Nagpur’s Chinmay among two students to represent India at international meet in Russia
   Date :31-Mar-2026

Chinmay Ghike with from left Chetna Thakre Prakash Somalwar and Damodar Thombre
 Chinmay Ghike with (from left) Chetna Thakre, Prakash Somalwar and Damodar Thombre.
 
 
Staff Reporter :
 
To travel to Smolensk, Russia, to participate in Coordination Council Meeting from April 13 
 
Chinmay Ghike, a class 9 student from city, has been chosen as one of only two students who will represent India at the International Association of Children’s Organisation (IACO). The selection process Chinmay had to undergo was not easy. The participants had to create and submit a logo along with a comprehensive brand book that embodied the organisation’s vision of global friendship, youth collaboration, and diplomacy. His innovative and thoughtful submission distinguished him, granting him this exceptional international opportunity. Chinmay, a student of Somalwar School, Nikalas, was guided and mentored by teacher in-charge Chetna Thakre during this project. This chance was made possible through the International School Diplomacy Project 2025-26, conducted in partnership with the BRICS Youth Alliance. Somalwar School, Nikalas, is among the 12 schools across India selected to take part in this initiative. 
 
Chinmay to discuss global issues
 
Chinmay will now attend the Coordination Council Meeting in Smolensk, Russia, from April 13 to 17. Representatives from over 20 countries will gather to discuss important global issues, including the development of the organisation’s international brand book. As one of these young delegates, Chinmay will proudly represent India on the global stage. The programme is fully funded by the organisers, covering travel, accommodation, and all necessary logistics, offering students valuable international exposure.
 
The Secretary of Somalwar Academy, Prakash Somalwar congratulated Chinmay on this outstanding achievement, while Principal Damodar Thombre ensured all the necessary support to Chinmay. The International School Diplomacy Club Project (2025-26) is a global youth initiative launched by Russian institutions in collaboration with international youth platforms, including the BRICS Youth Alliance. The project aims to foster cultural exchange, youth cooperation, and the development of soft diplomacy skills among school students. Currently, the project includes 30 countries, 61 regions of Russia, over 350 School Diplomacy Clubs, and more than 4,000 participants, showcasing its extensive global reach and impact. From India, only 12 schools have been selected to participate, with Somalwar School, Nikalas, proudly among them. Other members of the School Diplomacy Club include Abhiram Joshi, Aishwarya Padwad, Renuka Deshkar, Pradnesh Pohane, Meera Kulkarni, Vartika Gaikwad, Narayani Junankar, Aryana Pandharipande, Aarya Patil, Shounak Chinchmalaputre, and Shlok Sangitrao.