The Social Leadership Development Program (SLDP) 2024, held from August 12th to 14th at MIT World Peace University, was a transformative three-day initiative designed to instill social leadership values in first-year students. The program aimed to inspire students to become change-makers, equipped to address societal challenges with empathy, collaboration, and innovation.

Day 1: Inauguration and Inspirational Sessions

The event commenced with a grand inauguration, setting the tone for the next three days. The first session, "#WeTheChangeMakers: Pathway to Success," emphasized sustainability as a core component of social leadership. Eminent speakers shared their journeys, showcasing how sustainable practices can lead to excellence. The day continued with "#UniversityConnect," where the theme "Metanoia: A Transformational Odyssey" was introduced, followed by "Stories of Change" highlighting real-life examples of community participation and conflict resolution. The speakers, including Mr. Pravin Nikam and Ms. Sunitha Krishnan, provided invaluable insights into creating harmony through social leadership.

Day 2: Focus on Environment and Innovation

The second day revolved around sustainability and innovation. The session on "Climate Resilient Food Systems" explored the critical role of sustainable agriculture in food security. Esteemed speakers, including Mr. Jacob Nellithanam and Mr. Mohan Borah, discussed grassroots entrepreneurship and the farm-to-fork concept. The following session on "Leadership for Environment and Sustainable Development" urged students to innovate for a greener future, with notable contributions from Mr. Sanjay Gubbi and Mr. Anirudh Chaoji. The day concluded with a focus on "Entrepreneurship and Innovation," where the importance of social innovation in building a better future was highlighted.

Day 3: Empowering Change-Makers

The final day began with a session on "Green Leaders: Reimagining Urban Ecology," which emphasized the need for eco-resilient cities. Speakers like Ms. Shailaja Deshpande and Mr. Pasha Patel inspired students to rethink urban spaces. The session "Awakening the Phoenix Within" addressed personal transformation and resilience, with environmentalist Ms. Licypriya Kangujam sharing her journey. The program concluded with a session on "Vocal for Local," where artisans shared their success stories, demonstrating the impact of supporting local initiatives.

The SLDP 2024 was a resounding success, embodying the spirit of #WeTheChangeMakers, #AmbassadorsOfHope, and #LeadToChangeForGood. The program left a lasting impression on the students, empowering them to be ambassadors of change in their communities.