Adventurous Journey help gain confidence

Silver level Award participants from Olcott Memorial School, Chennai completed their Adventurous Journey from 27th - 29th January 2017. A brief report on their AJ.

Forty-three, Silver level Award participants assembled at the school campus with great excitement on 27th January 2017 by 5.30 am, looking forward to spending the next three days at Amirthi forest by taking part in trekking and other adventurous activities under their Adventurous Journey section of their Award Programme.

The enthusiastic group of participants left the school for Vellore. On reaching the forest, participants were grouped and allotted accommodation. They were briefed about the Adventurous Journey Section and activities by the mentors. The activities started with participants trekking a few kilometres before commencing the river crossing activity. Every participant participated in this activity with great enthusiasm and vigor. This was followed by a short trek to a nearby village where participants interacted with the villagers and learned about their lifestyle and culture. After dinner, they had a circle time where each of them was asked to share about themselves and showcase their individual talents before going to bed.

The following day began with a physical exercise session. After breakfast, the participants commenced their 7 km long trek up a hill to reach a village. They enjoyed the natural scenic beauty, the flora, and fauna of the place before interacting with the local community to know about their lifestyle.

The third day also began with physical exercise. This inculcated a sort of discipline among the participants. After breakfast, they trekked along the river to climb a small mountain using ropes and enjoyed the rappelling activity. The participants also took part to river crossing activity in the river before trekking back to their campsite.

This Adventurous Journey, away from their home and routines helped the participants to gain confidence, improve their interpersonal skill and personality development. On 29th the group headed back to Chennai with fond memories and with a boost their self-confidence. Click to view pictures

Service to Humanity

“Humanity is not about maintaining a gracious relationship between one another in the society, but it is about building a bond between people in society.”

This was proved by the Silver participants of Coorg Public School, Mysore, when they were taken to the Ashram School at Thithimathi on 26 June, 2016. The twenty-six Silver participants enjoyed the companionship of students by singing and dancing with them for more than two hours. This programme infused the spirit of social service among the Silver participants.

International Award and Me

Ilma Jabeen, a Silver Level participant from Ansal University, Gurgaon, sharing her Award experience.

I am a civil engineering student and proud to be a part of the IAYP programme. It has helped me achieve a wholesome growth; today after completing the programme, I realise the significance and the intent behind each of these sections: Service, Skills, Physical Recreation and Adventurous Journey. As I worked through each of these sections, they inculcated in me a habit of daily physical workout; sharpened my potent skill set; helped me overcome my fears during the course of adventure trip; and I learnt the art of time management as it required a balanced regimen to practice these activities on daily basis.

Being an engineering student, I was way distant from any of the soul strengthening practices as I spend most of my time learning the theories of construction business and design of high rise infrastructure. It goes without saying that IAYP provided me with a life changing experience.

In my Service section, which lasted for a duration of 6 months, I worked for a mandir (temple) on Huda market lane, sector 56, Gurgaon. The temple has a beautiful provision for the under-privileged kids, providing them with a school facility inside the mandir itself; the school had teachers who volunteer to teach them during their spare time. I took it up as my service during my IAYP tenure. The place was at a walking distance from my PG; I visited it as and when I got off from college, but made it a point to have a disciplined visit at least twice a week. Though I was not a regular mentor, however, I tried contributing whatever best I could to it. This engendered in me a feeling of social responsibility and ignited a confidence that my “small part” too can create a difference, provided I take it up with sheer conviction.

It was the Skills section that I took up for a year under the Silver Award of IAYP, simply because I had a serious goal to accomplish under this section. I had always been more of an extrovert person, active speaker, debater and one who loves to give speeches to masses with zilch stage phobia. As ‘the law of diminishing returns’, is applicable to most of the parts of life; my oratory skills had reached a stagnation point and I was unable to morph myself from a good speaker to an influential orator, who had the power to move her audience merely with her words. Under the Skills section, I got the time to put my rigour into review and identify my drawbacks. Lack of intonation was a major bump, my pitch was high (may be by birth) but a good orator must have immense control over the pitch as there is a difference between shouting and proving a point; not all topics are a point of argument, at times it is required to state a fact in a polite, low pitched tone. I worked on it and even today I make it a point to set my tone right before I speak. Words are magical; this was a lesson I learned in one of my soft skills classes. I practiced the art of choosing the correct words to communicate during this one year: I ended up learning that “maybe you should review your work”, is a much better way to put a person on the right track than to tell them, ”You are incompetent to do this or it’s not your cup of tea.” Though I had my roadblocks listed even before IAYP happened to me but it was only because of IAYP that I could dedicate time for improving these setbacks.

My Physical Recreation had nothing to do with joining a gym or hardcore weightlifting. I made it a point to walk regularly, covering a distance of around two km (one way); this way I was able to kick start my morning with a brisk fresh walk. Skipping and cycling were also contributing to my physical activity simultaneously. But I was not satisfied with this and started on counting small steps like using stairs instead of elevators, walking over riding, etc; as it is the small pebbles that give a substantial rise to the great ocean.

IAYP Adventurous Journey was a euphoric experience for me as it was unlike the regular college trips where we ganged up with our friends or the usual family outings where every destination is predefined. It took me to Manali, a 3 days+ 2 night’s journey, embarking from Ansal University’s campus on the night of 26th September 2014. The itinerary was packed with activities I had never thought of doing: camping in a forest, trekking, river crossing, fox climbing, etc. and I found myself thrilled with adrenal rushes. The best thing about the trip was its Practice Journey during which we went trekking to the Aravali Hills near Ansal University to spot all possible challenges one can face on the Qualifying Journey, such as camping; lighting the fire and cooking meals with the meager resources; keeping the body hydrated during long trekking hours; supporting and helping fellow mates if need be; surviving emergencies such as accidents, snake bites, etc. The trip was exceptionally riveting because it had different students from different streams and it was an ultimate platform for the exchange of ideas, bonding and individual performance, which was a real self- evaluation for each and every student on the trip.

When I look back today, I can say that IAYP has given me one of the most memorable experiences of life and I can say it with pride that this Award does shape youth with the right spirit and enthusiasm, shaping their personality and building their character. Click for pictures

Donate a Blanket, Save a Life

Two Silver Award participants, Shilpi Daimary and Kavery Mahela from Miles Bronson Residential School, Guwahati, are sharing their experience during the Blanket Donation drive to protect pavement dwellers from the cold.

Inspired and motivated by the initiative of NDTV and Uday Foundation’s mission to keep the pavement dwellers of North India warm, we, the Award participants of Miles Bronson fraternity also joined hands in saving the lives of the people in need. On 3rd December 2015, it was announced in our morning assembly that we had to collect blankets and warm clothes for people who were dying from the cold on the streets, in slums, orphanages and old age homes. On Sunday, the 6th of December 2015, we collected a huge pile of old warm clothes and blankets from the Bronsonians and the teachers. It was wonderful to see that some of our teachers and Bronsonias brought not only old warm clothes but also new blankets, warm clothes, socks and gloves to keep people warm. After collecting the donations, on 13th December 2015, we, the Award participants, along with our mentors, distributed the blankets and warm clothes to the pavement dwellers living near the Sukreshwar Mandir, Panbazar, Guwahati. It was fulfilling to see the smiles on the faces of those pavement dwellers and we wish all our friends and teachers a heartfelt thank you in taking such initiatives and make someone's life worth living in cold winters. 

Adventurous Journey Camp

Fifty-five Award participants from The Cathedral & John Connon School, Mumbai completed their Adventurous Journey to Mount Abu. A report by Noshir N.Engineer (Award Leader)

We left for the camp on 23rd March 2016 from Mumbai with 55 Award participants including one Gold level, 20 Silver level and 34 Bronze level participants. We arrived in Ahmedabad at 5:30 am and undertook a bus journey to Mount Abu (the campsite).

On the first day of our journey we learnt about tent-pitching, essential knots and different kinds of camping gear. On the same day, we also went for a three-hour trek to Sunset Point and returned in the evening. The day was full of experiential learning for all of us. Everyone noted the important points in their diaries and record keeping journals.

The other activities in which we took part were caving, rock-climbing and rappelling. The participants were made to trek to the locations at which these activities were organised. These activities were quite arduous under the scorching sun, but they allowed the participants to step outside their comfort zones and challenged them in ultimate terms. They learnt about mountain manners and first aid. At the closing of the day, the participants even put up short skits in groups on social issues, an inspirational sight to witness.

We did get the opportunity to participate in Zumba during morning hours and trekked to Nakhi Talao followed by a visit to the Abrudevi temple where we were made to ascend and descend 407 steps. After the journey we all returned to the school with chapped lips and fond memories. Click for more pictures

Adventurous Journey for Specially-Abled Participants

The National Award Authority organised an Adventurous Journey camp for differently-abled participants of Raphael Ryder Cheshire, Dehradun from 2nd to 5th March 2016, under Special Projects. The group comprised 25 differently-abled participants (21 boys and 4 girls); among them were 4 Gold, 4 Silver, and 17 Bronze participants. The group was escorted by two Award Leaders: Madhu Rawat and Kishan Rana who work as Special Educators; five volunteers: Ambika Thapliyal, Ameeta Upreti, Purnima Singh, Vasundhara, Shilpi and two members from support staff. Four specially trained instructors of the Institute of Climbers and Nature Lovers (ICNL) Kolkata led them on their Adventurous Journey. The camp was supervised by Bivujit Mukhoty, Programme Manager, IAYP. Priyank Kumar Gupta (Head IT) also represented the NAA for this adventurous journey during the course.

The first day started with a briefing session about the journey. The instructors explained the importance of safety and helped the participants understand the different equipment. They taught them how to pack their backpacks and other equipment while on their Adventurous Journey. Next, the instructors explained the process for pitching tents and helped the participants perform this activity. The students enjoyed the learning activity. The Instructors demonstrated rappelling and other activities and showed the use of different types of rope knots used during the Adventurous Journey. Participants also performed the single rope bridge. The participants enjoyed their evening full of dance and music.

The next morning, the group started their journey to Inside Passage Camp Site, Maldevta Village, Dehradun by bus. Amit Minocha welcomed the group and arranged the stay for the participants. In the pre-lunch session,the participants performed on the Commando Net; in the post-lunch session the instructors organised adventurous activities like Burma Bridge.The evening was spent playing different games and sports as per their ability.

On the third day, the participants went for Tyrolean Traverse on the river Song. The second half of the day was for a track where they visited a natural cave and explored calcite and stalactite depositions. These participants enjoyed the campfire at night. 

The last day of the camp started with different physical exercises and team building games. After the physical fitness training and a late breakfast the group departed for Raphael Ryder Cheshire, Dehradun.

This Adventurous Journey was full of fun for these participants, helping build their confidence and exposing them to a different environment. The NAA expresses thanks to Inside Passage and ICNL team for providing support and organising this camp. click for pictures

Special Project Adventurous Journey Camp for JCB Supported Govt. Schools in Faridabad

The National Award Authority organised a three-day Adventurous Journey camp for JCB Sponsored Government Senior Secondary Schools of the rural areas of Haryana, from 19th to 21st January 2016 at Rocksport's Camp Tikkling, Badshahpur (Gurgaon). Participating in the camp were 35 students doing their Bronze and Silver (22 girls and 13 boys). They completed their Adventurous Journey related activities under the supervision of instructors from Institute of Climbers and Nature Lovers (ICNL) Kolkata and Bivujit Mukhoty (Programme Manager).The camp activities includes Rock Climbing, Rappelling, Fixing Rope, Building Burma Bridge & Single Rope Bridge, fixing Tyrolean Traverse (for river crossing), tent pitching along with learning Rope Knots. The participants also learned Team Building Games with Spider Net. All the participants successfully completed their activities for the Adventurous Journey. The NAA team thanks ICNL, Kolkata and Rocksport, New Delhi for their continued support to the Award Programme. We also wish to thank Neelam Singh (Award Leader, Govt. Sr. Sec. Schools) for her valuable support and help. Clickfor pictures

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)

Adventurous Journey for Bronze and Silver Level

The IAYP Silver & Bronze levels Adventurous Journey was held for Symbiosis International School, Pune from 25th to 30th October, 2015. Forty-five Silver level and two Bronze level participants were taken to Manali. They took a flight from Pune to Delhi followed by a 14-hour bus journey to Manali. They stayed at Prini base camp located 3kms from Manali.

The participants reached Manali on 26th morning. The 3rd practice trek took place on the first day from the base camp to Jamdigni Rishi temple. The overall trek was 6kms long and all the participants were able to complete the trek successfully. It was a fitness and endurance test and the participants showed the same perseverance like the 2 earlier practice treks. The same evening, they participated in a number of team activities like stretcher - making things out of limited resources available in the wild - and pitching tents. They learnt valuable and crucial life skills. It also promoted team spirit, co-operation and using presence of mind and analytical skills among the students.

On the morning of 27th October, the participants were divided into two groups. Half of them went for a cycling journey and the other half went for rafting. The cycling team travelled to Naggar castle located 18 kms from the campsite. The total journey was 36 kms to and fro. The cycling trip pushed the participants to their limits. It was a test of extreme perseverance and grit. Most of the participants had never covered such a massive distance on a cycle, which made it difficult for them to keep up but they worked to the best of their abilities and completed the journey. The road journey had many uphill and downhills at various points and the castle was located on a hilltop. The trip was extremely strenuous and challenging, however, the participants did not give up. This journey boosted the confidence of the participants and showed them the importance of stamina and will.

While half the group participated in the cycling trip, the others went white water rafting on the river Beas. The starting point of this was Pirdi. The journey was 14kms long and ended at Sharavai. The challenging part of this journey was the extreme temperatures of the water, which was very difficult to bear. The participants coped well with this physical as well as mental challenge. Rafting also promoted team work and co-ordination. Overall, it was an extremely enjoyable experience.

The same activities continued on 28th October. The group that did cycling switched to rafting and vice- versa.

A cultural programme was organised for the participants in the evening where a local dance troupe performed 'Kulvi Pahadi Naati'- their folk dance. This helped the participants understand their culture.

29th October was the last day in Manali. The participants embarked on a trek in the morning to Arjuna gufa (cave).  It was a to and fro journey of 10kms. They travelled to a cave where Arjuna, an important mythological character in the Mahabharata, had meditated in peace. This was an insightful experience and the participants got to admire and appreciate the elaborate history and beliefs of the religion and country. The trek was quite tiring physically but the participants were motivated as it was the last day. They completed it in time. The participants covered a humongous 60 Kms trek in 3 days.

Finally the participants leisurely spent the evening at the local market before leaving for Pune. The Adventurous Journey was extremely memorable for all the participants. They learnt important life lessons that will stay with them for the rest of their lives. This exhausting yet enjoyable journey left an indelible impression on each one of them.  Click for pictures

Adventurous Journey for Gold and Silver Level

Gold and Silver participants of The Cathedral & John Connon School, Mumbai completed their Adventurous Journey  at Bhimashankar and Khopoli.  A report from the Award Leader follows.

The IAYP Gold and Silver Level Adventurous Journey camp was held from 8th to 11th October, 2015 at Khopoli and Bhimashankar. Forty-nine Gold and Silver level participants, accompanied by the Award Leader, left for Khopoli. On reaching Khopoli, the participants were given sessions on rope knots, how to handle various equipment and pitch tents. These sessions were lively, informative and helped refresh everyone's memory of these vitally important skills for safety and survival.

Early morning on the 9th of October, all the participants embarked on a trek to Bhimashankar. They were all transported to Khandas village by bus and then began the ascent from there. The trek was challenging and exciting; there were several spots that seemed impossible to climb but with the correct attitude and skill, all the participants were able to manoeuvre their way through the forest. Everyone was determined to complete the trek and reach the peak of the hill. After seven hours with a lot of encouragement from the team leaders, the group finally made it to the top. The trek was exhausting but it helped improve the participants' fitness and build their communication and coordination skills.

In the evening, the participants were divided into groups and took part in different team building games. In the first game, the participants had to form a circle and pass a hoola-hoop around the circle without breaking it. The games became more difficult as they progressed; in the last game, all the team members were blindfolded and the group leaders had to help them form a square. These games enabled the participants to think on their feet and prepared them for life-threatening situations.

On the morning of the 10th of October, the participants did some light exercise and then took a bus to the Bhimashankar temple. It was a beautiful historic monument that offered an insight into Hindu religion and culture. In the evening the participants undertook a few adventure activities. Both net climbing and jhummaring were good exercise; these activities also allowed the knowledge on equipment and rope knots to be put to good use.

The morning of the 11th was spent in some light exercise followed by lectures and a feedback session, after which everyone departed for Mumbai. All in all, the camp was challenging and tiring but it was a memorable and enjoyable experience. Click here for pictures

How the Award Programme transformed differently-abled participants

Rupanjan Goswami, Award Leader, Ramakrishna Mission Blind Boy's Academy, Narendrapur, Kolkata reports on the Award Programme at the Academy.

Ramakrishna Mission Blind Boys' Academy, Narendrapur, Kolkata -- a pioneer institution for visually differently-abled boys in India -- has been participating in the International Award for Young People (IAYP-INDIA) since 2002. This institute provides various forms of support to the boys to assist in mainstreaming them into society.

The R.K.M.B.B.A offers multifarious activities inside one campus, such as a residential setting, vocational training centre, braille press, agricultural training centre, talking book production centre etc.  The ambience and infrastructure of the academy gives enormous support to the students for their all-round development, so that they become contributing members in our society. We aim to nurture them as leaders in our society and don't regard them as differently-abled; we encourage our boys to tap their potential.  With the introduction of the Award Programme, these participants proved that they do not need to be treated as differently-abled. The National Award Authority is treating our participants at par with other participants and this has boosted their morale and self-esteem. Our boys follow the same programme and perform the same tasks allotted to other students, successfully scaling all the parameters required by the Award.

We all know that the Award is challenging and not easily attained, but our participants accepted the challenge bravely, completing all the sections within the time frame.  Here is an account of the different activities in which the participants are involved. 

SERVICE

The participants undertake Service to develop a lifelong commitment to society as civic or social volunteers.  They take up different subjects as part of their Service Section such as Environmental Management, Cleaning drive, Braille teaching, Food Serving etc. in the school's hostels. All their activities are strictly monitored by the Award Leaders.  We have noticed the benefits of Service among the participants. The Service section of the Award enhances their patience, tolerance and feelings of fellowship. It helps them deal with fear, ignorance and apathy, which are the main barriers to achieve a sense of responsibility towards the society. We have also noticed an improvement in their communication skills and sense of responsibility.  The Award has helped them break the barriers and fears that inhibited them from being involved in social duties and responsibilities.

SKILLS

For their Skills section our participants choose one of these subjects: Chess, Clay Modelling, Classic Indian Music (Vocal & Instrumental), Computer (Jaws supported), and Hand encrypted Braille magazine production.  Under the supervision of concerned teachers and instructors the participants successfully complete this Skills section.  We have noticed their amazing transformation and the development of their talents.  Their self-confidence has been boosted as they become aware of their potentials.  After successful completion of the Award many participants have successfully established themselves as professional entertainers and performing artists. Skills section opens their scope to choose their livelihood too.

PHYSICAL RECREATION

Our Award participants take one of these: Yoga, Swimming, Cricket, Football, Athletics (Track & Field) etc. as their Physical Recreation. Our Academy has a standard swimming pool and well maintained playgrounds. Under strict guidance of qualified swimming instructors and physical instructors and coaches our participants develop their physical ability and fitness and adopt a healthy lifestyle and habits.  Their sense of achievement emerges and they learn how to work as a team when they approach team sports like cricket and football.  

We are proud to inform that some of our Award participants among the best swimmers in our country.  These participants lift more or less all the medals and trophies in the State and National level swimming competitions for the visually challenged youth. Not only that our participants lift most of the prizes in the Pare-Olympic games, where they take part regularly. One of our participants took part in the International Para-Olympics in Germany.  In cricket our Award participants also lift trophies in National and State level tournaments consistently. We believe everything is going in the right direction due to the structured approach of the Award programme.

ADVENTUROUS JOURNEY

This is the most awaited section for our participants. They regularly take part in Adventurous Journeys to different, challenging, unfamiliar locations.  Sometimes it is altitude trekking in the great Himalayas, sometimes it's Coastal Trekking along the seashore of the Bay of Bengal and sometimes it is in the invincible mangrove forests of the Sundarbana. At other times they attend nature camps and rock climbing courses along with training on survival in different critical and hostile climatic conditions.

Since 2002, Adventurous Journey are being organised and evaluated by the the Institute of Climbers and Nature Lovers (ICNL). Qualified, experienced and die-hard ICNL instructors supervise the Adventurous Journey segment strictly. There are no modifications or adaptations to make the Adventurous Journey of our participants smooth or easy. These visually challenged participants face the same challenges, same conditions and same tasks given to their sighted counterparts.  The participants enjoy the practical phase of strenuous rock climbing and survival courses.

This segment of the Award programme enhances their leadership skills, improves their planning and organizational ability, and helps to understand group mentality and dynamics and role of others along with their own roles. Adventurous Journey section develops their self-reliance, independence along with enhancement of their mobility and sense of orientation in the lap of mother earth.  Adventurous Journey improves their skills for working as part of a team and skills for overcoming challenges

RESIDENTIAL PROJECT

To enhance experiences through involvement with others in an unfamiliar residential setting, our Gold Level participants take up different subjects for their Residential Project. Some participants choose activity based projects like outdoor sports, skills development by joining cricket and football coaching camps, some of them select environment and conservation projects in unfamiliar locations and work in restoration program of rural religious temples and mosques, village roads and dikes.  Some participants take personal training course like Spoken English course, Computer course, etc.

Our participants take all these challenges wholeheartedly and complete their Residential Project as perfectly as they can.  We get remarkable response from the society, Village people who tell us that they are being inspired when they watch our participants help and solve the village's problems with their own hands and can't resist joining in with our participants.  We feel great when we see our participants successfully strike on the apathy of the village people for their own problem. This is what we can call leadership. We also notice that our participants are getting accustomed to unfamiliar places and unknown people with enriched sense of responsibility and communication skills.  They are able to build new relationship with different people regardless of their age, race and religion.  We believe this segment broadens our participants' outlook and horizons, which is the sparkling philosophy of the Award.

ARRIVAL OF NEW LEADERS

Our visually challenged participants have emerged as leaders in society after successful completion of the Award and their education in our institution.  A few decades ago visually challenged people were subject to be ignored and were often considered permanent liabilities of society. But assimilation of the philosophy of the IAYP with the ideology of world famous spiritual organization Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama has changed the scenario.  Our participants emerge as the leaders in society.  In their life they become teachers, lecturers, professors in the schools, colleges and universities. Some of them join in different Govt. sectors and private sectors companies even as IT professionals.  Some of them choose different types of business, like one Award participant has established his own FM radio station along with an ultra-tech sound recording studio.  Some of them are working as radio jockeys.  Some participants have founded a professional rock music band named X-RAF, which has attracted national fame within a short span. Click for pictures

A lesson to remember....forever...(Karaumbiah Academy of Learning, Gonikappal, Karnataka)

The KALians of Grade X were buzzing with excitement on a bright Friday morning, eager to get away from the monotonous ritual of classroom study. They were all set to learn a bit of the ways of Nature through the IAYP camp as part of their Silver Award.

The sky was blue, the air fresh and the surroundings a lush green, as the young KALians reached their destination to start their two-day trek up the Brahmagiri Hill, one of the highest hills of Kodagu. Guided by Mr. Ramesh Belegare and Mr. Krishna Murthy, two experienced nature conservationists, the team set out into the untouched wilderness, among leeches and wild elephants.

The eight-kilometer trek winded up stony paths crisscrossed with small streams which were refreshingly cold. Misty clouds blanketed the hills, keeping it fresh. The forest guides also kept us informed about the various life forms and trees of this magnificent belt of wildlife. The journey provided valuable information to the observant crowd about the various species of butterflies that are the jewels of the ecosystem. After almost six hours of climbing, we reached the "Narimale Resthouse" which would serve as our base camp. The place, constructed in the remote area shows the confidence of the workers and their hard work, yet the partial destruction caused by the pachyderms is a grim reminder of how they still dominate the area. The participants gathered firewoods themselves and drew water from a nearby stream and divided the work- girls do the cooking, the boys collect firewood and draw water. After a tiring day, the young participants sat by a campfire and were given a presentation on the importance of nature. After a sumptuous meal, the leech bites and thorn pricks did not hamper the enthusiasm of the participants.

The next day, the participants were divided into teams and were assigned various duties mainly to observe and report what they saw. Armed with pens, notebooks and cameras, the trekkers soon set forward to conquer the hill. On the way, various elephant signs were reported and deciphered with some help from Mr. Belegare. It just showed the importance of elephant conservation. The participants understood it and were aware that Elephants=forest=water=life=Us.

The participants also spotted deers, dholes and some birds which are also a vital part of the ecosystem. The behaviour of a female elephant when with her calf and the minute signs and actions done by her to protect her calf was truly admired by all.

Finally the team were climbing on all fours, in their final phase of conquering the hill and the view was indeed worth the trouble. Up on the peak, the participants were delighted to be "on top of the world" which provided a panoramic view of Kodagu-Kerala border, dotted with numerous peaks and lush green forests dotted with tiny villages in the far distance. We were beginning to realize that though people can climb a hill, they can't conquer it; we can only be infused with humility in the face of Nature.

The participants returned and after what seemed like tons of food, they gathered in the opening of the resthouse and discussed what the had learnt. Humility, respect, love and concern were some of the lessons learnt. How true!

The day ended and the participants slept for the last time under the stars, amidst nature, not affected by human expansion on a warm night.

The third day, the participants cleared the place up, tidied it and bid adieu to the resthouse and set off on their journey back to civilisation. Wisdom and a firm resolution to protect Mother Earth sparkled in the morning light in the eyes of the participants...  Click for pictures

Adventure and memories to last for a lifetime

Vaishnavi Bhardwar, Silver Award aspirant from Uttam School for Girls, Ghaziabad sharing her memories of the Adventurous Journey 

The last year of school is always very special and close to one's heart, as that's the last opportunity for a student to enjoy the school events and build a treasure trove of all those unforgettable moments, to be cherished forever. One such much awaited event was the IAYP trip for Silver Award. And our joy knew no bounds when we got to know that our destination would be the land of heavenly beauty, Ranikhet.

We boarded the Kathgodam Shatabdi and travelled by road to reach a village located about 12 kms from Ranikhet. We stayed in a traditional stone house called Daan'kurhi, a local term for the highest house in the valley. After a hot tea and snacks break we left for a short trek when rain showers welcomed us. It was already dark when we came back and we gathered for a bonfire and went to sleep after a delicious dinner with our energies high for the next day's adventures.  

Thrilled to find ourselves in the lap of soothing and serene environs, we spent a few action-packed, exciting and adventurous days there. We were divided in teams and assigned the task of gathering maintenance tools from the villagers. After completing this herculean task, we went on to volunteer for repairing the village water naala (rain water storage source). We also constructed a part of a road to access the naala. It was real hard work but we enjoyed every bit of it. Then we left for our campsite where we pitched our own tents and lit a bonfire, and helped in cooking dinner near the bank of river Kosi. The next day proved to be a fun-filled day where interesting physical sports adventures were lined up. We did flying fox, slithering and had a lot of fun in the water before we left for Daan-Khudi.

We also visited one of the two sun temples at Katarmal on our way. On reaching Daan khudi we got to know that the organizers had arranged a performance by local Kumaoni artists who sang melodious songs. We too sang and danced with them. We also performed plays on the allotted theme given to our teams. Most of us hardly slept the last night of the trip and participated in leisure activities which are impossible to forget. 

We left early morning for Kathgodam and also visited Nainitaal on our way. When we boarded the train to Ghaziabad the bags weighed the same but we were carrying many memories with us which we are going to cherish for a lifetime.

All of us are thankful to our school, respected Principal ma'am and our escort teachers Ms. Madhu Sen Gupta and Ms. Saleha for without them this trip would have been impossible.  Click for pictures

My Award Experience

Amreen Kohli, Silver Award participant from Sat Paul Mittal School, Ludhiana is sharing her Award experience with us.

The International Award for Young People is a platform where students develop their social, physical and mental faculties by indulging in various sports activities, community service and intellectual/skill-based activities. The IAYP programme helped me develop my personality and become a well-rounded person who participated in a plethora of activities during this programme. We took part in the Labour Day programme, the Gadhimahi Candle March and the community-service-cum-adventure trip to Chail. In Chail, we experienced the thrills and chills of mountain climbing, valley crossing and rappelling. 

These activities gave us a break from the daily humdrum life, while giving our bodies some much needed physical exercise. The community service we did made us sensitive to the needs of the people around us. The IAYP programme aims to develop the skills of a child in every field. It has been an enriching experience to be a part of the IAYP programme. It helped me in becoming a confident and productive citizen of society, who cares about the well-being of others and herself. 

Special Project -- Adventurous Journey Camp

A report on the Silver level Special Projects Adventurous Journey camp, organised at Inside Passage campsite situated in the lower Himalayas, from 29th March to 1st April 2015.

A group comprising 43 Award aspirants from NAZ foundation (33 girls + 7 boys) and Open Award Centre (2 boys + 1 girl) along with five escorts and mentors, took part in an Adventurous Journey held on 29th March to 1st April 2015, at Inside Passage Camp at Maldevta Village, Dehra Dun. The team left Delhi by bus on 28th March for Dehra Dun and reached the campsite on 29th morning.  The camp activities started after breakfast with a session by Bivujit Mukhtoy, Programme Manager, IAYP. The campers took part in different types of activities during the four days. The instructors of ICNL and Inside passage took theoretical and practical classes on mountain ethics, camp manners, mountain hazards and their solutions, rock climbing, rappelling, shelter-making, survival, jungle walk, cave exploration, river crossing, trekking, fire making, Spider Web, knot-making and the use of different mountain gear and equipment. Under the guidance of instructors, the participants completed all the practical sessions successfully. The participants also received training on Bird Watching with the Award Participants of Welham Boys' School, Dehra Dun, who were participating in the State Bird Watching Camp for their Residential Project.  A campfire was organized on 31st March evening. The camp experience helped the Special Project Adventurous Journey participants enhance their self-confidence,  self-reliance, leadership skills, and ability to work as part of a team. They gained the appropriate knowledge and skills to make an Adventurous Journey successful and improved their investigating, reviewing, planning and presentational skills.  Click for pictures

IAYP Adventurous Journey Trek

On 27th February Award participants of Sarala Birla Academy, Bangalore escorted by three school teachers and two professional trainers left the school after breakfast at 8:30 and headed towards Kudremukh near Chikmagalur, which was our trekking destination. We reached there at about 7:30 in the evening.

Next morning assembled at 6:30 and after breakfast we left for our trekking spot. We trekked for 18km-20km up and down a hill. Although our trek was tiring, all of us manged to complete it successfully. We also clicked some elegant pictures on the way. We had a bonfire that we enjoyed, listening to songs and chatting with friends. We had a sumptuous dinner and went to bed by 10:00 as we were rather tired.

Next day after the breakfast we went to play volleyball in muddy water and it was great fun. We got ready by 11:30 and had an early lunch and by 12:30 we left the place and headed back to Bangalore. Thanks to our school authorities and the teachers incharge for organising this trek. Without their support it would not have been possible to experience this wonderful rous Adventusuch Journey. Click for pictures

Silver Level Adventurous Journey to Panchlingeshwar

Kartiki Maheshwari, Silver Award aspirant from The Heritage School, Kolkata sharing his Adventurous Journey experience

We all were extremely excited about the Adventurous Journey to Panchlingeshwar. We started our memorable journey to Balasore station from Howrah station by the Dhauli express. Our train left Kolkata at 6 am and we reached Balasore by 9:30 am. After reaching Balasore we were transferred to Pathaniwas by Jeep.  On reaching this beautiful place we were allotted our rooms. Introductions took place and we were briefed on the Do's and Don'ts of our trip. After a delicious lunch we started our trek to the Panchlingeshwar temple at around two pm. After seeing the five shivalingas that were enshrined inside the rocks,  we continued our trek to Kuldiho Wildlife Sanctuary. We then returned back to Pathaniwas. That very evening we had a session on rope knots. We learnt about the different types of knots such as Reef knot, Colwich, thumb knot, figure of 8 etc. We were also briefed about track signs and how they were helpful. We were also briefed about track signs and how they were helpful. Dinner was served to us at 8:30 and lights were turned off for that night by 10. 

Our next day began at 6:30 and we started with some warm up exercises and jogging. This session was followed by breakfast which was served to us at 8:30. Our trek for the 2nd day started around 9 o clock. Our trek was to Shikar Minar which is 3.5 km from Pathaniwas. We completed this trek in approximately 2 hours. During this trek we passed by a magnificent Shaal forest and also saw volcanic rocks throughout the route. The weather was definitely chilly but the trek was beautiful and memorable. We were back in the base camp by around 12:30 after which we had a challenging cooking session. After having lunch we had an unforgettable session on rock climbing and rappelling. It was a unique experience and was enjoyed by each and every one of us. That evening we had a session on the basics of camp craft which was followed by a gala camp fire night.

We were once again off to bed by 10. Next day once again we began our day with warm up exercises and some jogging. After breakfast we began our last day's trek to the Nilgiri hills. The route was admirable and had beautiful fauna. We returned to base camp at around 12:30. After an early lunch we had our last session which was on survival skills. Once again we found ourselves being transferred by jeep to Balasore station for the 4:20 Dhauli express to Kolkata. We were back in our city of joy by 8:15. This trip left us with great memories with both new and old friends. In this short trip we were taught to adapt with situations and also to manage time. We enjoyed several activities and also learned quite some things about trekking and camp craft. This trip would not have been successful if it wasn't for the continuous guidance of our teachers Kavita maam and Neil sir, our instructors Mr. Joydeep Ghosh, Mr. Shambu Nayak and Mr. Pranav Saha. This programme has taught us a great deal of things; it has helped us recognize our strengths and has made us realize our social responsibilities. We have IAYP to thank for all the great memories we were able to make in this short three-day trip.  Click for more pictures

Adventurous Journey Trip to Panchalingeshwar

A report from Divisha Jaiswal and Vedika Karnani from Modern High School for Girls, Kolkata

It was with much enthusiasm and spirit that Modern High School for Girls IAYP unit set out for the Panchalingeshwar Camp in the afternoon of 19th January, 2015. There were 65 participants in all, divided in two spacious buses, with four Award Leaders and six Field Officers of IAYP.  For most of us, this was our first I.A.Y.P trip. It was thus not very surprising that the excitement levels in the bus bordered on mild chaos.

After a 7 hour long bus journey which nearly convinced us that the journey did NOT in fact matter more than the destination, we arrived at our lodging; an inn called Panthasala.  After snacks was a session with Chandan Sir, the IAYP Programme Manager.

The next morning was the official beginning to our trip. At 6:15 a.m., we headed out for a round of jogging and exercise. Later, we were divided into our rope-line groups in which we would do all our activities. After a (very) hearty breakfast, we headed out to begin our activities- linear traversing, rappelling, tent pitching and rock climbing, with the Award Leaders actively participating in each exciting (scary) activity.  Ropes 1 and 2 also trekked to Khemkut dam (3.5 km away) after lunch, while the remaining ropes did self-cooking to provide the snacks for when we returned. The dam was a sight to behold, what with a submerged temple and hunting tower, built in the age of the Nanda rulers. After returning, we had some time to rest and another session with Chandan Sir. While discussing the day's events, he told us that this day was not only about what we did, but it was about what we learnt. That was the primary objective- to learn, and not just do. Suffice to say, at the end of the day, we weren't just tired, we were on the verge of perpetual collapse.

The third day began much like the second, only with many aching muscles and joints to add to the glorious morning. After breakfast, we headed out for the remaining activities, along with single lined bridge, Burma Bridge, knot class and the spider web. We learnt important things that would help us in the future, for situations which we might unexpectedly encounter. After snacks we got ready for Camp Night, which even in the absence of a campfire, was no less enchanting. We all sang, danced and enjoyed ourselves thoroughly. Courtesy of soft drinks. Ahem.

The next and final morning of our short trip, we trekked 8 kilometres to see the Panchalingeshwar temple. After a total of 311 steps and a walk through the forest, we finally reached our destination. But this time, the journey was indeed what mattered more, and what we shall carry with us. Along the way, we learnt the precautions and the important things we must know when we enter a forest. After a quick breakfast at the temple we headed back to camp to pack and leave for Kolkata.

We left Panchalingeshwar with memories and valuable lessons that would stay with us for a life time and a half.  Be it jumping off a small cliff, praying to all gods in existence, or climbing rocks like mountain goats, or starting a fire by burning a foot long leaf to cook pasta.  Be it sharing a room with (lazy) friends or sessions with Chandan sir. We learnt to be independent, self- sufficient, to conquer our fears and be stronger. Here we discovered a side of us we didn't know existed, stretched our limits, exceeded them and set new ones, only to break them later. We truly rediscovered ourselves on this journey.

Thanks to all the Field Officers and Award Leaders who accompanied us, this became the most fulfilling time of our lives. We were in it for the fun, but what we got back was so much more. Thus, it was with hearts heavier than our hearty breakfasts, that we boarded our buses to leave for Kolkata, with the echo of the mountains still ringing clear in our hearts.

Oh, and most importantly, we found the answer to a very difficult question; a question which has been a favourite of every teacher in existence. The question being - "So if your friend jumps off a cliff, will you also jump off a cliff?”

The answer after this Camp my friends, is yes. For we evidently did.

Click for more pictures

Adventurous Journey camp to Shimla

Fifty-two Award aspirants (Bronze and Silver) from The Sanskaar Valley School, Bhopal (M.P) accompanied by five mentors went to Shimla (Shogi Camp) in H.P from 16th October 2014 to 22nd October 2014. Here is a report about the Adventurous Journey from Atul Chamoli (Award Leader).

The day was the 16th of October -  when a restless bunch travelled to the capital on the Shatabdi and then on to Shimla. To break the monotony the students challenged the musical skills of the teachers in a game Antakshari...only to be defeated!

The Mall Road was a delight for those who planned to shop and also for those who planned to dance to the tune of lilting Himachali music. While Maggi and momos were the gastronomic winners, even special occasions like a friends' birthday were taken care of at Kasauli.

The natural wealth of the British Summer capital impressed us all from the plains. The tall coniferous, mesmerizing heights, challenging climbs left the students spellbound.

The adventure sports began with disciplining and punctuality. An early morning warm up was a starter to each day. Mid-mornings were scheduled for adventure sports like rappelling, mountain climbing, flying fox and rope tasks. The students tested their strength in a game of 'Tug of War' between the boarders and the day boarders! The true spirit of sportsmanship was realized thereafter when the Sanskarians celebrated both their defeat and success together!

The 'trek at night' was an amazing experience embellished with ghost stories en route  as the unpolluted clear sky with twinkling stars left us all mesmerized. Holding hands and guiding each other naturally bonded the students who needed no formal training for team building! Back to the camp was the 'Me Time' when the students spent quality time together without a schedule to follow. It was appreciable to notice how the aspect of punctuality was taken care of and without the intervention from teachers the students retired to their cottages at the time scheduled.

And then for some more fun the next day, when we visited the church in Kasauli where we indulged in religious gratification with rosaries and candles. The 'Phulkaris' of Chandigarh in vibrant shades emptied our pockets and so did the junk jewellery!

It was time to get back home and adventure our way through the 'Swarnjayanti Vishakhapatnam' early next morning from Delhi with pleasurable memories to cherish and dreams to realize!   Click for pictures.

IAYP EXPEDITION TO SPITI VALLEY

On the 28th of September 2014, 55 students of the Modern High School IAYP unit started a ten-day journey around Himachal Pradesh. The group, comprising two gold awardees (Residential Project and Adventurous Journey) , 15 silver awardees, 38 bronze awardees and three Award Leaders, was in for an experience of a lifetime.

An overnight bus ride from Delhi to Manali made up the very first leg of our trip.  We reached Manali, greatly enthused by the idea of what lay waiting for us. A 7 km acclimatization walk to the Manali market area that very evening introduced us to the beauty of Himachal Pradesh. On our second day in Manali, we trekked up to the Maharshi Jagdamba Mandir, where we played an enjoyable round of Ibex, an IAYP favourite.

The fourth day of the trip was devoted to travelling to our base camp, a village called Shego in the Spiti Valley. It was a 10 hour drive from Manali. For most of us, this was to be the first time we would stay in tents. These tents would be our home for the next four nights. Our first night in Shego was spent in the exchanging of horror stories which ironically caused peals of laughter.

Early the next morning, we embarked upon a particularly strenuous trek to the Kaumik village, which, at 14,500 ft above sea level, is the world's highest village. We visited the Kaumik monastery, one of the country's oldest monasteries. Here, some fascinating facts about the Buddhist way of life were shared with us. We completed another trek, this one on extremely treacherous terrain, to the Dhankar Lake the next day. As we trekked up to the lake, we couldn't stop marveling at the mighty Himalayan mountains and the sparkling blue rivers gushing through between them. We had a tent pitching session with the teachers and IAYP Field Officers on returning to our base camp. We continued our rendezvous with the Buddhist heritage of Himachal Pradesh when we visited the enchanting Tabo monastery on our fourth day in Spiti valley.  We were given the opportunity to participate in a cultural exchange with a llama at the monastery. This proved to be one of the highlights of the expedition for most of us. On the same day, we visited the Pinn valley and Pinn River.

We began the ten-hour bus journey back to Manali in the wee hours of the next morning, each of us desperately trying to taking in as much of the beauty of the Himalayan ranges as we possibly could. We reached Manali that afternoon. The remainder of the day was spent in excited preparations for camp night.  With the added charm of a bonfire, camp night proved to be a memorable affair.

Through this camp, we got the opportunity to explore what IAYP is all about. We spent ten days on a trail of self-discovery; exploring our limits, pushing them and consequently formulating new opinions of our own strength. The camp was a crash course in the virtues and benefits of efficient team work. We returned with a deep appreciation for the values of disciplines and punctuality, grateful for having adopted the IAYP  motto "Away from home, close to nature".

We headed back to Delhi the next afternoon, longing for more. We landed back in Kolkata on the 7th of October. Of all the things we had done in ten days, returning home was the undoubtedly the most difficult.  Click for pictures

Ayushi Saraogi   (XI-B)