Every now and then, a news story brings a little joy. This is one such. After organising the inaugural edition of I.I.M.U.N.'s UK Study Tour, the world's largest youth-run non-profit organisation - India's International Movement to Unite Nations (I.I.M.U.N.) founded in 2011 and headquartered in Mumbai, curated the second edition of the I.I.M.U.N. UK Study Tour 2025 from the 24th January to the 30th January, 2025 for 60 future leaders from across India with a vision of bringing young minds together to better understand our shared culture.
On the 25th of January, Designed to provide students with a view of blending Indian perspectives with British heritage, the tour began with visits to iconic locations such as Ambedkar Bhavan, the Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, a cruise on River Thames and the experience of the London Eye, setting the tone for an enriching journey.
On the 26th of January, the group was a part of the official Republic Day celebrations of the Indian High Commission in London. High Commissioner of India to the United Kingdom, H.E. Vikram Doraiswami, noted, “This is the second time the study tour is taking place, and I’m glad to see its consistency. That is what truly matters. India-UK ties are strong, but I.I.M.U.N. is ensuring the connections between tomorrow’s leaders are even stronger.
Apart from this, students were taken to see some of the best universities. The itinerary included a visit to the London School of Economics (LSE) and an event at King’s College, London (KCL). At KCL, the students explored the university’s campus & interacted with peers from various faculties, ranging from education in the UK to life in the UK.
A key highlight the following day was the visit to Imperial College London (ICL), a global powerhouse in science-based education. Manvinder ‘Vindi’ Banga, Chair of the Council at Imperial College London and Chairman of UK Government Investments Limited, also met with the group to discuss potential educational collaborations and the qualities that a leader should possess. Further, at ICL, the students also sat for a demonstration/taster lecture by the chemistry professors of the college.
A milestone visit was their session in the British Parliament. Member of Parliament Bob Blackman, Baroness Sandip Verma, and others addressed the students. This unique opportunity allowed the students to gain insights into the workings of the British government and its institutions. Following the session, the delegation embarked on a tour of the Parliament, exploring its historic halls and chambers. This experience not only broadened their understanding of British politics but also provided a glimpse into the country's rich history and heritage.
The I.I.M.U.N. UK Study Tour 2025 saved the best for last! On January 29th, the delegation arrived at the iconic Oxford University, steeped in history and academic excellence. The students delved into the revered Oxford Library, uncovering ancient tomes and uncovering secrets of the past. They had a special classroom session at Lady Margaret Hall, where they engaged with Oxford's finest minds and gained invaluable insights.
I.I.M.U.N. operates in 220 cities across 35 countries, holding annual programs in 108 cities and 15 countries- striving to unite the world by spreading the idea of India amongst school and college students. With an Advisory Board comprising eminent personalities such as Ajay Piramal, Deepak Parekh, Nadir Godrej, A.R. Rahman, and Shashi Tharoor, the organization has positively impacted over 50 million adolescents. Remarkably, it is run entirely by individuals aged 16-22, many of whom have gone on to become elected officials, civil servants, lawyers, doctors, and engineers
