The Biggest Problem

I abruptly snapped out of a trance. I had been staring at the screen for perhaps the last ten minutes. Four topics - there were just 4 topics in total.

1. "It’s worth remembering that it is often the small steps, not the giant leaps, that bring about the most lasting change."– Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. What small steps can you take to help tackle the climate crisis?   

2. Write a speech highlighting what you think is the most challenging issue facing the world today, and how Commonwealth values can be used to solve it.      

3. At the heart of Samoan way of life is ‘aiga’, meaning ‘family’ values including selflessness, hospitality, co-operation, respect and dignity. What core values and ideas from your culture can be used to enhance co-operation and community in the Commonwealth?  

4. The Commonwealth’s London Declaration aimed to strive for peace, liberty and progress. Write a letter to your President or Prime Minister about how to achieve those aims. 

These were perfect. All these topics were the things I was passionate about. 

But this was my last year. Last year to write something that could have an impact.

And as I looked at them again, I realised I wanted to write something different. Something that not many talked about. 

What is the most challenging issue facing the world today?

Climate change? Poverty? Health crisis? Overpopulation?

Yes. Definitely. But these are talked about - by far more knowledgeable than me.

Then maybe, I should be talking to children, those who are younger than me.

What is something I would want to explain to the young?

Be kind to others. Be honest. Don't bully anyone.....

And as I started listing things, I realised all of them had one thing in common: Values.

Values, isn't it? Values need to be taught to children. Values will make or break them.

So, I open a fresh clean document and stare at it with a tiny smile. I love looking at new pages before I start writing. It's like a promise that it'll be filled up with words and wonder.

I write in bold - THE QUEEN'S COMMONWEALTH ESSAY COMPETITION 2024

Enter. Title. Power-Ups for Life: How Commonwealth Values Shape Our World

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I make my way to the podium, taking a deep breath. This deep breath, however, is nothing

like the nervous one I used to take back when I was in middle school - a scrawny girl in the

school uniform, her short hair up - right before my compering days. Here, I was backstage,

as the alumna!

Ms. Kullar sprints in, with a hand over her microphone, and whispers, “Your turn, sweetie.

You better go right in.” I nod, give her a quick smile, and make my way to the stage. I turn my head to the students, but the studio lights on the stage are almost blinding, so it takes me a

minute to adjust my eyes.

The crowd I can see is diverse - as it always is in school. Around a third of the students are dozing off, some of them seem to be whispering to each other - probably about the recent gossips of the school, and about a quarter of the hall looks at me with curious eyes.

I tap on the mic to see if it’s working, and the mic squeals loudly bringing everybody’s attention onto me. “Happy to see it’s working,” I mutter, and being under the eyes of all the students now, I finally feel nervous. “Good morning esteemed faculty, dear students, and our very special guest from the Commonwealth,” I begin, “It is truly great to be here, after almost two years, with styled hair and less questionable fashion choices, even though I decided to stick with our original navy blue,” I gesture towards my blue sweater.

“I remember sitting here a few years ago and wondering if I’d be able to skip my math class

if this session took some time and then, whether I’d ever use the Pythagoras Theorem in

real life or if we’d ever need the periodic table while ordering something in a cafe. Yet, here I am,

somewhat wiser than before, and thrilled to share a few thoughts with you all.

“Today, I want to tackle a mystery, or rather a problem - a special kind, which thankfully, has

nothing to do with what you do in your science classes. It’s about something that affects our

decisions - all of them. Mundane, monumental. Any guesses?”

“Emotions,” I hear a small voice saying. I squint my eyes to find a skinny boy with huge spectacles

perched precariously on the tip of his nose.

I hum, nodding, “That’s a great guess.”

“What about peer pressure?” Another voice chimes in. A girl stands up, her bright pink dress

signalling it's her birthday—a rare day when students are allowed to wear coloured dresses.

“Well...that’s actually very mature but not quite,” I take a look around the audience,

extending an encouraging smile. “Let me give you the answer: Values. Now, the real issue

we’re discussing today is not just values themselves but the lack thereof, which can lead us

to make poor decisions or simply follow the crowd right off the proverbial cliff.

“Imagine you’re in your favourite store and there’s a massive sale. You spot the last bottle of

Nutella. Now, let’s say you haven’t eaten Nutella for months now. This is your only chance to

get it. From the opposite side, a group of your schoolmates are running towards the aisle.

What do you do? Do you push others out of your way? Or do you line up and hope for the

best. Your actions depend on your values. And just like the sale, there isn’t enough Nutella

for everyone who wants it. Quick note, Nutella refers to chocolate, but it also refers to natural

resources and opportunities.”

I hear chuckles from parts of the room.

“I’m glad that’s clear,” I grin. “This is where the Commonwealth comes in. According to a survey done last week, here’s what most of you think the Commonwealth is.” I take out a piece of paper from my pocket and read the scrawny handwriting.

“A group of diplomats who chat over tea and scones.”

Naughty giggles fill the room once again, but to my utter shock, I hear Ms. Kullar laugh loudly from backstage. In the fourteen years of my school life, I have never heard her laugh.

I turn my attention back to the crowd, a playful smirk pulling at the corners of my mouth.

“Actually, the Commonwealth is much more than some might think. It's not about officials enjoying fancy tea parties, but rather an organisation spanning continents and cultures, committed to a shared set of values, which will help us decide whether to shove or queue politeness. They tell us that fairness, respect and integrity matter, and no, to answer what you may be thinking, chocolate is not an exception.

“Now let's dive into one of the Commonwealth treasures, shall we? Our special guest will be exploring all of the treasures, but I’ll just be mentioning one - it’s called Access to Health, Education, Food, and Shelter. Think of it this way: Imagine playing a video game without any power-ups or checkpoints. That sounds tough, right? I can’t think of a single game like that.

Well, that is what life is like without these basic needs being met. It's like trying to run a marathon on an empty stomach!

“Think about this: each decision you make, whether it’s choosing not to litter, standing up to bullies for a friend, or even deciding to learn something new instead of watching television all day, is like collecting a power-up in your favourite game. It boosts you up, makes you stronger, and makes you and everyone else playing better equipped.

“Let’s play a quick imagination activity. Everybody close your eyes and imagine. You are the hero of a video game. A game made just for you. And in this game, every level you beat makes the world a little better. Beat Level One, and boom—someone gets a meal! Finished Level Two? You’ve just helped clean up a park! By the time you hit the final round, you’ve made sure everyone in your neighbourhood has a safe place to sleep.”

I pause. “Please open your eyes.”

I take a second to look into the eyes of the students. “Doesn't that sound like a game worth playing? Well, here’s the good news. You’re already playing it, every day, with the choices you make. Your choices ultimately they will define the kind of person you are. It’s upon you to follow the GPS in the right direction, or get swayed by the crowd. Become leaders, not followers—well, that is unless someone shows a shortcut to the cafeteria, then by all means, lead the way!”

I hear a small whisper from the back and see Ms Kuller point at her watch. I nod to her and then turn back to the crowd. “So, as we wrap up today, remember that each of you has the power to influence the world with the choices you make. Like any great game, life isn’t just about reaching the final level, it’s about how you reach it, and the role you play along the way. The values we’ve discussed today - fairness, respect and integrity - aren’t just ideals.

They are your powerups.

“I’d like to end with a quote I found...on Pinterest I think? ‘The future isn’t written, but each of you has a pen.’ Now without further ado, I’d like to invite our special guest, who can dive much deeper into these values. Please give a round of applause for Mr. Gupta!”

I get off the stage and walk towards the back of the auditorium, from where I see Mr. Gupta

approaching the stage. “Nice speech,” he says. “I’ll see you on Monday?”

I nod. “With the report on your desk.”

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I am ecstatic to tell you all that I have been awarded the Gold Award in the Queen’s Commonwealth Competition 2024!

Getting this international award seems so surreal, especially for something that is so close to my heart (my anatomical heart🫀)

I can't wait to write something impactful, something that I can cherish just like this writeup and of course - write another blog very soon.

Loads of love (and loads of words ;)),

Diti♡