Anand Utsav is a very special event that occurs in our school and a way of giving to those who help us maintain the working environments of our school- the didis (helpers). It is an event where students unite and prepare and plan a range of fun games, events and food together creating a feel of joy and appreciation. Besides brightening the faces of people who work hard behind the scenes, this event offers an outstanding chance to the students so that they can grow personally. In the learning outcomes (LO1, LO5, LO6) of this experience, I learned the valuable lessons and acquired competent skills that can assist me even outside the school setting.

LO1 Identify own strengths and develop areas for growth

Anand Utsav allows me to realize what I am strong in and what can be improved. During the organisation of the event, I realised I had skills such as teamwork, communication, and leadership. I also define those areas that need development, e.g. time management or thinking about problems. Partaking in various elements of the event, I am forced to develop and feel more confident in my abilities.

Learning Outcome 5: Demonstrate skills and benefits of working collaboratively

The volunteers did show similarity in terms of how they all came together to work as a team during the planning of the event as well as the implementation of the event. To ensure that the event proceeded as smoothly as possible we shared basic tasks. My personal contribution involved work with the interiors of the venues of the event as well as supporting various groups of support staff move in-between venues. This experience shows clearly the talents and advantages of teamwork.

Learning Outcome 6: Engagement with issues of global significance

Anand Utsav approached the more general problem of the appreciation and value of the work of support staff which is not usually understood or valued in a school or work environment. When we honor them based on their efforts, we inculcate a culture of appreciation and respect which is vital in any community. This experience has made me pay more attention to the need to appreciate everyone in the work towards positive environment.

Lo7: Recognise and consider the ethics of choices and actions
At the time of organizing Anand Utsav, I realized that as a student we had an ethical responsibility. Because the occasion was in the honour of our school staff, we needed to ensure that any decision we reached was respectful and considerate. We also needed to be inclusive to make all staff members (teachers, administrative staff, and support staff) feel equally appreciated and valued. As we planned games and dances, we also needed to ensure that we planned activities that were fitting, sensitive to the culture and would not offend anyone.

Resource management was another ethical issue. We ensured that we made deliberate decisions not to waste food and other materials, and that we shared responsibilities fairly among the student team so that everyone could contribute equally. All these activities helped me to remember that there are not so many decisions that can influence the experience of other people, even though they are considered small. Being aware of this allowed me to be more considerate and responsible during the event.