Mahabharata: The Emergency Council of Kurukshetra, 3138 BC
Agenda: Prevention of the Mahabharata
‘In war, there are no real victors — only survivors.’
— Mahabharata, Stri Parva
The kingdoms of Aryavarta now stand at a tipping point. What began as a royal dispute between the Kauravas and the Pandavas has spiraled into a regional crisis – drawing kings, sages and warriors from every corner of the subcontinent, all bound by alliances, rivalries and dharma. With diplomacy failing and armies assembling, the fate of Aryavarta hangs in the balance.
At the heart of the conflict lies the question of succession. The Pandavas, once granted the forested land of Khandavaprastha, transformed it into Indraprastha – a thriving capital that rivalled Hastinapur itself. Their success sowed seeds of resentment in Duryodhana, who saw it as a threat to Kaurava dominance.
Fuelled by envy, Duryodhana invited Yudhishthira to a game of dice, fully aware of his cousin’s weakness for gambling. Unable to resist, Yudhishthira accepted the invitation and, as the game progressed, kept raising the stakes. Ultimately, whether by chance or through manipulation, the Pandavas lost everything: their wealth, their kingdom and most devastatingly, their queen, Draupadi.
The consequences of Yudhishithira’s losses were grave. Draupadi was summoned to the royal court, where she was disrobed, an act that deeply violated her dignity. Many elders and sages remained silent, despite championing righteousness and vowing to uphold morality as
well as justice. This public degradation marked a moment of profound humiliation, shaking the very foundations of justice and governance.
In the aftermath, the Pandavas were exiled for thirteen years, with the condition that upon their return, their rightful share of the kingdom would be restored. During their time in exile, they endured many hardships, living in forests and remote places, yet they held onto the hope
of return. However, despite the agreed terms of exile and promises of reconciliation, the Kauravas refused to relinquish the Pandavas’ share.
The Pandavas, in a final attempt to avoid war, tried to seek a peaceful settlement with Duryodhana. They asked for a modest share of five villages, but Duryodhana firmly rejected this offer, declaring he would not even give them ‘the tip of a needle’s point’. This refusal made it clear that reconciliation, at least under existing terms, was no longer an option.
Now, preparations for war are well underway. Armies are assembling, chariots are being readied and warriors are preparing to stake their lives for honour, duty and most importantly, dharma. Karna has been named Duryodhana’s chief commander, leading his armies with fierce loyalty and unmatched skill. An incarnation of Vishnu, Krishna serves as the Pandavas’ spiritual guide and political advisor. Possessing divine foresight and unmatched diplomacy, he holds the power to turn fate itself, his words shape dharma, and his presence alters destiny.
However, if diplomacy does fail, the consequences of the war will be devastating. This would be no ordinary battle, it would be the great war, the Mahabharata. Thousands of warriors, including the noblest and bravest, would lose their lives. Dynasties would fall, lineages would end, and the battlefield would become a graveyard of kings. Great rhetoric
As both sides prepare for war, loyalties are divided. Some stand firmly with the Kauravas, citing law and lineage, while others support the Pandavas, citing justice and moral duty. A few still remain undecided, torn between preserving peace and upholding dharma, but as the Gita reminds us, ‘No one can remain without action even for a moment.’
In these tense and uncertain times, the Emergency Council may be the last opportunity to prevent a conflict that could end an era. As representatives of great kingdoms or individuals with great influence you must remember that your choices will not only shape the outcomes of this dispute but the very future of the entire subcontinent. Can peace be forged without forsaking justice? Can loyalty be preserved without forsaking righteousness? Or will history remember you as those who watched Aaryavarta descend into ruin?
Letter from the Director
Dear Delegates,
It is with great pride and enthusiasm that I welcome you to the Emergency Council of Kurukshetra, 3138 BC. This is a battlefield not of weapons, but of words, ideology, and desperate diplomacy. I am Raj Mehta and will have the honour to serve you as the director of this one-of-a-kind committee where everything is at stake: dynasties, dharma, and the destiny of Bharat itself.
Set on the eve of the great war of Mahabharata, this committee dares to challenge fate itself. The uniqueness of this council lies in its impossible mission to prevent the Mahabharata. With the freeze date just one day before war breaks out, you are standing on the edge of history, with dharma trembling under the weight of vengeance, pride, and radical agendas. Within this room, old grudges simmer. Kaurava egos, Pandava traumas, shattered alliances, divine interventions, and the burning embers of political ambition all linger in the air. Do not expect linear solutions. Every step toward peace will be met with veiled threats, emotional outbursts, and philosophical dilemmas. The question is not just whether war can be prevented, but whether it should be. Will dharma be saved, or reshaped beyond recognition in the attempt? In this high-stakes council, every voice has the power to alter destiny or doom it.
"The tongue is mightier than the blade when guided by wisdom; a single word may avert what a thousand arrows cannot."
Delegates, this quote captures the very essence of our committee. In a moment as fragile as this, every word you speak and every decision you take can shape the fate of Aryavarta. The battlefield may be ready, but the most powerful weapon lies within you — your ability to negotiate, persuade, and lead with wisdom. Only through diplomacy can this war be truly averted.
Before we dive into the war rooms of Kurukshetra, allow me to share a little about myself. Just as every delegate in this committee will bring their own perspective to shape the image of a character, I thought it only fair to let a few of my fellow CMUN directors paint a picture of me. Consider this a lighthearted introduction, and please, take it with absolutely no seriousness.
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"Raj is an enthusiastic debater and an even more enthusiastic talker, often laughing at jokes he doesn't fully get. His music taste is questionable, and his laugh has been compared to a distressed chicken, but he's a chill guy nonetheless. When the MUN starts, however, he brings solid research, composure, and energy to the table — and to this committee with surety."
To give you a bit more context about myself, I am a Grade 12 student following the ISC curriculum at the Cathedral and John Connon School. My academic interests lie in Geopolitics, Economics, Finance, and International Business Studies. What fascinates me about these subjects is how they intersect, offering a dynamic lens through which we can understand the influence of political decisions on economies, how markets react to crises, and
how financial strategies shape the destiny of nations. This intersection brings both analytical depth and real-world relevance to every headline. These subjects align with my passions, and I plan to further pursue them by majoring in Finance.
Aside from my academic interests, I also have a passion for mythology, which is actually what inspired this committee's agenda. I find Indian mythology, in particular, incredibly fascinating because it blends cosmic mysteries, moral dilemmas, and deeply human emotions into stories that have stood the test of time. These aren't just tales of gods and demons—they explore the complexities of dharma, the challenges of fate, and the consequences of the choices we make. What I love most about mythology is that it's never one-dimensional. It invites us to think, reflect, and come up with our own interpretations. Naturally, the Mahabharat, the most renowned epic in Indian mythology, became the perfect backdrop for this committee.
I hold an interest in sports too. FC Barcelona is my favourite football team ( yes, we are winning the treble this year) and Mumbai Indians is my favourite cricket team. I am a passionate football fan and do often get into arguments with my friends about performances of various clubs but I think one thing, we all can unanimously agree on is that Arsenal are never winning the UCL.
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When it comes to MUNs, I would describe my journey as more about growth than accolades. While my record in terms of awards may be modest, the learning and experiences have been invaluable. I have always approached each conference with the intent to research thoroughly, present my views, and listen with an open mind to others. Though I wasn’t always the most skilled delegate, I took every opportunity to learn and improve. Looking back, I’m proud to say that MUNs have been a cornerstone of my high school experience, teaching me not just confidence, but also how to appreciate diverse perspectives and stay composed under pressure. This will be my fifth and final CMUN. I urge all delegates to participate to the best of their ability without fearing embarrassment or humiliation and make this an unforgettable
experience for yourself. Awards are the spark but the real fire of MUNs lies in the ideas you debate, the skills you sharpen, and the growth you take home. I will leave you with that message. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us at mteck.cmun2025@gmail.com .
Until August,
Raj Mehta,
Director,
Mahabharata - The council of Kurukshetra.
Raj Mehta
Director