The experience I proposed and took part in was “Anand Utsav,” where I was an organizing member of the core committee. Anand Utsav was designed as a tribute to our school’s support staff. The aim was to reduce the inequality between students and them, while appreciating their continuous hard work. The event involved several activities such as performances, creating thank-you notes, dancing, and playing games with the support staff. The primary goal was to break down social barriers, bring joy, and express gratitude for the people who contribute to our daily school life, all while ensuring the smooth coordination and success of the event.

This CAS experience falls under all three strands: Creativity, Activity, and Service. Creativity was involved in planning the event and coming up with meaningful ways to engage with the support staff. Activity was represented by the physical involvement in dances, games, and performances. Service was the heart of this experience—showing appreciation and giving back to those who work tirelessly behind the scenes. This event strongly aligned with SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) and SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), as it fostered a sense of community, equality, and mental well-being by making the support staff feel valued and included.

Learning Outcomes (LOs)

LO 1: Identify Own Strengths and Develop Areas for Growth
During Anand Utsav, I recognized both my strengths and weaknesses. My strength lies in organizing events and managing people, as I was able to efficiently coordinate multiple aspects of the celebration. However, a weakness I discovered was my difficulty in delegating tasks. I often took on too much responsibility myself, which caused unnecessary stress. Now that I am aware of this, I feel more capable of growing in this area by trusting others to take on important roles. Recognizing our strengths and weaknesses is essential, as it allows us to build on what we do well and improve in areas where we fall short. If I had overcome my reluctance to delegate, I believe the event would have been even smoother.

LO 2: Demonstrate That Challenges Have Been Undertaken, Developing New Skills in the Process
One of the major challenges during Anand Utsav was ensuring the event ran smoothly while also maintaining the engagement and morale of the support staff. It was challenging because the event had to be meaningful yet fun, and balancing those elements required a lot of planning and flexibility. I had never organized something with such a personal connection to the attendees, and it felt important to get everything right. I overcame the challenge by keeping open communication with my team and breaking down the tasks into manageable steps. Undertaking this challenge made me realize that my leadership and event-planning skills have developed considerably. This skill will be useful in future situations where empathy and logistical planning intersect. It has boosted my confidence in taking on new challenges, making me feel more resourceful and capable.

LO 3: Demonstrate How to Initiate and Plan a CAS Experience
Planning Anand Utsav required a lot of organization. I had to create a timeline, coordinate with performers, and ensure that all the materials needed for games and activities were ready. I am generally organized, but this event pushed me to take it to another level. The most difficult part was initiating the collaboration between different teams. Some members were reluctant at first, and it took extra effort to make sure everyone was on the same page. Through this process, I discovered that I’m good at managing deadlines and ensuring accountability within a team. I believe planning future events will be easier now that I’ve experienced such a large-scale activity. Knowing how to plan and initiate is essential because it lays the foundation for successful execution.

LO 4: Show Commitment to and Perseverance in CAS Experiences
Commitment was key to making Anand Utsav a success. It required persistence, from planning to execution, and coordinating a large number of people, which sometimes led to overwhelming situations. Despite the difficulties, I remained committed because I believed in the cause. There were times when it would have been easy to give up or hand over responsibilities, but my perseverance paid off. This experience taught me that sticking to something even when it’s difficult can lead to rewarding outcomes. I feel proud of the level of commitment I showed throughout the process.

LO 5: Demonstrate the Skills and Recognize the Benefits of Working Collaboratively
Working with others is generally easy for me, but this event had its challenges, especially when it came to coordinating with different teams and handling differing opinions. Despite these hurdles, we all worked toward a common goal, and the teamwork made the event successful. I had to work with some individuals who were difficult to communicate with, but I handled it by being patient and keeping our shared purpose in mind. Teamwork was crucial, as it ensured every part of the event ran smoothly, from performances to the activities. The collaborative effort was the backbone of this CAS experience.

LO 6: Demonstrate Engagement With Issues of Global Significance
The issue at the heart of Anand Utsav was social inequality. By engaging with the support staff and showing appreciation, we addressed the importance of reducing inequality and creating inclusive communities. This issue is globally significant, as it highlights the need for dignity and respect for every individual, regardless of their role. Understanding this issue made me more aware of the small yet significant ways we can contribute to creating a more equal society. This experience made me feel more connected to the broader issue of social justice and inspired me to continue advocating for equality.

LO 7: Recognize and Consider the Ethics of Choices and Actions
Ethically, this event was all about acknowledging the value of every individual. The ethical issue involved was whether or not we, as students, were doing enough to recognize and appreciate the efforts of those who support us daily. Before this activity, I didn’t fully grasp the depth of their contribution, but after organizing the event, I have a much greater appreciation for the people who make our school environment better. This experience made me reflect on how important it is to act with compassion and gratitude, and I’m committed to making more ethical choices in my interactions with others.

Final Takeaway

Through Anand Utsav, I developed the learner profile traits of being caring and open-minded. I realized the deep connection between my academic subjects, such as economics, and this CAS experience in terms of understanding social structures and inequality. The highlight of the event was the joyful response from the support staff, which brought a sense of accomplishment and purpose. My perspectives on equality were challenged and broadened, and I am more motivated than ever to contribute to reducing inequalities in society. The skills and awareness I gained from this activity will help me in future community-building efforts and foster a spirit of empathy and gratitude in everything I do.