PeCon ’22 – The People’s Conference Opening Ceremony @ PESU

PES University kicked off the 7th edition of The People’s Conference, fondly known as PeCon, organized by the University’s own PES Model United Nations Society held on the 6th of October, 2022. The event was greatly anticipated since it was the first offline conference hosted by the PES MUN Society since 2019. The event had an overwhelming number of delegates in attendance, travelling from all parts of the country, making PeCon one of the most successful and eagerly anticipated MUN conferences across India. With a simulation of 7 committees and a stellar executive board, three days of intense debate and deliberation were bound to ensue.

PeCon ’22 was inaugurated with the invocation and ceremonial lighting of the lamp in the opening ceremony of the Conference. This was followed by a dulcet prayer song, sung by the University’s very own Ms. Shreya Adiga. The Dean of Student Affairs, Dr. V. Krishna addressed the gathering of delegates and expressed his love for the mania of MUNs and how it has developed from a niche concept to a widely renowned and accepted form of debate about issues that plague the globe.

The opening ceremony was presided over by the esteemed chief guest, Dr. Rajeev Gowda, a former Member of Parliament, representing Karnataka in the Rajya Sabha, and a distinguished academic. He addressed the crowd and imparted his valuable knowledge and experience to the gathering. He spoke at length about the importance of MUNs and the role it plays in the development of students in the modern age. The delegates were enlightened about the influence of social media and how it polarizes public opinion on various geopolitical matters worldwide. The delegates were inspired to have a fruitful conference ahead and put their best foot forward after listening to the words of the esteemed chief guest. The opening ceremony was also graced by Dr. Shailashree Haridas, Dean of Management and Commerce, PES University. 

Prof. D Jawahar, Pro-Chancellor, PES University, congratulated the organizing team of PeCon’22 and wished the conference the very best. Prof. D Jawahar presented a memento to Dr. Rajeev Gowda on behalf of the University.

The ceremony was concluded with a moving speech by the Secretary-General and President of the PES MUN Society, Tarun Aiyappa. The Secretary-General’s speech truly expanded the delegate’s prospects and expectations of the quality PeCon has to offer. The opening ceremony was brought to a close by the ceremonial handing over of gavels to the Executive Board members of the seven committees of PeCon ’22. The Conference was hence declared open with the resonating sound of the Secretary-General’s gavel with massive applause from the delegates in attendance.