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...

This is what they have to say....

Ninety-eight Award participants (32 Silver and 66 Bronze) from The Sanskar Valley School, Bhopal completed their Adventurous Journey from 16th - 22nd October 2015 at Rishikesh Neelkanth area.  Let's hear from the participants after their journey.

Devak Namdhari, a Silver level participant says, "Spartans! What is your profession -- HA-OOH! HA-OOH! HA-OOH!" Teenagers shouting this at the top of their voices identified our group. Almost a hundred students participated in this adventure trip, and each one went home with more than a thousand memories. We laughed, we danced, we planned, we conquered our fears and we had fun. From bonfires in the night, to swimming in the bone-chilling waters of the Ganges, this was a true adventure trip. Kayaking, Natural rock-climbing, Rappelling, Paintball, White water rafting and Trekking -- we saw it all, and we did it all. Quite a lot of us faced our fears and we learnt how to overcome them. We learnt more than a dozen life-skills, without even realising it. Most of us who are busy with our urban lifestyles, often forget to appreciate nature but we never expected our technology-addicted selves to switch off our cell phones and admire the serenity of the water, the prosperity of the forests. This well-planned and action-packed trip to Rishikesh and Shivpuri shall always be in our hearts as a memory that we'll forever cherish.

Sakshi Pradyumn, another Silver level participant said - "What you see is what you believe. And what you experience is what you remember.' And this IAYP trip was in no contrast to this statement. It had all the elements of adventure one can think of from fun to fear. Not only did the scenic panorama of the Shivaliks thrill me, but also the alternate shallow rapids and calm waters of Ganga made me wonder. The trip taught me to adapt, to support, to take responsibilities, to adhere to rules, to take challenges, to respect Nature, and most of all to believe. Whenever the feeling, 'Oh my God! Could this adventure be done!' arose in my mind, I believed in my true self and here I am writing this review. Late night strides, curfew timings, enough dumb-charades at the campsite, were some of the experiences that were joyful. Long trekking, rock climbing, river landing, paintball fighting were the adventurous (rather really adventurous) things I did. The trip was well managed and the food was really good (as I am a foody). To sum up, this IAYP trip was the epitome of adventure and joy. Surely, I look forward to many more like it.

On a Digha trek with the help of inner eye

Bronze and Silver Award participants from Ramakrishna Mission Blind Boys' Academy, Narendrapur did coastal trekking for their Adventurous Journey from 9th to 11th December 2015.  Joydeep Thakur published their journey in Hindustan Times (Kolkata Edition) on 22 December 2015. Read the full story here.

Holding each other's hands they trekked for three days along the beach covering more than 60 km from Chandipur to Talsari and ultimately reached Digha. They could feel the wet sand under their feet, hear the waves breaking at a distance, feel the cool breeze gently sweeping their face, smell the sea and even touch the water bending down a little. Yet they couldn't see the sea. They are the students of the Ramakrishna Mission Blind Boys' Academy in Narendrapur (in picture).

"It was a wonderful learning experience and fun for us. We were out of the hostel's comfort and had to walk for nearly 20 km on an average every day for three days, cook our own food, sleep in tents and cross rivers sometimes on foot and sometimes on boats. But yet we never got tired and spent the evenings singing the latest Bollywood songs, danced and recited poems at the end of the day. The trip taught us many things," said Subhankar Bhunia, a student of class eight who is totally blind.

A team of 25 students, including 12 students who are blind in both eyes, from the academy -- all aged between 14 and 20 years -- went for a coastal trek on December 8. They were escorted by two teachers from the academy and around nine experienced trekkers from the Institute of Climbers and Nature Lovers.

"The team first reached Chandipur from where the trek started in the morning of December 8. On the first day they trekked for 17 km, crossed two rivers -- Buri Balam and Kasai -- and pitched their tents on the banks of Kasai River at a place named Kasafal. The second halt Dogara was around 22 km from Kasafal. At Dogara the tents were pitched on a highland covered with Casuarina trees. They reached Talsari on the third day after crossing the Subarnarekha River and trekking for nearly 23 km. From Talsari they reached Digha on motorised van-rickshaws," said Biswajit Ghosh, principal of the academy.

Ghosh pointed out that a normal youth won't feel the pain and tiredness while walking for 20 km on the beach as he would divert his mind by seeing the beauty of the sea and other things. But a blind boy who can't see anything would feel the tiredness as he has to concentrate on the trek alone.

"Despite all these difficulties and their challenges they did it," he added.

Each and every one had a responsibility on the trip. While those who were totally blind were given jobs such as washing vegetable, taking off the shells of boiled eggs and peeling boiled potatoes, those who could partially see were asked to fetch water and light a stove. Food was simple with rice, dal, egg curry for dinner and either chapatti or toast for breakfast.

"But it was a real thrill. We learnt how to pitch tents, slept on polythene sheets, eat freshly prepared self-cooked food. We collected shells from the beach and brought them back as mementoes. None of us complained of any difficulties and none fell sick. We enjoyed it to the hilt," said Tahasimul Rine, student class XI who has lost vision in both eyes.

On the way the students learnt a lot about life on the beach. They interacted with fishermen, saw how the fisher folk wove fishing nets, came to know many new things about tides, learnt about trees found on the coasts such as Casuarinas and marine animals among others.

"Through this costal trek they could judge their capacity and develop self confidence. They learnt about team work and how to care for each other when out of their comfort zone. Above all they learnt how to keep on going when things get tough because walking for 62 km on sand is not at all an easy task," said Chandan Majumder, placement officer of the academy who escorted the students on the trip.  

Source: Hindustan Times (Kolkata)

Explore Spiti, be a part of Solar Conservation Project 2016

Residential Project and Adventurous Journey for Gold Participants
10th - 25th June, 2016: Spiti, Northern Himalayas, India

Gold Award participants from around the globe are welcome to apply for the two-weeks Solar Conservation Project at Monastery, Spiti. Organised by Ecosphere in collaboration with IAYP India, the project is one of its kind, combining an Adventurous Journey and Gold Residential Project exclusively for Gold Award participants.  During this journey the Award participants will participate in the actual construction of the Solar Bath and the setup of a Solar Water Geyser (Evacuated Tube Condenser) or a Greenhouse and will be assisted by a dedicated team with a qualified mason and representative from Ecosphere. The construction period will be 7 to 8 days. The trip combines work and pleasure. During this trip the Award participants will also be visiting some of the highest villages in the world, going on a high-altitude trek, visiting some ancient monasteries dating back over 1000 years and taking a yak/horse safari and mountain bike. Traditional homestays further enrich the experience by giving an authentic understanding of the life and culture in a Spitian home. Detailed information and application form can be download from here or you can write tospiti_gold2016@iayp.in

Registrations Open till 15th April 2016

The Award allowed me the opportunities that fueled my passions in life

Canadian Gold Award holder Jessica Silva, one of eight new Emerging Leaders to sit on the International Council (IC) shared her Award Journey at the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award Forum 2015 at Toronto

I remember dragging my father into the room as my Bronze ceremony commenced.  He was a bit confused as to why I was so in awe with the young gentleman who sat at our table. Mr. Craig Kielburger, the founder of Free the Children and Me to We, was our guest speaker for our Bronze Award Ceremony and who had the pleasure of sitting at his table? Myself and a few students from my High School. As my father casually made conversation with him, I kept nudging him so as to warn him that he was infringing on the "embarrassing" territory and he needed to simply "stop talking". My father was still confused as to what Mr. Kielburger's role was until he got up to the podium to speak.

Mr. Kielburger began with a story. He shared with us his adventures in Ecuador where he and his team of volunteers were attempting to finish building a school, however they had underestimated timing needed to complete their plans as they were unable to finish building the school in time. Concerned, Mr. Kielburger went to the chief of the village and in an apologetic tone, explained that he and his team were unable to finish the school they were attempting to build for the community. The chief simply explained that there was no need to worry. Mr. Kielburger was confused and thought that the chief had not understood what he was saying. The chief laughed and said he would call for a "minga". Mr. Kielburger left confused, however to his surprise he would learn the meaning of this word "minga" when he woke the next morning.  As villagers from surrounding villages pilled in to help with the school, Craig understood the power of "minga".

Mr. Kielburger explained that there was no direct translation for the work "minga"   however he roughly translated it to mean " the coming together of a community for the greater good". It was at my Bronze Award Ceremony where this very sentiment was engrained in my head. The idea of the power of a community to affect change came to be the very sentiment that fueled my passion and dedication to international development work and advocacy on behalf of the marginalized. Moreover, It was also the thread that held together my personal journey with the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award.

After Mr Kielburger's Speech, my father, an avid traveller, began to ask questions about Free the children's upcoming trip to China during the summer of 2007. About three months later, I was booked on a trip of a lifetime where I began to experience the meaning of community, non formal education, and most of all the importance of taking advantages of opportunities that present themselves when you least expect it.

The Duke of Edinburgh's Award, was complimentary to those activities that I was so passionate about pursuing like community service with the homeless in Toronto or learning another language like French. However, I always found it challenging to meet the requirements for the adventurous journey as Toronto, which I am sure you have all realized by now, is not the most outdoorsy place. How could a young woman like myself pursue an adventurous journey when I live in an urban setting. Thankfully, the Award allowed for flexibility with the qualifications for an adventurous journey and my trip to China qualified for my Silver adventurous journey.

In keeping up with the momentum, I continued my Gold Award at the age of 17. However, I slowly began to lose not only my motivation for continuing the Award but also the reason for which I was doing the Award. I began to get tied down with school work, other personal aspirations, and most of all my passions lead my to pursue other opportunities that arose at that time. Before I knew it, I had stopped working on my Gold Award at the end of high school.

Throughout the years, I always worked towards saving up for a trip of a lifetime and for me that was during the Summer of 2011. In my second year at university, I was selected to attend as one of 10 students from my university on an international health field placement in Zambia. We lived in a compound outside of Lusaka and were fortunate enough to work alongside locals. My personal project was working with rural female gardeners and creating a social enterprise project to increase their livelihoods and hopefully, create more opportunities for a sustainable income. It was then where I realized my privilege of having experienced the Award programme. I knew that I had put that opportunity on hold for the moment and as life progressed, I forgot about the aspirations of that young girl who met Craig Kielburger. He challenged us to be that change we want to see in the world and the Award challenged me to push myself to my limits. It was not until I was living alongside those who were not as privileged as I, where I realized just how grateful and lucky I was to be afforded the opportunity of choosing to partake in such an Award programme.

From there, I decided that I would return to Canada and complete my Gold Award as an independent participant. Fortunately enough, my backpacking exploratory journey that I conducted after my health field placement qualified for my adventurous journey. I worked as quickly as I could and dedicated my time to completing my Award. I was so proud to have achieved my Gold. However, when I attended my Gold Award ceremony, I remember being a little taken aback at just how much judgment and lack of collaboration there was at the Award ceremony. As I am a friendly person, I tried to build relationships with those around me, however they were in no way, interested. Moreover, they shared with me stories that alluded to their privilege. I thought back to those whom I had worked with in Zambia and realized that from that point on, I wanted to provide the opportunity of the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award to those who were less privileged in Canada. This was my plan then and is still my plan as I stand here today. 

Personally, I would like to thank the Award for allowing me the opportunity to not only gain useful life skills but to also pursue those opportunities that fueled my passions in life. The Award programme's flexibility allowed for me to take a break and pick right back up from where I started. I feel that without that, I may not have completed my Gold Award.

For the Award's future, it is my hope to see the Award flourish amongst the marginalized, of course giving careful definition to whom we define as marginalized. Personally, I think there is the opportunity to establish many partnerships with universities, community colleges, youth programs and even youth clubs where we can present the opportunity to create collaborative models to delivering the Award and more importantly creating a "minga" where youth feel supported throughout their Award experiences. If I may dream so big, I would also love to see more collaboration between countries to creating support for Award participants and Award holders in accomplishing their personal goals outside of the Award. I feel that through networking and creating partnerships, we can all do our part to ensuring the growth and longevity of the Award programme.

Nature: A Commitment to Preserve and Nurture - A report by Manju Verma (Award Leader)

Award participants of Cambridge International School Phagwara, in their commitment to preserve and nurture nature, moved a step forward by adopting a local park in Phagwara city. The school took this initiative in a collaborative effort with the residents of Urban Estate Phagwara to improve and maintain the park.

Mr. Som Prakash, MLA Phagwara City, inaugurated the event. He motivated the participants to follow the Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan to keep the city, state and nation clean.

This initiative was further supported by residents and community members who will volunteer their time to improve the chosen park. All the IAYP participants and members present there pledged to keep the park clean and work on a variety of projects including planting and maintaining flower beds; maintaining the trails and paths; painting and caring for park structures; cleaning up litter; planting, mulching, and watering trees; and ensuring the park is well maintained. The Award participants also pledged to visit the park every Sunday. An inspirational song "Zariya" sung by the students of Cambridge International School strengthened the spirit of the movement.

Principal Jorawar Singh encouraged the students to preserve nature for our future generations. Pankaj Gautam, a leading businessman of the town and a great social activist also motivated the students to plant more trees. The event was initiated under the guidance of Anita Somprakash, Jaswinder Kaur (MC), K. S. Bains (Managing Director CIS), Jorawar Singh (Principal), Amarjeet Singh (Administrator), Pankaj Gautam, members of Urban Estate Phagwara, staff and students of Cambridge International School Phagwara.

Click for pictures

India - Sri Lanka Youth Exchange (ISYE) Programme

The Audacious Dreams Foundation, India in association with National Youth Services Council (NYSC), Ministry of Youth Affairs, Govt. of Sri Lanka and the Commonwealth Youth Council (CYC) are jointly hosting the India-Sri Lanka Youth Exchange (ISYE) Programme which is to be held in Sri Lanka from 5th to 12th July 2015.
The ISPG award aspirants are participating in this Global Understanding and Sustainable Development (GUSD) programme. Audacious Dream Foundation extends an opportunity to invite IAYP students all around India to participate in the ISYE programme. During this exchange programme the participants will have the opportunity to interact with the Hon. Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Youth Affairs Minister and other dignitaries.
The GUSD programme India-Sri Lanka Youth Exchange 2015 will give an opportunity to unleash the potential of our India-Sri Lanka youth to empower themselves and the community around them. This GUSD visit will help the fellow youth to foster peace talks, civic responsibility, cultural understanding, and policy exchange through communication, rich diverse experience, field visits etc.  This is an opportunity for youth to develop and engage with societal issues and be new generation change agents.

Participants doing the Award Programme anywhere in India are encouraged to apply with their updated profile and a one-page motivation letter on why they wish to apply for the GUSD programme. Selected participants will be provided with partial scholarship to participate in this event.  For more information, please get in touch with Dinesh Gajendran

Raja Randhir Singh - Chief Guest at Gold Ceremony 2015

Randhir Singh, former Olympic-level trap and skeet shooter and now sports administrator, is currently the Honorary Member from India on the International Olympic Committee. He is a 1979 recipient of the Arjuna Award. He was educated in Yadavindra Public School, Patiala and earned a B.A. in History (Hon.) from St. Stephen's College, Delhi.

He comes from a family of sportsmen and sporting administrators. He made his competitive senior shooting debut as an 18-year-old when he was part of the winning trap shooting team at the Indian National Championships in 1964. His team defended the title the next year, and he won his first national individual title in 1967 in skeet. He went on to win multiple titles at the national level in both skeet and trap shooting.  He represented India Internationally for 31 years from 1963 to 1994, which is the longest representation by any sportsman in India.  He became the first Indian shooter to win continental gold at the 1978 Asian Games in Bangkok. On home soil four years later, he won team silver at the 1982 Asian Games in New Delhi.

He represented India in six Olympic Games from 1964 to 1984 and he also competed in four Asian Games from 1978 to 1994, winning a medal of each colour.  He also represented India at the Edmonton Commonwealth Games (1978) and won a Bronze Medal.

He is the winner of the Olympic Order (Silver) Award 2014 from the International Olympic Committee, Merit Award (2006) from Association of National Olympic Committee (ANOC), Merit Award (2005) from Olympic Council of Asia and Maharaja Ranjit Singh Award (1979) from State Sports Award -- Government of Punjab.  He was Founder Secretary General of the Afro-Asian Games Council (1998), and helped lead the organization of the only Afro-Asian Games in Hyderabad in 2003.

He was involved in bringing the 2010 Commonwealth Games to India, and had been the Vice Chairman of the Organizing Committee.  He served the Association of National Olympic Committee (ANOC) (2012-2014) as Vice President. He was the Secretary General of the Indian Olympic Association (1987-2014), Secretary General of Olympic Council of Asia since 1991, and member of the International Olympic Committee from 2001 - 2014, and member of the Association of National Olympic Committees Executive Board (2202-2012 and 2014). Recently he was re-elected for the sixth time as the Secretary General of the OCA. He has also served as member of the World Anti-Doping Agency Foundation Board (2003--2005) and on the following commissions: Olympic Games Study Commission (2002--2003); IOC Sport for All Commission (2004), IOC Women and Sport Commission (2006); IOC Coordination Commission 2010 - Ist Youth Summer Olympic Games,  Singapore 2008; Foundation Board Olympic Truce Foundation (2006) and Wada Foundation Board (2003-2005).  He was a member of the Governing Body, Sports Authority of India, Govt. of India (1987-2010).

In 2000 he was awarded a D.Litt. in sports science from Lakshmi Bai National Institute of Physical Education, Gwalior, India.

Dr. S Y Quraishi joins as Trustee - Award Programme Foundation

Dr. S Y Quraishi is an Indian Administrative Services officer, a former Indian Chief Election Commissioner, and a former Secretary in the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. A graduate of St Stephen's College in Delhi, and a Ph.D. holder in Communications and Social marketing, he currently teaches as Honorary Professor at Cluster Innovation Centre, University of Delhi.

Dr. Quraishi is known for his special contributions in social sector reforms covering health, education, population, drug abuse, and civil society action. He has done extensive work in the fields of Gender, Women & Child Development, HIV/AIDS, Youth and Adolescent issues. The UN and other international organizations have availed his expertise in these areas as consultant and resource person on several occasions. He also pioneered India's biggest AIDS awareness programme and IEC campaign called 'Universities Talk AIDS' (UTA) in 159 Universities, considered as one of the best global practices.

Dr. Quraishi has a number of books, articles and talks to his credit on issues related to democracy, elections, HIV AIDS and family planning, social marketing, women and child development and youth. His book 'Social Marketing for Social Change' has broken new ground in the field of development communication. His recent book 'An Undocumented Wonder: The Making of the Great Indian Election' is the story of how the world's largest democracy holds its elections.

We welcome him on board the Award Programme Foundation (APF) Trust and are certain that his extensive experiences and outstanding leadership will help in building the Award Programme further.

Ice-walk 89 by Shailendra Sinha (Gold Awad Holder) - From Archive

In March this year, Robert Swan – the world famous polar explorer led a team of 8 men from seven countries in on expedition called ICEWALK-89 the International North Pole expedition.  They walked from Cape Columbia, Canada’s northern most tip, over 450 cold miles on the frozen Arctic Ocean to conquer the North Pole on May 14. 

 

At the same time a team of 22 student members from 15 countries went all the way to the Canadian High Arctic to participate in the programme of adventure, scientific studies and environmental awareness, all under the same project ICEWALK.

It all began in 1989 when Robert Swan went unsupported to the South Pole along with this two team members and became one of the first men to go under the newly formed Ozone Hole in our atmosphere.  He got heavily sun burnt.  In order to promote greater global awareness about the damaged ozone layer and the environment as a whole he decided on another expedition, this time to the North Pole, and dedicated it to the environment.

For any expedition, finance is required, so he went around the world 26 times getting world-wide sponsors and finally came up with 5 million US Dollars.

A student expedition was organised simultaneously to create greater awareness worldwide.  Students went up to Eureka (80⁰ North) to study the Arctic pollution and global environment as a whole.  They also did a bit of Arctic Survival training and were thoroughly exposed to Arctic hardships.

The reason why students aged 17-22 were chosen what that students can relate with this environmental damage more easily and also because they are the ones who would be worst affected by this environmental damages in the near future.

I was lucky enough to be chosen as the Indian student for this expedition.  My escort-instructor Mandeep Singh Soin also went along with me all the way to the High Arctic.

We left India on the 12^th of April and arrived in London.  There we were received by DEAS headquarters’ and went to the Portuguese Embassy for dinner with the Ambassador.   A brief press conference was also held.  Next day we gave a live interview on BBC followed by the many others.   We also met the Minister of Environment of Britain, Mrs. Virginia Bottomly, in front of the House of Lords.  She had shown a keen interest in ICEWALK and its movies.  From England we moved on to New York, and then on to Ottawa.

Al the members gathered at Ottawa and there we all met for the first time.  They came all the way from America, Canada, Brazil, Ireland, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom, Germany, Portugal, Kenya, Russia, Hong Kong, China, Japan, Australia, New Zealand and India.  There were 8 girls’ students and two lady escort instructors amongst 22 students and their9 escorts who participated in this international student expedition.  The highlight of the stay in Ottawa was the meeting with Mr. Lucien Bouchard, the Canadian Environment Minister , who announced a clean-up programme in the Canadian Arctic, in order to remove all the oil drums lying around which went there as aeroplane refuelling drums.

From Ottawa we went on to Iqaluit (66⁰ North) located on Baffin Island, which is essentially on Eskimo community.  There we received a warm welcome.  The locals taught us how to build Igloos (Ice-houses) and acquainted us with a few techniques necessary for Arctic survival.

From Iqaluit we went to Eureka (Ellesmere Island) via Resoulute (Cornwallis Island).  Eureka is situated at 80⁰ North and is an environmental weather service station, which is manned all the year around.  Whilst we were there, we had 24 hrs day light and the daily temperatures ranges all the way from 12⁰ C to 35⁰ C.  The lowest if went down to was 45⁰ C with the wind chill factor.  We placed ourselves comfortably and had the help and support of five leading Canadian American scientists who were there especially to teach us about the on-going environmental destruction.  We took a trip to Lake Hazen (82.5⁰ North) which is an 800 Sq. mile lake, the largest lake above the Arctic.  We went all the way to observe wild life but unfortunately no wild life signs could be seen anywhere except a trail of lemming foot prints.

Arctic by far has been regarded as one of the cleanest places on earth.  Yet now there are traces of pollution in the form of gases causing the Greenhouse effect, and soot-causing acid rains, as well as pesticides carried by complex wind patterns coming right down from Texas in America.  The thinning ozone layer is another fatal threat to the High Arctic.  If all this carries on even at the present rate, the polar ice-caps will melt causing ocean levels to up by 70 metres or so.  I need not explain its obvious effects.

By now all the students had mixed very well and had overcome the barriers of language, country, community etc. acting like mini-ambassadors of the countries they represented.
We also learnt about the Arctic as a whole i.e. its people, wildlife geography, solar navigation etc.  Later we went out on a 4-day ski trip which exposed us fully to the rough Arctic weather.  The weather there was quite unpredictable.  We were heavily geared and pulled our own stuff ourselves, on the sledges; quite like the polar team which by now crossed 88.5⁰ N.

We came across lots of spectacular sights of icebergs and even climbed a few.  Icebergs were rising upto 50 m, high and looking extremely beautiful.

We skied on the frozen ocean, cooked out own food which at -30⁰ C certainly wasn’t very easy to do, slept in tents and Igloos and climbed right to the top of the highest mountains, on the Ellesmere Island (2150 ft. above sea level), which was quite nearby.

The return was very nostalgic and sentimental, with a few girls breaking down in tears.  So fare we had lived in perfect harmony and bonds of friendship had been permanently established amongst us all.  We returned home both happy and sad’ happy because we had achieved our goal and sad because it was over now.

Thank you Ice-walk.

(Source: The Doon School Adventure Stores shared by Dr. S C Biala)

Award Leader Training Workshop at the Award Training Centre, New Delhi

The National Award Authority organized a National Award Leader Training Workshop at the Award Training Centre, New Delhi on January 08-09, 2014.  The sessions covered the four pillars of the Award i.e. Physical Recreation, Skills, Service and Adventurous Journey, as well as the Residential Project, Volunteering and Risk Management. The training was led by Kapil Bhalla (National Director), Bivujit Mukhoty (Programme Manager) and Meeta Sharma (Member National Training Panel). A session on the Online Record Book was conducted by Priyank Kumar Gupta (Head IT & ORB), while Pallavi Gill (Gold Award Holder) explained the benefits of the Award to the participants.

The workshop was attended by five participants mainly from the The Asian School, Dehra Dun; The Aga Khan Academy, Hyderabad; Calcutta International School, Kolkata and K.P.B. Hinduja College of Commerce, Mumbai. Click for the pictures

Explore Spiti, be a part of Solar Conservation Project 2015 - Registrations Open till 15th April 2015

Residential Project and Adventurous Journey for Gold Participants
5th - 21st June 2015: Spiti, Northern Himalayas, India 

Gold Award Participants from around the globe are welcome to apply for the two-weeks Solar Conservation Project at Monastery, Spiti. Organised by Ecosphere in collaboration with IAYP India, the project is one of its kind, combining an Adventurous Journey and Gold Residential Project exclusively for Gold Award Participants.  During this journey the Award Participants will participate in the actual construction of the Solar Bath and the setup of a Solar Water Geyser (Evacuated Tube Condenser) or a Greenhouse and will be assisted by a dedicated team with a qualified mason and representative from Ecosphere. The construction period will be 7 to 8 days. The trip combines work and pleasure. During this trip the Award Participants will also be visiting some of the highest villages in the world, going on a high-altitude trek, visiting some ancient monasteries dating back over 1000 years and taking a yak/horse safari and mountain bike. Traditional homestays further enrich the experience by giving an authentic understanding of the life and culture in a Spitian home. More information can be download from here or you can write to spiti_gold2015@iayp.in

Manali, The Switzerland of India

A Report from Priyatma Ningthoujam (Bronze Aspirant)

On 24th November, 2014 a group of 20 Award aspirants of Miles Bronson Residential School participated in an adventure trip to the Himalayan ranges of Manali,  Himachal Pradesh. The group was led by Ms. Lipika Borah (Award Leader) along with Mr. Thomas P. It was a 12-day programme which included trekking, rafting and other adventure activities.

The team reached Manali early in the morning of 27th November. They did some local trekking that day and visited the hot springs and the Hadimba temple in Manali.

The next day was a day to play in the snow in Lothang pass. Each one of us experienced the snow for the first time.  Lothang pass can be called a natural paradise. The same day we came down to Solang valley and met an eminent personality called Sri Rajib Sharma who has spent the maximum time of his life in the mountains and was a victor over Mount Everest twice.

In Naggar (a place between Kulu and Manali) we camped for a night. It was a memorable experience and the students enjoyed a number of adventure activities such as monkey crawling, Burma crossing, rock climbing, zip lining, rafting etc. In that venue we had the amazing experience of night holding inside tents in the extreme cold.

We also trekked to a village called Heritage Village in Naggar which is popular in both Bollywood and Hollywood. Many of the famous films such as Jab We Met, Yeh Jawani Hai Diwani etc were pictured there. The forest is the state's most important wealth. The place had a very thick vegetation of pine, cedar, deodar, and apple.

We had the opportunity to visit a monastery in Mc. Leod Ganj where there is a residence of the Dalai Lama. Mc Leod Ganj is teeming with exiled Tibetan people.

Manali with its soothing backdrop of Himalaya has given us an unforgettable moments and memories in our life. This trip has taught us life skills like taking risks, having confidence in ourselves and the ability to take on challenges, and most importantly, developing team spirit and empathy.  Click for more pictures

International Gold Event Diary - Part 1

International Gold Event 2014 finally kicked off with a brilliant opening ceremony as witnessed by our IGE reps Anwesha Ghosh, Ankit Durga and Adrija Chatterjee. First session of the event was taken by John May, Secretary General. The participants have been divided into several groups and have an assignment that will be completed with due course of the 10-day forum. The final presentation will be on October 29, 2014 in presence of HRH Earl of Wessex. 

Activities with the motive of team building, leadership and efficient working have been major part of the first three days in Seoul. Activities included presentation, games and discussions which covered most aspects of team work. According to the IGE rep Anwesha, “all the sessions have been very fruitful and indepth.” While for Ankit and Adrija the exposure that they are experiencing is incredible, meeting new people and learning their stories has been the essence of the grand event.  

Into the lap of serenity

Pangot is a picturesque hill station located about 13 km from Nainital in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand in the lake district of India. The pleasant climate, scenic landscape and laidback charm of Pangot make it an ideal place for tourists. The drive to Pangot passes through the forest area of Cheena Peak Range via Snow View Point and Kilbury, which provide perfect platform for bird watching.

Our journey started from our college- Ansal University, Gurgaon, we all were asked to be present there at 7:30 pm so that our coordinators could help us by briefing about the trip. We were then introduced to the teachers Mrs. Pratibha ma’am and Mr Gulia sir who were going to accompany us on the trip. 

We were first given the basic introduction to first aid and following that the teachers and our coordinators briefed us about Pangot and its surroundings. After that all our seniors who have already been on an IAYP trip shared their experiences with us. As we did not know everybody going on the trip we were asked to briefly introduce ourselves to others.

We all were very excited as it was our first trip from the college and the cooperative seniors made us feel comfortable as they treated all of us as their equal. Throughout the journey we played games such as dumb-charades which was great fun, the journey also helped me update my latest music knowledge as we couldn’t stop singing. 

Twelve at night there was buzz in the bus as it was one of our senior’s birthday, before the trip that senior was just an acquaintance but now we are best of buddies. The game and chatting unknowingly made us tired and sleep became the easiest thing to get. We all woke up to the freezing cold weather of Kalkodaam from where were to hop onto taxis that would take us to Pangot. Even in the shivering weather the sight of snow patches pm the road side was so pleasing to the eyes.

The name of our camp was Shiva Den Camp where we were briefed by Maddy sid and Naresh sir who were our instructors at the camp. To my surprise I was actually enjoying the food at the camp or may be tit was just the excitement overpowering my tastebuds. Frankly the beauty around our camp site was mesmerizing.

As the day went on the instructors mixed matched all of us to divide us into two teams. Most of the members in my team were just faces studying in my college but with good team spirit and involvement in the activities that was coming our way transformed us into great bunch of friends.

Soon we were into our rappelling gears which were tested and approved by our instructors, while the other team was involved with Jumaring. Thanks to the cheers and motivation coming from my team mated I managed to finish my activity. Then it was our turn to do jumaring. It was a technique oriented task although it looked very difficult but it became simple after we mastered the technique. 

Soon we were back to our camps for our lunch and bit of rest to overcome the fatigue of morning activities. After our evening tea at the bonfire, Maddy sir informed us of a voluntary activity of night walk. Even though it was a voluntary activity everyone was happy to do this activity. Every tiring step of the walk soon turned fruitful when we reached a spot which was heaven for star watching. Never in my life could I have seen so many stars in Delhi sky. While returning to the camp all I could think of was the sight I had just witnessed.

   

On day two sticking to the same team we had to go for trekking. But there was a twist in the activity, the twist being one team was to leave the camp 15-20 minutes later than the first team. The second team had to follow the diections that would be left by the first team, while the first team would reach the end point early and start with cooking and the second team would be helping them once they arrived. To balance out the tasks, we being the second team we also had to prepare various directions signs to be used by first team.

Once we reached our trekking destination the tea was already prepared for us by the Team 1. After that we had to put the food to be cooked on fire, while the cooking was on Maddy sir taught us how are tents put up and different types of rope knots. It was just an amazing feeling living within the endless boundary of nature.

After returning to the camp ite we had our dinner while enjoying some music and heat from the bonfire. Soon our seniors were on an open-jeep for a session of night safari while were converted the dining hall into a dancing floor. When seniors were back, we went for the safari. After coming back we all were tired but didn’t want to sleep because we knew it was our last night in the camp. On that day we slept around 03:30 am and till then we were sitting near bonfire area and chatted the whole night.

Next day we got up by 8a.m. and had our breakfasts and changed and packed our bags as we had to leave our camps and we were going for some shopping in Nanital.

Next morning we left our camps & boarded taxis and left for Nainital. There we visited the zoo first which had animals like tiger, leopard, birds, deer etc and later we went for boating to reach mall road. We also did some shopping in the streets of Nainital. Before we knew we were on our bus back to the bustling city of New Delhi while saying good bye to all the calmness I had been living in past three days. 

I couldn’t but I wanted to thank and hug each and everybody for making this trip so memorable for me. I made new friends and the bond between the friends that I already had just grew stronger.

Now I have so many memories from Pangot and those memories put a smile on my face. I wish we have many more IAYP Adventurous Journey.   

Why I employed an Award holder

We do say the Award makes you better prepared for the world outside especially when it comes to employment opportunities, on this not we get an employer’s perspective from Mohamed Rahiman, CEO of Quantum Training Centre, Kulaijaya, Malaysia.

Mohamed Rahiman says the Award “is the right platform from which to recruit future leaders.”

“As an employer and an ex-government employee in the areas of talent retention and skill enhancement, I see many areas which tertiary institutions, vocational schools and school leavers can and need to address to improve young people’s employability.

Closing the gap between school and work

“Our task is to prepare these young and eager people so that they are more employable and take a life-long approach to learning). They should never stop pursuing new knowledge or testing the uncharted boundaries of the world for their personal advancement and for the betterment of the human race.

“We need to close all the gaps between school and working life. We must make them attractive enough so that people recruit them more for their attitude and see them less as a liability to be trained – too costly and a time consuming responsibility for the employer.

Embedding employable skills

“One of the main ways in which we can help them is to systematise the direct involvement of these young people in activities and interaction outside the comfort of their routine life.

“The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award ensures that the key elements of employability are embedded into them at an early stage of their life. As they complete their Award activities they develop employable skills in areas such as: communication, cultural sensitivity, leadership and creative qualities and many more positive attributes.

Confidence in uncharted territory

“They also learn about giving back to society, living a life outside their comfort zone, and they have inculcated in them the intrinsic value of life-long learning. One of the most important skills I have encountered when dealing with Award holders is that they are more confident in venturing into any uncharted territory where new environments, challenges or people are abundant and the norm. At least they are willing to endeavour with an excellent attitude of positive vibes.

“One of the best descriptions I can give to other employers about the Award is to share with them its content: it entails participants venturing outside their comfort zone with a positive attitude while they complete various tasks in a constantly new and challenging environment. If anyone wants an energetic young recruit armed with a vibrant attitude to any working environment, this is the right platform from which to recruit future leaders.”

Since employing a Gold Award holder, Ravichandran Balasubramaniam, Mohamed has been appointed to the Award in Malaysia’s advisory board. He also heads up their National Training Panel.

Sometimes words do all the magic

India has always been a country bestowed with many literary geniuses, either using their words to give face to their imagination or even fighting for what is right. Our culture and history gives a platform for our writers that is scarcely available anywhere else in the world. On that note meet Gold Award participant Lokdeep Teekas, a Masters student in Biological Science with a passion for languages and hobby that helps him do magic on a white sheet of paper. Hindi language runs through the veins of our country but it is soon becoming a language only spoken in homes or a poor man's language, Lokdeep is doing his share to show the beauty of the language by writing poems and posts in Hindi as skills for his International Award for Young People. Below is one of the poem from his collection, rest of them can be read on his blog at http://lokteekas.blogspot.in/.

   

9th National Award Leader Training Workshop in New Delhi

The National Award Authority (NAA) organized an Award Leader Training Workshop (YES Workshop) at Award Training Centre, New Delhi on 27-28 August, 2014. Eleven participants from six different institutions including our new Skills Partner Learning Unlimited participated in the workshop. Ice breaking session was the curtain raiser to the workshop; it was led by National Director Kapil Bhalla who also gave an introduction to the Award. The next session was led by Bivujit Mukhoty (Programme Manager) who shared details related to the Award philosophy and Award framework. Then Mr. Bhalla delivered a session on one of the four pillars of the programme i.e. Service, he started the session with an activity which helped participants feel the importance of this section. The post lunch session was devoted to Skills and Adventurous Journey sections, which were led by Bivujit Mukhoty. Kapil Bhalla also led a session on volunteering which is considered an integral part of the programme. The day ended with the screening of the IAYP India movie, "Why Not You?". 

The second day started with the last pillar of the Award i.e. Physical Recreation. The session began with some on-the-spot physical activities and then moved onto the requirements and importance of Physical Recreation. This was followed by the Residential Project which is part of the Gold Award programme. Some details regarding the technical aspect of the Award such as risk management were also discussed. The penultimate session was on the Web Resources and Online Record Book (ORB) which was led by Priyank Gupta, Head IT & ORB.  This session was about details regarding International Award for Young People website and the presence of the Indian Award at different social media platform. Priyank Gupta also talked about one of our new innovations related to the programme, the Online Record Book (ORB). He shared details on ORB process and the rollout plan for ORB.  The final session of the workshop was taken by our Programme Manager who discussed the importance of branding and risk management in the smooth running of the Award. The workshop concluded with an appreciation note from Kapil Bhalla followed by certificate presentation to our new Award leaders.

A visit to Government schools in Haryana

International Award for Young People team visited four schools in Haryana running as Special Projects in collaboration with JCB India. The four schools included Govt. Senior Secondary School, Jharsaintly, Govt. High School, Khandawali, Govt. High School, Deoli & Govt. High School, Bhagola. The motive behind these regular visits to the Special Project schools is to motive the Award participants as well as prospective participants. 

The visit included introducing the programme to the students of the schools and talking about the benefits of the programme. Bivujit Mukhoty, Programme Manager introduced Gold Award winner and International Gold Event 2014, Seoul participant Ankit Durga, who shared the benefits of the Award. Ankit also shared his experience of his Award journey and the life after Gold. 

The IAYP team also constituted of Priyank Gupta, Head IT & ORB for IAYP and also Vimal Kumar, Principal, Govt. High School, Khandawali when the team visited his school. Ms. Neelam Singh, IAYP Coordinator from Lady Bamford Charity Trust, JCB was instrumental in organizing the visit to all four schools. End of the day team managed to have a talk with more than 175 students from the four schools and introduce them to the IAYP Programme.     

Experience the 'Land of Tigers'

Have you ever heard silence, the chirping of the birds, felt each drop of water, listened to the sound of wind? All of the above is at least not possible in the busy city life.

Peace, nature, adventure and fun cannot be put into words they have to be experienced. Camp Hornbill at Jim Corbett National Park situated in the lap of nature, gives a new definition of life, which is beyond the entire muddle.  The four days adventure trip organised by our school, Uttam School For Girl, provided us with the best opportunity a student can get while being a member of the International Award for Young People. This programme has taught us that service and fun can go hand in hand, for which our adventure trip can be the best example. It was an exuberant affair backed with ultimate fun, adventure, and orderliness. The morning started with ‘Bird watching’ in the jungle. We could identify at least 27 different species of birds with the help of binoculars. Mountain biking was another fantastic experience. Rappelling and river crossing in a wild forest was a difficult task, but was made simple by the adept and experienced instructors. The day out brought with it a sense of independence, as preparing your own food in the forest gave extreme satisfaction. Interaction with the neighbouring people helped develop knowledge about their cultures. The sweet folk songs sung by the children forced us to shake our legs.

Body surfing in Ram Ganga canal was an unique experience. We learnt to support each other and work as a team. We ensured that every activity was not only successfully but was also completed by each and every one of us. We also worked with an NGO,”The Waste Warriors” in the village. They showed us how animal waste, dry leaves and waste food from the resorts could turn into organic manure. We are planning to start the same within our school premises. In the evening there were many team building and leadership games which kept us in high spirits

Campfires at night were enthralling sessions of laughter, discussions and jungle stories. Unconditional love and care given by the teachers and instructors made us feel homely. I thank IAYP from the bottom of my heart as they were the reason for this trip to actually happen. By and large this trip will be admired by each and every student, tears rolled down while leaving the place.

This is an experience shared by Brinda Gupta a Silver Award participant from Uttam School For Girls, Ghaziabad.