Inviting Articles for Award India December 2016 Issue

National Award Authority seeks pleasure in inviting articles in 300 words for the upcoming issue of Award India, December 2016 on the theme of Gender Diversity and Women Empowerment from Award Aspirants and Award Leaders. Two best articles will be given special recognition by NAA. Don't miss this opportunity and send your write-ups before 27th December 2016 at editor.ai@dofe.in

Cultural Heritage Class and Award Ceremony

Sri Sarada Math, Rasik Bhita organised a Cultural Heritage Class on 4th September 2016. Seventy-two Bronze awardees from different units participated in this class. This Cultural Heritage class concluded with an Award ceremony where all the Award participants received their Bronze awards. These Award holders, part of the “Gender Diversity & Empowerment Project" of the IAYP, started their Bronze Award Journey in July 2015 and successfully completed their Award Journey in December 2015. The list of Awardees includes fifty-six participants from Rasik Bhita, nine awardees from Baladbandh Village, three awardees from Kumrogori Village and four awardees from Dum Dum.

These participants opted for different activities in the various sections of the Award. Under the Skills section, they chose activities such as Book reading, Spoken English learning, Jewellery Making, and Stitching. Some of them have now made these skills their Life skills and are now generating revenue by selling handmade goods and handmade jewellery. For their Physical Recreation, they all attended the Yoga Classes. Yoga has become an integral part of their daily routine now.

The awardees of Baladbandh and Kumrogori villages created a positive impact on their society by providing their wonderful Community Services. They went to rural villages to teach adults as well as young children. Most of the women in theses villages can write and sign their names now. It is a credit to these awardees that the numbers of these learners is increasing day by day in these villages.

For the Adventurous Journey, these Awardees went to Bishindha Hills at Bankura and Matha Hills at Purulia. They were taught how to live in a tent, climbing and cooking. They performed various activities like Burma Bridge Crossing, Rappelling, Rope Walking etc. Overall, it was great experiential learning for all of them -- something that they had never done or experienced before. 

All the awardees have now registered and started their work for the Silver Level of the Award with an aim to develop themselves day by day. They are not just improving themselves but helping their surroundings to improve more.

Adventurous Journey Camp under Gender Diversity & Empowerment Project

Arpita Chakrabarty, a Silver Award aspirant from Sri Sarada Math completed her Adventurous Journey from 17th to 21st of February 2016 at Matha Hill under the Gender Diversity & Empowerment Project. She shares her learning experiences with us in this report.

With a rucksack on our back, we started our journey on 17th of February 2016 at 8:00 PM from Howrah Station. Filled with curiosity and excitement, we all boarded the Howrah-Adra-Bokaro passenger train at 11:35 PM, and deboarded the train the next morning at Barbhum station and reached Matha Forest Area for our camping destination.

We were 54 in our group including 39 members from Sri Sarada Math and 15 from All Bengal Women's Home. We were shown to our beautiful tents immediately, and soon after enjoying our much awaited breakfast, the instructor divided us into 8 groups for our first climbing session.

In this new learning zone we all were inquisitive and thrilled to absorb the new knowledge on the unknown subject -- the Art of climbing. The session began with dissemination of information on different types of boulders like slab, wall, over-hanging and roof; details about normal, pinch, side and jug hold; aim of rock climbing, which is to overcome obstruction; how to judge the easiest way of climbing; where and how to take a proper foot grip, right body posture for climbing down, that too without any equipment. All of this was new to us and we were asked to practice what we had learnt by climbing boulders of approximately 7-8 feet high within the allocated time limit. 

In the post lunch session we had a class on ropes, knots and hitches. In this class we learnt about Karnamental Rope (made of lead and poly fibre with breaking strength of 9 mm diameter - 1452 kg), history of Karnamental rope, aim of knot making, the standing and running end of a rope, the basic and most important knots, which  thumb or safety knot and guide man-middle man-end-man knot. We also learnt that in order to join two ropes with even diameter we should use fisherman knot or reef knot, sheet-bend knot to tie up two ropes of uneven diameter; key knot, bow-line or rescue knot, clove hitch (to anchor), timber hitch (to pull up something) were also few more knots and hitches which we were taught during our session. After this, we were introduced to various instruments used in climbing like: rope, scaling tape, harness (sheet, chest and combined), P A (Peary Alen) Shoe (used for rock climbing), plane and screw carabiner made of high carbon steel, figure of eight (descender) which is used to move down quickly, Ascender (used to ascending up faster), tape, artificial stair, pulley, horizontal, vertical and universal piton, friend, skyhook, stitch plate, chest ascender and runner to name a few. We all felt completely drenched in the rain of knowledge, at the end of the session, extremely exhausted, yet eager to learn more in the days to come.

A refreshing tea break was given then, and we all enjoyed the beautiful view of the sunset through the trees, which was just an unforgettable moment. In the evening we learnt some basic rules of camping like: how to have a fresh and encouraging start up, mental preparation, skills to adjust with people around, walking manners, camping manners, communication with local customs, passing information and technical planning etc. After enjoying dinner with our friends, we shared our experiences of the whole day, in which we also got answers to some of our queries. With a wish to have a wonderful and exciting next day, we all went to our tents to sleep and rest.

Friday morning, 19th of February 2016, we went for a morning exercise session. Jogging, free hand exercise, and a small laughing class filled us with energy and “gur-chola” boosted our confidence. Next, we went for our rock climbing class with the instructors of ICNL, in which they taught us about belay method (security method to protect a co-climber with the help of a rope from a sudden fall), static belay (man to man), dynamic belay (with the help of instrument). The instructors explained that there should be two platforms, Karnamental rope, anchor (A), belayer (B) and climber(C) should be in the same line to avoid accident, climbing sequence i.e. climbing command between B and C at the time of climbing should be as follows:

C: Take the slag 

C: Its me 

B: OK/ climb on 

C: I am climbing 

B: Climb up

After reaching to B, C should say "Thanks” to Belayer. In case of a sudden fall, C should inform B by saying "Falling/ Belay tight" etc., we were instructed that we should bend our body at an angle of 30 degree, being a Belay man, we should remember that our right hand (left for lefties) is the feeling or guiding hand and left hand (right for lefties) is the breaking hand and most importantly we should follow the right positioning of rope to avoid any accident. After listening to these instructions, it was our turn to experience these exercises. We climbed up various types of boulders and played the role of a Belay man also. Exhausted though we were at the end of the session, just one glass of lemonade acted as true energizer.

After lunch and a little refreshing chat, at 3:00 PM we went for a visit to the Pakhi Pahar. Going up and down almost 12 km with the view of Matha hill, Asim sir, one of our instructors, showed us a narrow space between two mountains where wind is really speedy and from where water flows down in the rainy season, mountain ridge, basin (a hollow space containing water), spar, arite (vertical ridge), pass (a space between two mountains through which we can pass, which is also used as trade route) and most importantly the Pakhi Pahar. He informed us how old these hills were, even older than the Himalayas and why they were named Pakhi Pahar. With a lot of memories and new information, we went back to our camping site again. In the evening, we shared our experience and lessons of the day with Chandan sir. After that, we were briefed about camping first aid, snake bite, and burns and we were informed about the next day climbing schedule of Matha Buru (Hill). With a heart full of questions and eagerness to know the unknown, we switched off our torches in the tents to wake up in time the next morning.

Saturday morning, 20th February -- we kick started our day with a really funny morning exercise. At 6:00 AM we started our journey to climb the 1200 ft Matha hill. Whenever we were feeling exhausted, we looked at the trail and the bird’s eye view of the scene left behind. After reaching the halt, we were given instructions and showed practically how to climb up and climb down, then it was our turn to perform this feat. We climbed up 150 feet and rappelled down and then we did Terrelian Traversing also. We stored some of the most unforgettable moments in our hearts which we would cherish throughout our lives.

After lunch we were given a demonstration on how to pitch a tent, taught techniques for self-cooking and explained three basic needs of camping (water, shelter and fire). We learnt that there are two kinds of shelters -- permanent and temporary, and temporary tents also have two types -- self standing and assembled. We learnt about various parts of tents (outer, inner, ground sheet, central and guard pole), and how and why a tent should be placed at a minimum distance of 100 feet from water source and how pegs should be grounded at an angle of 35 degree. Not only did we get to know about the different shapes of the tents (dome shape, A shape and canopy), different shapes of fire (star, pyramid and tower) but also how to store fire, how to cook food without any utensil or even artificial help for that matter. Somnath sir gave us some interesting information about mountain people and their food habits. We enjoyed tandoori chicken prepared by Avrajit da, Somnath sir, Souvik sir and then we went back to our camping site. At the camp we prepared for the campfire and enjoyed ourselves the whole night. It was one of the most cordial sessions where all the participants and instructors were sharing their experiences and stories in the friendliest of manner. We danced, sang, recited and performed a skit, but the highlight of the campfire was when all of our instructors sang beautiful songs together and Dutta sir joined them and Chandan sir sang the famous countryside song of Harry Belafonte "Down the way" which was truly mesmerizing. Humming the lyric of "Down the way" we slept in our tents.

Sunday morning, 21st of February, we started walking towards the top of Matha hill to visit the temple named Aranyapitha Tirthadhyam. That morning we had the sun as our co-climber. We became a witness to the sunrise over the hill, a scene always to remember. After reaching the top, we did chimney climbing and after coming back to our camping area, we folded our tents and cleaned the area. At lunch, we had a lot of fun. With all our friends, along with girls from All Bengal Women’s home, we learnt some self-defense. At 2:45 PM we bade adieu to the place with our hearts full of memories. At 6:00 PM we boarded a local train from Barabhum station waving hands to Matha, with a wish to come back here once again! We reached Adra at about 7:30 PM and from there we finally boarded the Bokaro-Adra-Howrah Passenger at 10:15 PM. Monday morning, 22nd February, we reached Howrah at 4:30 AM and came back to our homes when our heart was still saying:

Down the way where the nights are grey, and the sun shines daily on the mountain top, 

I took a trip on a sailing ship, and when I reached Matha I made a stop.

But I'm sad to say I'm on my way, we won’t be back for many a day  

My heart is down my head is turning around, I had to leave a little wish at Matha hill....

Click for pictures

My first 'Trek' of life with IAYP

The National Award Authority organised an Adventurous Journey camp for the Bronze and Silver Level under Gender Diversity & Empowerment Project at Bisindha, West Bengal from 6th - 10 January 2016, with the support of experienced instructors from Institute of Climbers and Nature Lovers, Kolkata. Nidhi Raj Chatterjee, Bronze awardee -- one of the sixty-four participants -- describes her first ever exposure to adventure.

My name is Nidhi Raj Chatterjee and I'm a Bronze awardee of International Award for Young People. I recently had my first experience of Trekking with the skilled instructors. I'd like to share my experience and everything that this trek has taught me.

First, I would like to start with the foremost important thing about a trek, which is 'Adjustment'. Adjustment with the people around me, and adjustment with the environment around me. We lived with Nature, by Nature and on Nature. We had to adjust with small space to live and rest in, without any comfort. This way it helped us to identify our ability to adjust with the present circumstances.

Second, it helped us a lot to learn how to 'Socialize' with people. There were 64 of us, who came for this journey to experience adventure and learn survival on Hills and Mountains. When I started for the trek, I knew only three other participants who were my friends, but when I returned I had an endless list of friends on my card. Initially I was worried about what people around me would be like, but as soon as I reached and 'socialized', all my fears disappeared. It was because we all lived in the same environment, wore the same type of clothes, ate the same food, and shared the same shelters. We woke up together, ate together, learned together and enjoyed together. This trip has helped me enlarge my circle of friends and enhanced my ability to be friends with people irrespective of age and origins.

Now I would like to share the most remarkable part of this entire journey, 'The Lifetime Experiences' and 'Learnings'. We were introduced to the 'life saving equipments' of trekking and mountain/hills climbing. We were taught how to use those equipments to survive on the hills. We were introduced to the different kind of 'knots' that are used for various purposes. We experienced great adventures like crossing on and from 'Travellion Traverse', 'Joomering', 'Single Rope Bridge' and 'Burma Bridge'. And then we experienced a trek of around 16-17 kilometers in a day.

This entire camp has brought many changes in all of us. From waking up before sunrise and then going for workouts in the morning, then having meals on time and with discipline, socializing with people, living without any electronic gadget, and staying enthusiastic whole day. From this Adventurous Journey we have learned so many things which otherwise would not have been possible.

We are all extremely and whole heartedly thankful to our instructors for drawing out the best in us and making us aware of our hidden strength. Click for pictures...

Skill Development through IAYP

A report by Adrija Chatterjee

The Award programme foundation is supporting skill development programme for the development of rural areas under Gender Diversity Empowerment Project. Areas like Singur, Baladbandh, Kumroguri are under this project. Through this project young girls learning Skills like making handmade jewelleries (earrings, bangles, clips and necklaces) by paper quilling method. These products are also going to different fairs, offices, stalls for selling. The girls are earning some money as after selling these items the profit is distributed equally to the girls. Through this financial help the girls are helping their family for a better living. Some girls are going in the remote areas of the village for teaching local children. Recently Rasik Bhita Chatrimangal organised a stall in their office premises at "M-junction". There these handmade products made a good profit. People appreciated the beautiful work of the girls. Through this initiative many families are getting benefited. The project is helping these girls to develop the skills and earning while learning. Click to see the pictures

Mid-term review of Gender Diversity Development Project

A report by Adrija Chatterjee

Kapil Bhalla (National Director) and Bivujit Mukhoty (Programme Manager) along with filmmaker Kartikeya visited the Gender Diversity Empowerment Project in Singur, Hoogly, West Bengal, on 21st and 22nd of September, 2015. The team visited Sri Sarada Math Rasik Bhita on the 21st and met with 76 Awardees at different Award levels. Reviewing the progress of the project, the team interacted with and interviewed the Award Leaders and Gold Awardees. The Awardees who received their Gold Award in 2015 and those who had received it the previous year, came and shared their experiences and challenges while doing the Award. The team also interacted with Adrija Chatterjee (Award Leader and in-charge of the Gender Diversity Women Empowerment project) who shared her experiences of the last 10 years with the Award. The interaction with the Leaders and Participants were on the different aspects of the Project.

Later the team met with 11 Gold Award holders (received their Award from Randhir Singh on July 16 at the Gold award Ceremony in New Delhi) from All Bengal Women Union. Gold Award holder Pallavi Mondal shared her happiness that involvement with the Award and her achievements was a big positive in getting admission to the NDA for her Air Force course.

On 22nd September the team visited Baladbandh village in the Hooghly District. There were 40 Awardees from Baladbandh and Kumrogori village near Singur. The Awardees performed yoga with music, displaying their Skills, which is also a means for earning money. The National Director handed over the first remuneration to them. The Project incharge informed the team about two remote villages under Panisheola Post Office of Baladbandh, where children do their studies with great difficulties and their parents are illiterate. The Awardees of Baladbandh have taken the initiative to help those children and their parents to pursue their studies. They are doing this as part of the Service section for the Award. The team along with the Award Leader and centre incharge of Sri Sarada Math Rasik Bhita Pr. Nityamuktaprana, visited these two villages and met with the children and their families. One boy recited a poem and his parents said they felt blessed when these girls came and taught them. They were very happy to learn how to sign their name, which is important for opening a bank account. A Silver Awardee, Munmun Patra, asked her parents to hold her marriage till she completed the Gold and her family agreed. With such examples we are sure that through the Award we can change our community. Click to see the pictures

Gender Diversity Empowerment Project

The Skills Development programme of the Gender Diversity Empowerment Project under the aegis of the International Special Project Grants is running successfully in West Bengal. Adrija Chatterjee, Award Leader reported that 15 Award participants from different rural and marginalised areas of West Bengal are participating in the Skill Development programme. The project team opened a special section in a shop on 21st April, 2015 to sell imitation jewellery and handmade items on a regular basis in Kolkata. The small store was appreciated by the local people and the team welcomes over 20 guests on the first day. The Award Programme Foundation congratulates the particiants, Award Leaders and friends of the Award for making this project a success, with the hope that this programme would help participants to use this skill as their Life Skill.

Click here for more pictures

Gender Diversity Empowerment Project Camp

The awardees of Sri Sarada Math-Rasik Bhita and All Bengal Women's Union Children's Welfare Home went to Bishinda Hills in Bankura District on 27th December, 2014 to take part in their Adventurous Journey as part of the Gender Diversity Empowerment Project. There were 64 awardees from remote villages like Baladbandh (in Hooghly District), Kumrogori (Near Singur in Hooghly District), Howrah etc with three Award Leaders. Among them were 43 Bronze awardees and 21 Gold awardees. It was the first time away from home for the Bronze awardees, especially for those who belong to the remote villages, as they participated in the Adventurous Journey. It was a wonderful opportunity for the Gold awardees as they were exposed to various leadership-building activities. Besides that it was another golden opportunity for the Bronze awardees to take part in different activities like tent and tent life, Jumering, trekking, Burma bridge crossing, river crossing, rope obstacle practice, as well as cooking.

The girls of Baladbandh, Singur had never thought that they could stay four nights away from home. One of them expressed her feelings at the camp fire on last day of our adventurous journey, saying that she had learnt a number of things from the training. The journey ended on 31st December, 2014. While returning home all the young faces looked so confident and all the awardees were brimming with happiness. It was the last day of 2014, and the participants expressed their hopes of making a new beginning, a new journey for those girls who started to feel 'Yes! We can!' after the wonderful training of Bishinda Camp. The NAA wishes to thank Adrija Chatterjee (Indian Youth Representative), Institute of Climbers & Nature Lovers, Kolkata, Md. Imran and Satrupa (both Gold Award Holders) for their guidance and help in the successful completion of the camp.  More pictures of this journey can be seen here.