25/09/2026
*AFS West Zone Regional Meet – Maru Sangam*
*The Confluence of Thoughts: The Courage to Care*
The AFS (American Field Services) West Zone Regional Meet 2026 was held from 18th to 20th September 2026 at L K Singhania Education Centre, Gotan, District Nagaur, Rajasthan. The three-day meet, themed “Maru Sangam – The Confluence of Thoughts: The Courage to Care,” brought together students, principals and AFS Coordinators from more than 30 reputed schools across Maharashtra, Gujarat and Rajasthan.
Shri Chhatrapati Shivaji High School, Sagroli was represented by Ketki Kulkarni and Tanvi Mathpati of Class IX, accompanied by AFS School Coordinator Mr Kailash Khasbhage and Mr Govind Ramgirwar. Millennium – The Concept School, Sagroli participated through Moksha Moghe and Vaibhavi Bage of Class IX, accompanied by Mr Prabhakar Rao and AFS School Coordinator Ms Arpita Sar.
The meet provided a meaningful platform for students and educators to learn, interact and build connections beyond the classroom. The sessions focused on themes such as kindness in education, networking and collaboration, “Kind Way to Say No,” and Dialogue Lab, encouraging participants to communicate respectfully, understand diverse perspectives and develop empathy.
Students enthusiastically participated in activities such as the Ripple Wall, Poster Presentation, Art and Craft, and other collaborative engagements. These activities gave them opportunities to express their ideas creatively, work in teams and interact with students from different regions.
The participants benefited from the guidance and interaction of distinguished resource persons, including Mr Ashok Ganguly, Former Chairman, CBSE; Mr Jayant Lal, AFS India Board Member; Ms Diya Badgel, National Director, AFS; Mr Rishabh Turkhia; Dr Neeta Mhatre; Ms Mumtaz Sayyad; and Ms Seema Shaikh, Head, West Zone.
For the students of Sagroli, Maru Sangam was more than an educational gathering. It was an enriching intercultural experience that helped them appreciate kindness, collaboration, diversity and responsible global citizenship. The friendships they formed, the ideas they exchanged and the experiences they gained will remain valuable memories of their AFS journey.
The meet beautifully reflected the spirit of AFS—bringing young people together to understand one another, celebrate diversity and develop the courage to care.