Through appealing panel discussions, off-the-cuff chats with leaders in revolution and interactive networking events we create the conditions for sharing of knowledge, notions and resources across multiplicity of sectors while accelerating fate and the development of meaningful connections. Beaconhouse came up with such an idea fifteen years back for the greater interest of public at large, considering it to be their social responsibility. School of Tomorrow (SOT) is an entirely public event without any entry or registration fee. Getting commendable response from the public, Beaconhouse is fulfilling the communal and cultural responsibility to the fullest.
This year, it was held in Lahore, instead of Karachi or Islamabad, at Royal Palm Golf and Country Club. The theme this year was a very catchy one: ‘Seeking inspiration and equilibrium in a New Age’. Being really interested in the genre and theme of it, I had the privilege to attend the event. Undoubtedly it has been a wonderful experience. Since it was a Lahore based literary and cultural event, I could not miss it being a teacher myself. Five dimensions related to future (due to which it has been named as ‘School of Tomorrow’) namely digital, balanced, safer, expressive and inclusive were counted in, with each having discussions, debates, workshops as well as a film festival. Social media was bursting with information and applauds regarding the event which held this year. The event successfully catered all age groups and interests. One can see the entire buzz with official hashtags #SOT2016, #SOTLahore and #SOTEvents. The event was a gigantic hit with around 160 speakers from around the world sharing their knowledge and experiences.
I would be sharing some prominent highlights from the event:
There were around 60 sessions and each had its own importance and significance. It became difficult for me to choose between among all. Most of the sessions were of 60 minutes, a Q&A session at the end. I thoroughly enjoyed:
- Jibran Nasir gave the audience many reality checks and asked many thought-provoking questions.
- Musical performance by Ali Sethi on the Gala Dinner was pretty hyotic.
- Keynote speech by none other than Fawad Khan, on the opening of second day.
- Hajra Khan gave obliged tips like how to turn your passion into career.
- Jugnu Mohsin asked sweltering questions to make people realise about the population bomb
- Ayesha Tammy Haq and Sidra Iqbal stressed that freedom of expression should have no boundaries.
- Singing sensation Ali Azmat divulged as a concerned parent.
- Omair Rana emphasised on ‘Zero Guns on Campus’
- Tina Sani, blew the audience away with her brainy discussion and a Capella singing.
- Sadaf Zarrar explaining how to maintain a balance between work and home.
- Salima Hashmi shared her experiences related to her passion and work and how to keep a happy family.
- Legendary Zia Mohyuddin created a spell with his mesmerising personality
- Deepak Perwani’s logical stance about the varying fashion trends.
- Last but not the least, Atif Aslam came live in concert on the closing of the ceremony.
The event was organised to raise awareness and no doubt created an understanding and attention among the community. Thought-leaders from different areas shared their knowledge and expertness on topics such as fashion, education, food, health, energy and work. Genuinely speaking, we are in dire need of such discussion forums for a balanced and composed society.