A King Constantine Medal Story – Armaan Ahmad, Sunbeam School Lahartara, India

King Constantine Medal 2025: Armaan Ahmad, Sunbeam School Lahartara, India

When Armaan Ahmad, an 18-year-old from Sunbeam School Lahartara in India, first joined a Round Square conference, he was so shy he could barely speak in front of people he knew. But step by step, he discovered what Kurt Hahn meant when he said, “There is more in you than you know.” By continually pushing himself outside his comfort zone, Armaan grew into a confident leader who could listen, guide, and inspire others. In recognition of his journey, Armaan was awarded the King Constantine Medal.

It all began back in Class 6, in 2018, when our school was invited to The Doon School for the RS Regional Conference Inspire to Serve, Empowered to Lead, held in December that year. I still remember standing in assembly when our dean spoke about Round Square and how it offers opportunities and exposure to step out of one’s comfort zone. Being curious and eager to try something new, I signed up for my very first Round Square event.

That conference completely transformed my perspective. I began to truly understand the RS IDEALS, and every activity there challenged me to step further out of my comfort zone. Connecting with new people, learning from their experiences, and collaborating on projects was eye-opening. The service project, painting a school building, especially left a deep impression on me. It made me realise how important it is to give back to society and contribute meaningfully.

At the time, I was so shy I could hardly talk to people I already knew, and I lived with a constant fear of standing on stage or speaking even a few lines in front of an audience. That made my role as a Baraza leader during the RS Conference our school hosted in 2019—Surrender the Me for the We—one of the hardest things I had ever done. It was my first real leadership position, and communication did not come naturally. I struggled to open up. I was even a little stubborn about working in groups, sharing stories, and learning from others.

But that experience forced me to push my limits. Over the course of the conference, I learned to listen, adapt, and guide—not just direct. I began to understand that leadership is not about having all the answers, but about taking responsibility, helping others contribute, and creating a space where every voice is valued. It was a turning point for me. Slowly, I started to shed my hesitation and build real confidence.

From that point on, I made a promise to myself to keep going. I participated in more Round Square conferences, took on more challenges, and kept looking for opportunities to stretch myself. Over the years, those experiences have shaped me—not just as a leader, but as a person. They taught me that growth comes when you are willing to be uncomfortable, when you dare to step onto a stage even though your voice shakes, and when you take the risk of opening up to others.

I believe my journey has created a ripple effect. By stepping out of my comfort zone and taking part in service projects and conferences, I have shown other, especially the shy students who might feel the same way I once did, that it is possible to change. I have seen peers begin to share their voices, take initiative, and work together in ways they might not have before. Through the service projects we led, we not only improved the physical spaces around us, but we also showed our school community the importance of giving back.

For me, leadership has never been about titles. It is about responsibility, empathy, and setting an example through action. If even a handful of people have felt encouraged to take part, to contribute, or to believe in themselves because of something I did, then I count that as my proudest achievement.

Receiving the King Constantine Medal is deeply personal to me. For others, it may look like a recognition or a reward, but for me it is a reminder of the shy boy I used to be and how far I have come. It represents years of small steps, constant challenges, and the courage to keep moving forward. More than an award, it is a responsibilit to keep living by the Round Square IDEALS, to keep contributing, and to keep inspiring others to discover the “more” that lies within them, just as Kurt Hahn believed.

I am grateful for every opportunity, every mentor, and every teammate who has been part of this journey. To me, this is not a milestone I have reached, but a stepping stone toward the future. My journey with Round Square has shown me the power of community and the importance of giving back. It has also helped me discover who I am.

If there is one lesson I carry forward, it is this: leadership is as much about listening as it is about guiding, and every small action matters. For anyone who is shy, hesitant, or afraid to try, I hope my story shows that stepping up—even when it feels uncomfortable—can change not only who you are, but the impact you can make in the world.

Stepping Up with Confidence: Five Ways to Challenge Yourself

1. Take the first small step
   Don’t wait until you feel “ready.” Sign up for something new, even if it feels scary. For Armaan, that first Round Square conference was the spark that changed everything.
2. Accept discomfort as part of growth
   Being shy or nervous is natural. Use those moments—whether it’s speaking two lines on stage or leading a group—as opportunities to stretch yourself, not avoid them.
3. Focus on responsibility, not perfection
   Leadership is not about being flawless or having all the answers. It’s about showing up, listening, and taking responsibility for your role.
4. Keep challenging yourself
   Don’t stop at one experience. Push yourself to take on more opportunities, roles, and projects, each one building your confidence and skills step by step.
5. Inspire others by example
   The best way to encourage fellow shy or hesitant students is to show them it’s possible. When you grow, you create a ripple effect that motivates others to step up too.

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