We are thrilled to share the second episode of our Alumni Interview Series🚀
My journey with The international Award for Young People has been phenomenal. Under the guidance of Sir Bivujit Mukhoty, I was able to successfully complete the Bronze Level adventure journey, famously called the A.J., with 25 participants of Raphael Centre at Maldevta Camp, Dehradun, from 26th to 29th March 2023. It was indeed encouraging to assist special kids and help them with various tasks like rope climbing. Learning, helping, and working as a team were all aspects I could imprint on my AJ journey with IAYP.
We went through four days consisting of the preparation journey, practice journey, and qualifying journey across the Pohrigerwal Himalayan region. Understanding the abilities of the participants, addressing their task requirements, and enhancing motivational norms for positive outcomes were all lessons IAYP taught me to work on during the AJ.
It was truly memorable to carry forward and inspiring to live with. I look forward to inspiring many others and carrying on the life lessons of IAYP throughout my journey.
Report by Khushal Bali, Silver Level Award participant from Dyal Singh Public School, Jagadhri.
Unveiling the Beauty and Adventure of the Nag Tibba Trek.
Introduction:
Embarking on my first-ever trekking experience to Nag Tibba was a monumental moment in my life as a participant of The International Award for Young People (IAYP). This awe-inspiring trek spanning three days and two nights was not only an adventure of a lifetime but also an opportunity to create lasting memories, forge new friendships, and acquire valuable life lessons. Join me as I recount my exhilarating journey through the majestic landscapes of Nag Tibba.
Day 1: A Thrilling Start (10th May 2023)
As I set foot in the pristine surroundings of Nag Tibba, a surge of excitement coursed through my veins. Accompanied by fellow trekkers, guides and experienced instructors such as Harjeet Hundal and Subhash Sharma (our Award Leaders), we embarked on our trek with great enthusiasm.
TOTAL DISTANCE-16 KM approximately
ELEVATION- 3033m
The initial leg of the journey was challenging, with steep ascents and rugged terrains testing our stamina. As we trekked through the mesmerizing Bughyal ridges, the expansive vistas unfolded, offering panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and majestic Himalayan peaks that greeted us along the way made every struggle worthwhile. The serenity of the dense forests, the sweet scent of pine, and the melodious chirping of birds truly immersed us in nature's embrace.
Day 2: A Lesson of Perseverance (11th May 2023)
The second day of the Nag Tibba trek presented us with new challenges and valuable lessons. As we ascended higher, the air grew thinner, and the temperatures dropped significantly. Battling the physical demands of the trek, we discovered the power of perseverance and determination. The camaraderie among our group grew stronger as we encouraged and supported each other through the toughest stretches. The reward for our efforts came in the form of the mesmerizing sunrise view from the Nag Tibba summit. The golden rays illuminating the snow-capped peaks left us in awe, reminding us of the beauty that lies beyond our comfort zones.
We were amazed by the incredible diversity of plants and animals as we climbed to higher altitudes. The forests were filled with vibrant flowers and tall oak trees. We were serenaded by the melodies of various birds that call this region home. Our instructors taught us about the medicinal properties of the natural herbs that grew abundantly in this pristine environment.
Day 3: Reflection (12th May 2023)
On the final day of our trek, we descended from the summit of Nag Tibba, but our hearts were heavy with a bittersweet feeling. We had formed deep bonds with our fellow trekkers, our spirits remained high as we reminisced about the incredible memories we had made together.
The trek had not only taught us about the importance of teamwork and resilience, but it had also opened our eyes to the wonders of nature and the need to protect it. As we bid adieu to Nag Tibba, we pledged to carry the lessons and memories with us, cherishing them forever. We marveled at the top-notch services provided by the trekking company, ensuring our safety, comfort, and seamless organization throughout the expedition. Their expertise and attention to detail enhanced our overall experience, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in the wonders of Nag Tibba.
CLEANLINESS DRIVE
The trekkers team that embarked on the Nag Tibba expedition conducted a successful cleanliness drive during our return journey. We actively collected discarded water bottles and other waste materials both at Pantwari Village and Kempty Falls. With great dedication, we brought the collected bottles back to our school garden, promoting environmental awareness and contributing to a cleaner and greener community. This initiative aligns with the principles of The International Award for Young People (IAYP), fostering responsible citizenship and sustainable practices.
Conclusion: A Journey of a Lifetime
Embarking on my first-ever trek to Nag Tibba as a participant of IAYP (Silver Level) was not just an adventure; it was a transformative experience. Over three days and two nights, I faced challenging terrains, forged new friendships, and absorbed the awe-inspiring beauty of the Himalayan peaks. From the initial thrill of the journey to the lessons in perseverance each moment left a lasting impression. The trek taught me the value of pushing beyond limits, appreciating nature, and embracing the unknown with open arms. The memories and lessons from Nag Tibba will forever be etched in my heart, reminding me of the boundless possibilities that lie ahead in life's adventures.
~Khushal Bali
Dyal Singh Public School, Jagadhri
Watch videos of this journey of Award Participants from Dyal Singh Public School, Jagadhri here:
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Report of Street Play Titled "Save Earth Save Life" by Award Participants of Bawa Lalvani Public School, Kapurthala
Theme: Earth Day
Only in the minds of young children may significant changes in humanity's future be effected!
Audiences are profoundly affected by theatrical narrative, and in its street manifestation, it transcends barriers of class, religion, and social class. The students at BLPS who are pursuing The International Award for Young People have chosen to take their battle against "Civic Sense and Social Awareness" on the street through some theatrical attempts, and this is precisely the argument that they are making.
To raise public awareness of numerous environmental issues, the young actors presented a street play titled SAVE EARTH SAVE LIFE with the objective of spreading awareness about the need to protect and preserve our planet. The theme of the performance was “Earth Day” which aimed to reach out to as many people as possible to create a positive impact on the environment. Street Play is a potent weapon that can transform both the current and future generations' mentalities.
Young BLPians began their preparations for the performance several weeks before Earth Day. They held several brainstorming sessions to come up with ideas for the script and the overall theme of the performance. They also worked on the costumes and props, making sure that they were eco-friendly and made from recycled materials.
In front of a sizable audience, the kids presented the play in Jallow Khana, New Sabji Mandi, and Sheikhupur Road. The play was divided into several acts, each one focusing on a different aspect of environmental conservation. They highlighted the importance of reducing waste, conserving water, and planting trees. The young people also emphasized the need to reduce carbon emissions and the use of fossil fuels.
The theater performance of young artists was well received by the audience since they succeeded in conveying their message. It’s heartening to know that Award participants received positive feedback from several members of the audience, who appreciated their endeavors to create awareness about the need to protect the environment. The audience was moved and pledged to protect the planet and take appropriate action.
The performance was a successful initiative towards spreading awareness about the importance of environmental conservation. Young BLPians were able to reach out to a large number of people and inspire them to take action to protect the planet. We are sure that their efforts will create a positive impact on the environment and encourage others to join us in our mission to save MOTHER EARTH!
The International Award for Young People is encouraging our young people to take up such initiatives and promoting environmental conservation. Such efforts by young people are crucial in creating awareness about environmental issues and motivating others to take action towards a sustainable future!
Thank you IAYP!
Report by:
Dr. Ekta Dhawan
Principal
Bawa Lalvani Public School, Kapurthala
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Throughout my academic journey, I have always been an inquisitive student, actively engaging in both co-curricular activities and academics, finding the perfect blend between the two.
In 2017, I attended a workshop conducted by IAYP, where I discovered that it falls under the auspices of The Duke of Edinburgh UK and holds significant international recognition and respect. Realizing its value, I decided to pursue the award.
The impact of the Award on my life has been overwhelmingly positive. Engaging in various activities helped me understand that learning extends beyond textbooks and teachers. It taught me empathy and agility, whether through recreational pursuits or visiting old age homes.
Choosing badminton as my physical recreation section was an easy decision since I had always been fond of the sport. I had prior knowledge and experience playing it during my childhood, making it a natural choice.
Dance, on the other hand, has been my lifelong passion. As an avid dance lover since childhood, it was an obvious choice for my recreational activity. I even pursued semi-classical dance during my school days, and I continue to indulge in it whenever I have free time.
Selecting the old age home as my voluntary service section was a thoughtful decision. The voluntary service section holds great significance in my mind as it instilled empathy, generosity, benevolence, and a sense of humanity within me. Visiting old age homes and orphanages, distributing essentials, and empathizing with the residents filled me with pride and gratitude for the opportunity to make a positive impact on society.
My adventure journey days were truly euphoric. From trekking to camping and climbing mountains in Manali, it was an exhilarating experience beyond words. Spending three days in tents, learning how to build them, and participating in various adventure activities made the whole experience worthwhile.
To budding award holders, my advice would be to give it their best shot and put in their utmost effort. Trust me, the rewards will be worth every ounce of dedication they invest today. As for me, transitioning from being an award holder to an intern at IAYP feels like life has come full circle. It was never a planned ride for me, but stumbling upon an opportunity on LinkedIn and getting selected as an intern has been an enigmatic journey.
Undoubtedly, The International Award for Young People holds relevance for young individuals even today. It has stood the test of time, constantly adapting to change while maintaining its significance. This Award Programme continues to provide meaning and substance to the youth.
The Award has indeed helped me shape my career. It has channelled my energy and directed my interests towards the right path. I now have a clearer understanding of my abilities and the path I should pursue in life. The immense importance of The International Award for Young People has guided me in my progressive endeavours.
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In July 2020, I, Madhuri Gour from JBCN International School in Borivali, commenced my journey as an IAYP Award Leader Coordinator. It brings me immense joy to reflect on my ongoing journey. As part of our school's vision to promote the holistic development of learners, The International Award for Young People has provided them with various opportunities to make a difference in the world.
I have witnessed significant changes in Award Participants as they progress through the Bronze and Silver levels. The Award Programme has enabled them to improve their physical fitness and discover their physical strength, as well as explore and develop their interests and skills, which are essential for personal and career growth.
Furthermore, the adventurous journey aspect of the programme has taught them valuable life skills and prepared them to handle unexpected challenges.
I must acknowledge the unwavering support of the IAYP team, particularly Mr. Bivujit Mukhoty and Ms. Kavita Patil, who patiently answered all the students' questions and contributed to their success.
I am grateful to my school's Director Principal, Mrs. Debika Chatterji and Deputy Principal, Mr. Soumyabrata Mukherjee, for placing their trust in me and allowing me to lead The Award Programme in our school.
 | by Madhuri Gour, IAYP Award Coordinator, JBCN International School, Borivali |
Student's Orientation, Award Ceremony and Award Leader Training at Bawa Lalvani Public School, Kapurthala
Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth!
Bawa Lalvani Public School, Kapurthala, organized a Student's Orientation along with an Award Ceremony and Award Leader Training program of The International Award for Young People (IAYP) on Saturday, May 6, 2023. The event was conducted under the guidance of Mr. Bivujit Mukhoty, Programme Manager, IAYP India. The program was also successful in celebrating the accomplishment of 104 Award participants who had completed their Bronze level of the Award Programme. The main objective of the program was to introduce the young people to the Award Programme, provide training to the Award Leaders, and celebrate the accomplishments of the students who had completed the Bronze level.
Mr. Mukhoty then conducted a presentation that provided an overview of The International Award for Young People and its objectives, the different sections of the programme and the benefits of participation. Following this, the Award Leaders were given training on how to guide and support the students in their pursuit of the Award. Mr. Mukhoty provided us with valuable insights and tips on how to motivate the participants and help them choose the activities that align with their interests and strengths. After the training session, the students who had already received the IAYP Award were felicitated in a ceremony. Mr. Mukhoty congratulated the students and encouraged them to continue their pursuit of personal development and social service. The Award participants were felicitated and appreciated for their hard work and dedication towards achieving the Bronze level.
The Student's Orientation, Award Ceremony and Award Leader Training programme of IAYP organized on May 6, 2023, was a successful event. It provided an opportunity for young people to learn about the programme, the Award Leaders to receive training to guide and motivate the students and for the school to celebrate the accomplishments of its students. The felicitation ceremony for the students who had completed the Bronze level was a motivation for others to participate and work towards achieving the Award.
The International Award for Young People provides an excellent platform for young people to develop their skills and contribute to their communities, and this event was a step towards fostering this spirit of growth and service in the students.
Thank you IAYP!
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 | by Dr. Ekta Dhawan, Principal, Bawa Lalvani Public School, Kapurthala. |
Award Experience by Jaimukund Bhan of The Lawrence School, Sanawar
Clearing the Bronze level of The International Award for Young People with a few of my fellow classmates was a very enriching and engaging experience. As it was during a time when everyone was home and we had to make a semi-offline diary, it was important to keep up a set routine to remain productive and not fall into the pit of lethargy.
We started with the adventure journey, planning and researching the hikes which we could have taken if the situation had been favourable. We filled up questionnaires to check what we would have done in the various scenarios which would take place during a trip. We made food for the trip and slept on a slightly uncomfortable surface, just to emulate the feeling of actually going on a hike.
Our time during quarantine also included polishing our hobbies and practicing our sports. I spent most of my time coding in different computer programming languages, having completed many online courses and playing football at least an hour a day. For voluntary work, I took care of my friend’s grandmother at home, spending time with her and sharing things from my life, while hearing stories from hers. Working on these things was a very good way to stay active, both mentally and physically.
I would like to thank Mrs. Anuradha Sharma for guiding me through my time in the bronze level, along with my friends who helped me out and were completing their bronze level with me, and The Lawrence School, Sanawar, for providing me with the opportunity to pursue this Award Programme!
Award participants from Bawa Lalvani Public School, Kapurthala
IAYP REPORT: VISIT TO LEPROSY HOME
Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much!
A group of young people from Bawa Lalvani Public School, Kapurthala, visited a leprosy home to play their part in providing voluntary service to the people affected by leprosy who are abandoned by their families and communities. The Award Participants arrived at the home early in the morning and were warmly welcomed by the staff and residents.
The participants were then divided into small groups and assigned different tasks, such as serving food, distributing medicines, and assisting the residents with their daily activities. They also spent time interacting with the residents, listening to their stories and learning about their experiences.
The young people also distributed food packets containing rice, vegetables, and fruits to the residents of the home. They also spent time interacting with the people and entertained them with songs, dance performances and games. They also brought along some board games and books, which the residents could use to cherish the moments.
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The residents of the leprosy home were delighted to have the Award participants visit them. They appreciated the kindness and generosity and were grateful for the food and entertainment. The participants also had an enriching experience, learning about the lives of people affected by leprosy and the challenges they face in society.
Through their interactions, our Award participants gained a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by the residents of the Leprosy Home and the importance of social and voluntary service. They also learned about the measures taken by the staff members to ensure the well-being of the residents and the importance of empathy and compassion in serving the community. While sharing their experiences and insights, the young students expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve the community and pledged to continue their efforts in making a positive impact on society.
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Overall, the visit to the Leprosy Home was a valuable learning experience for the young people of BLPS. It not only helped them develop empathy and compassion but also instilled a sense of responsibility towards the less fortunate in society. The International Award for Young People has proven to be an effective platform for developing ethical and responsible citizens who are committed to making a positive impact on society.
IAYP has played an important role in making our students understand their responsibility towards society.
Thank you IAYP!
Dr. Ekta Dhawan
Principal
Bawa Lalvani Public School
Kapurthala
Adventurous Journey of Award participants from Vidyamandir Senior Secondary School, Chennai
DAY 1:
On 24th March, last minute goodbyes’ and run through of packing checklists reverberated in the air as the Mangalore Express took off from Chennai Central Railway station in the late afternoon sun. We filled into the compartments exuberantly to chatter about our holiday plans while revelling in typical train delicacies and hot tea. The sky turned a resplendent orange as we feasted on our dinners. This was followed by hushed-up whispers and silent games played late into the night until we all succumbed to serene slumber.
DAY 2:
We arose early the next day and scrambled to get our suitcases to line up in the hustling and bustling Mangalore station. A 2 hour bus journey dominated by disco and dance took us to Didupe village, a tranquil landscape dotted with palm trees, gentle breeze and vivid creatures. After a quick freshen-up, we took jeeps and open trucks to arrive at our trekking site. Armed with only water and mango juice, the trek along the undulating terrain left us panting and exhausted in no time under the scorching sun. We witnessed nature at its best walking along the stony trail besieged by dense trees, crunched leaves and buzzing bees. The fact that someone would have our back in case of an untimely trip gave us some strength as we climbed further only to hear the distinct ripple of water in the enchanting Ermayi falls. The teeth clattering cold did not stand in our way as we jumped into the little pool for a much-needed bath. It was all fun and games until our feet stepped on the slimy moss. This was an experience to behold as no one had the heart to leave despite shivering profusely. Our tired legs somehow carried us back to the starting point, our homestay where we crashed into bed after an efficacious Karnataka meal in the warmth and glow of a merry bonfire.
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DAY 3:
Loud groans and protests could be heard in the crack of dawn as we were woken up to embark on our next trek. This terrain was easier to ascend, albeit with sudden slopes and slippery shingle. In no time, the Kadamagundi falls was in sight in all its glory with crystal clear water cascading down its length. A nerve-racking climb on the mossy rocks took us to the ultimate shower of heaven. While the bullet-like drops were initially painful, it soon evolved into a mollifying back massage, one which no salon could ever give! Down below, a small fish gave us free pedicure while aquatic spiders hung unto our clothes inducing superfluous screams. On our way back, none of us complained about time or distance till the destination but instead exclaimed airily that the trek was a piece of cake. Surely, this trek had exposed our inner athletes! We reached the resort to get ready for the fireless cooking challenge. We were given onions, potatoes, buns, watermelons, rice flakes, salt, pepper and a bonfire and were asked to awaken our inner Masterchefs. The session ended with platters of burnt vegetables with an overdose of spices resulting in a realization that we would not survive two days in a forest and deep appreciation for our mothers( to be fair, there were a few exceptions).We relaxed for a while and joined the dance around a colossal bonfire. A scrumptious meal of dosa and pulao turned out to be the icing of the cake as we dropped off to sleep after an eventful day.
DAY 4:
Some of us were still packing at the eleventh hour the next day when we were called down for breakfast. Post the meal, we checked out of Navagraha homestay and bid adieu to Didupe as we took the bus to Mangalore. Some of us caught up on our lost sleep or sang along to the tunes played along the ride. We arrived at the Mahatobhaara Sri Mangaladevi Temple, famous for giving Mangalore its name. After offering our prayers to the deity of Mangladevi, we advanced towards the bus after engaging in a shopping spree of chips and cool drinks. We then proceeded towards the railway station after an enticing lunch, making our way towards our respective compartments. What followed was another typical, fun filled train journey fittingly spent recollecting our priceless memories and learnings from our adventures in the heart and soul of Karnataka, right here at Didupe, as the Mangalore express chugged along back towards Chennai.
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Adventurous Journey for Bronze level Award participants from HAL New Public School, Bangalore.
Trekking has always been a thrill and challenging activity for everyone.
Our 44 Bronze Award Aspirants of The International Award for Young People, India, along with four Award Leaders undertook an expedition and exploratory journey to the most alluring mountains of Western Ghats of India, Mullayangiri and Bababudangiri, Chikkamangalur, Karnataka, on 26th, 27th and 28th of March, 2023.
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Award Leaders Ms. Aarti Deshpande, Ms. Preet Kaur, Ms. Naik Kavitha Keshav and Ms. Brindha Ilangovan accompanied the Award participants on their Adventurous Journey.
Adventure Journey for Silver level Award participants from VIBGYOR High, NIBM, PUNE.
Award participants from VIBGYOR High went to Monteria village for their Adventurous Journey as a part of their programme for silver level of The Award Programme from 9th to 11th March, 2023. This journey helped us to get engaged in challenging activities in a new environment with the chance to learn about team work and leadership. We had training sessions on things like how to tie different kinds of knots that would be useful when trekking, first aid essentials, etc. We also had multiple activities like exploring the nearby village and learning how things are done there and cooking in woods with what supplies we had packed or found in the woods. It allowed the entire group to learn how to work as a team and how to handle every important aspect of undertaking adventure trips.
We attended a 3-day Adventure trip in which our main objective was to trek to and explore Kondana caves. It was a 30-45 min drive to the base of the caves from our living quarters. Caves have many stupas which were excavated in the first century BC. The beautiful wooden pattern and the prayer hall along with other structures are still intact. We saw beautiful carvings on the walls of the caves and inscription in the prayer hall.
This Adventurous Journey developed our self-confidence and fitness levels. Under the supervision of the IAYP team, the Adventurous Journey was a learning experience along with fun, within a safe and secure setting.
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On March 31st and April 1st, 2023 the National Award Authority organized an Award Leader Training at India Habitat Centre in New Delhi. Kapil Bhalla (National Director) and Bivujit Mukhoty (Programme Manager) led the two-day workshop, whose objective was to interact with Award Leaders from various schools and emphasize their role in the development of Award participants throughout their Award journey.
A total of 28 participants attended the Delhi Workshop, representing schools such as S.N Kansagra (Gujarat), The Mann (Delhi), O.P Jindal Modern (Hissar), B.D Somani International (Mumbai), The Lawrence School Lovedale & Sanawar, Dyal Singh Public (Jagadhari & Panipat), Maha Devi Birla World (Kolkata), Pinegrove (Dharampur), Selaqui International (Dehradun), Jayshree Periwal International (Rajasthan), Good Shepherd International (Ooty), Hopetown Girls (Dehradun), Medicaps (Indore), The Sagar School (Rajasthan), Pathways School (Noida), Ecole Globale International, Invictus International School (Amritsar) and Scindia Kanya Vidyalaya, Gwalior.
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Day 2 started with a review session and elaborate discussion on the Adventurous Journey and Residential Project. Achievements and impact of the various levels of the Award, benefit Brand Pack were also discussed with the Award Leaders. To wrap up, a comprehensive review activity was conducted to help participants retain key lessons learnt over two days that were also filled with engaging activities throughout.
I have had a passion for making little delectable things since childhood. Legos were my escape route from homework. But the thing I fell in love with is origami, the Japanese art of folding paper.
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