INDIRA GANDHI'S CABINET
AGENDA
Discussing the aftermath of operation Smiling Buddha
and India's International relations
About Committee
“The Pokhran tests were not a choice; they were a declaration”
– Indira Gandhi
India, during the Cold War, found itself embroiled in geopolitical tensions, observing a rapidly shifting international power dynamic. India, the nation we know now, was no more than a mere pawn in the game of international politics played masterfully by the United States of America and the Soviet Union. Pakistan and China, not sharing an unruffled history with India, were, with no reservations, planning on launching a full scale nuclear program. India stood on the crossroads: would she lie dormant or would she shock the world into a revelation of her innate power?
This committee delves into the heart of a decision that sent shockwaves across the global geopolitical landscape. The Pokhran I tests, more popularly known as the “Smiling Buddha Operation” were conducted on 18th May, 1974 and were India’s testament to the international community.
Fortunately, for India, the tests foreshadowed soon-to-emerge headlines, on India becoming the world’s sixth nuclear power. India had emerged as an adversary to be reckoned with. This decision was a blueprint for diplomatic brilliance. However, as diplomats with no inkling of the events of the future, you are faced with the most vexing dilemma, the aftermath: calm or chaos? Is this a flickering candle in the landscape of world politics or is it a beacon of blazing light in the galaxy of nations?
In this committee, we scrutinize Indian politics and state-affairs, as an unassuming desert canvas, still cloaked in secrecy now bearing the fresh imprint of a thousand suns, takes the country by storm. In addition to deliberating on the unfurling events at Pokhran, will also delve into the complexities of the high-stake drama that ensued, whilst upholding confidentiality, considering geopolitical tension, the relentless pursuit of security, and drastic amendments in global perception. Together, we shall embark on a journey to uncover the untold accounts, the political intricacies and the scientific marvels that emerged from this operation. As delegates of this committee, you will be expected to engage in skilful negotiations toeing the very fine line between national interest and international amity with dynamic paperwork, and unflinching loyalty to the nation in your attempt to decide the fate of India in the international realm.
To conclude:
The Buddha did finally smile.
Chairpersons' Address
Greetings delegates!
“Watergate scandal deepens: Nixon resigns”, “Railways Halted: The Track Standstill”, “Naxalites ravage Bengal” and “World Held Hostage by OPEC Oil Embargo”: Welcome to 1974. As we discuss another world-stirring event, the Pokhran I tests conducted by ‘The Iron Lady’ that transformed the world’s perspective on India, we hold the key to future of our nation in our hands. Every decision made by you will be met by criticism and every action by scrutiny as the impactful events of May 18th put India under the microscope. As ministers who constitute the cabinet of Indira Gandhi, you are required to charter India’s path towards becoming the sixth nuclear power. Refined paperwork and adept diplomacy are indispensable if you want to redefine India’s position in the international arena and ensure her security without promoting hostility in the international community.
An introduction to the chairpersons:
If you see someone missing classes as well as her breaks to take care of the one hundred extra curricular activities she’s engaged in, with atleast 25 files and documents, be rest assured you’ve found Divyanshi Bajaj (also your deputy secretary-general). The perfect blend of Rory Gilmore and Blair Waldorf, Divyanshi strikes the balance between intimidating and stressed. You’ll quite literally find her to be “gone girl” and never know where she is until she shows up with the most bitter Starbucks coffee and her laptop, calling it therapy. Divyanshi is probably busier than Elon Musk, doing her 1534 classes (we calculated quite literally) or doing a thesis on the UN Charter having carrying it around every single day for the past 4 years of her life. An amazing researcher, academic weapon and speaker, she is someone who’ll give it her life and soul to make sure you have the most engulfing experience in an MUN ever!
To find your chairperson, Sufiya Ahmed, you need to find a 12th grade Science student with a coffee tumbler. Sleep deprived but always willing to help, Sufiya is one of the most approachable students usually found in her classroom sleeping or in the chemistry lab crying over titration; she will probably be the doctor with more diseases than Grey’s Anatomy. Conversations with her never get boring, mainly because you never get a chance to speak and may get sidelined by her jokes. You can usually find her vibing to songs which range from Taylor Swift to Mohit Chauhan and everything in between. Getting on her good books is quite easy, a Modern Family or Shahrukh Khan reference does the job. Giving her best in everything she does, she is a flexible hard worker who will provide you with the most entertaining MUN experience you have ever had.
Until May,
Sufiya Ahmed and Divyanshi Bajaj,
Chairpersons,
Indira Gandhi’s Cabinet, 1974,
La Martiniere Calcutta Model United Nations, 2024.
