Mumbai: In a significant event, Prince Edward, the Duke of Edinburgh and youngest brother of Britain’s King Charles III, during his visit to India, met with students and representatives of the Mumbai-based Singapore International School (SIS), Gold and Silver Award recipients of the International Award for Young People (IAYP). This interaction was a part of his broader mission to promote youth development and community service.
Interacting with students, Prince Edward appreciated their immense work and talents.
Established by his late father, Prince Philip, in 1956, the IAYP, also known as the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, is a globally recognised programme that fosters personal development, leadership, and resilience among youth.
At SIS, the IAYP programme, which commenced in 2008, encourages students to engage in skill-building, physical activities, and community service. This prestigious award recognises individual achievements and inspires others to strive for excellence. In the academic year 2023-24, 51 students from SIS received Gold Awards. For the academic year 2024-25, 72 students will receive the Gold Award. The programme’s focus on personal development, leadership, and resilience has been instrumental in shaping the students’ character and preparing them for future challenges.
Narrating her experience Vanshika, a student, said, “IAYP wasn’t just a programme, it was a trial by fire in problem-solving.” Vanshika’s project, which included research on accessibility barriers for the visually impaired, led to the creation of a tactile floor plan for Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, a UNESCO-accredited museum. This innovative solution has the potential to improve the museum’s accessibility significantly and enhance the experience for visually impaired visitors, demonstrating the real-world impact of the student’s projects.
The enthused student adds, “IAYP wasn’t just about service; it was about systems change. It turned ideas into blueprints, blueprints into action.
Sharing his interaction with the Duke of Edinburgh, another SIS student, Prakhar Mandhani, said, “I had the opportunity to speak about my work in the agricultural sector, particularly my initiative to introduce drone technology for precision farming. I explained how my efforts have helped train over 20 drone pilots, enabling them to adopt modern agricultural techniques while providing sustainable livelihoods. Additionally, I highlighted my service work in capacity-building projects for rural communities, including mushroom cultivation programs and initiatives aimed at improving financial literacy among farmers.”
Encouraging the youngster Prince Edward, who expressed genuine interest in how technology could transform traditional farming methods, acknowledged the impact of such initiatives in fostering sustainable development and empowering local communities. “His words of encouragement reinforced my commitment to expanding these efforts and creating further opportunities for innovation in agriculture,” said Prakhar.
Furthermore, SIS director Sharonee Mullick emphasised the students’ sense of accomplishment, saying, “Singapore International School feels great pride in this student’s achievement in this programme.”
