Utopian timeline, TV shows and surprise committees - Model United Nation (MUN) meets in city schools have left no genres unexplored over the past couple of years. The Heritage MUN (THSMUN) 2016 was different - it chose to stick to convention.

Participants of around 12 schools, including Don Bosco, Park Circus, Loreto House, St. James' School, St. Xavier's Collegiate School and Calcutta Boys' School, turned delegates for five committees to discuss and resolve world crises.

While the United Nations Security Council assessed the principle of the Responsibility to Protect and discussed its impact in the current geopolitical scenario, the Lok Sabha committee deliberated on the bills to be proposed, amended or abrogated at the All India Political Parties' Meet. Each participant at this meet role-played a politician, complete with look-alike attire and exhaustive background research.

The Executive Committee of the National Security Council of the US featured 25 members who discussed measures to counter the missile threat from Cuba. With around 70 delegates in action, the Fourth Committee of the UN General Assembly was the biggest at the three-day meet. The issues on its agenda included prevention of militarisation and peaceful use of outer space.

For Anuragh Dasgupta of St. Xavier's College School, the committees at the MUN had a real feel. "I have been MUNning for a long time. What I liked best about THSMUN is that the committees functioned exactly as the actual ones would," said the Class XI student, who was crowned Best Delegate in the committee.

During its deliberation, the United Nations Human Rights Council touched upon a sensitive topic - contemporary forms of slavery. The "journalists" from International Press Corps were on their toes throughout the meet with updated briefings from the proceedings.

Prompt response to challenging situations and exhaustive research helped Don Bosco, Park Circus, clinch the Best Delegation trophy. St. James' School won the Outstanding Delegation trophy. "As the secretary general of the MUN, I had a number of responsibilities to fulfil. It was a learning experience for me, one that will stand me in good stead," said Rahul Das, a Class XII student of the host school.

"MUNs help students to think on their feet. They turn delegates for a few days and work on solutions to the problems that are plaguing the world. Also, this is a good platform for children to make friends and share ideas," said principal Seema Sapru.