leadership. Visits to Varanasi’s Haat and the spiritual site of Sarnath deepened students’ understanding of cultural heritage and broadened their perspective on community and identity.

Diya reflected: “Every keynote session brought something different — a story, an idea, a perspective — that stayed with me. Some talks left me inspired, others made me question the way I look at leadership and communication, but all of them left their mark. I know that when I make decisions in the future, a part of what I’ve learned here will quietly guide me.”

For the students from the host school, leadership was not an abstract idea, but a reality that students experienced every day. From mentoring peers in Barazas to contributing to the Organising Committee, delegates took initiative, navigated challenges, and learned the value of collaboration. Mahak , a Baraza Leader, noted, “Handling responsibilities made me more confident and accountable, not only as a mentor but in my personal life.”

Another student Vashita said: “When I got the opportunity to be a member of the organizing committee for Round Square Conference 2025 at my very own school, it was nothing less than a ‘once-in-a-lifetime experience.’ Leadership being our core theme, I learnt to take initiative rather than waiting for instructions. I also learnt the art of balancing authority with collaboration—leading peers while still being part of the team. A small but very powerful realisation was understanding that big events succeed only when every small role is performed well”.

Devansh reflected, “Tasks need to be divided, and communication is key… teamwork and adaptability give you the confidence to take the lead when your teammates are stuck.”

The conference concluded with creative showcases, final Baraza sessions, and a closing ceremony, leaving students with not just memories but tangible insights. Diya summed it up: “Growth often comes when you allow yourself to be vulnerable, to connect, and to see beyond just ‘I.’”

The Round Square Conference 2025 at Sunbeam Lahartara was not merely an event but a transformative journey. It celebrated youth leadership, cultural diversity, and the courage of self-discovery, fully living up to its theme “The Eyes Behind the ‘I’.” For the 242 young changemakers who participated, it was an unforgettable experience that inspired them to lead with empathy, authenticity, and vision for a better world.