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

My Days with the Award

The Young People of today are vocal. They want to talk about their experiences, their likes and dislikes and interests. The Award Programme encourages Young People to speak their minds. Let us hear from Dev Suri, Gold Award Holder about his experiences...

I am immensely grateful to my school Jodhamal Public School, Jammu for initiating me and motivating me to participate in the IAYP programme. After going through assorted adventurous journeys, village visits, conducting events and developing distinct skills I was beginning to see myself as a teacher or trainer in the IT sector.

It was a memorable day for me when I received the prestigious Gold Award in 2014 at Delhi, awarded by former Chief Election Commissioner of India, Dr SY Qureshi .Throughout the programme I welcomed the exposure to different lifestyles via the village visits and developed a positive perspective towards the development of society - overcoming the negative attitude that I had earlier. I realized that it is programmes like the IAYP that really make the difference and challenge others with the question: "If we can, then why can't you?", thus creating a web of people who care for preserving the ecosystem. I myself motivate others to take up this programme which helps in the development of life skills and as a way to render services to the society at a young age.

All around us we see that the growing corruption, scams, violence and other issues have created pessimism in people; but these are the people who mostly stand and stare. It is time for the young minds of our nation to take some action by being a part of this programme, for nurturing optimism towards the eradication of such evils, for developing a character or combination of skills and emotions that will create better human beings as light of hope for our planet. It is necessary to realign our perspective towards life and to find the meaning of our existence in the ecosystem, to strive for the betterment of our future and conservation of environment and its inhabitants, and this is where the IAYP programme has definitely helped me, because a change of perspective is all it takes to see the light.

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

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.

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)

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

National Award Authority organised a three days Adventurous Journey camp for JCB Sponsored Government Senior Secondary School of the rural areas of Haryana from 19th to 21st December 2014 at Rocksport's Balliwash Camp site. Total 179 participants (83 Silver level and 96 Bronze level) participated in the camp and performed 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 learning Rope Knots. The participants also learned Team Building Games with Spider Net. All the participants successfully completed their practice and qualifying Adventurous Journey. The NAA team thanks ICNL, Kolkata and Rocksport, New Delhi for their spontaneous support to the Award Programme. We also wish to thank Neelam Singh (Award Leader, Govt. Sr. Sec. Schools) for her valuable support and help.    Click for pictures

Mountain Call

Award participants of Govt Senior Secondary School, Kot Fatta in district Bhatinda went for a trekking camp held at Tara Devi in Shimla under the expert guidance of Mrs. Harpinder Kaur Brar, our Award Leader. This was our first camp outside Punjab, and we were very excited.

Our tour started on 19th May 2014 with a train journey from Bhatinda to Kalka, and then on to Shimla on the famous "toy train" -- our first experience on such a train.

The scenic beauty visible from the train was something we had never witnessed before. There were mountains all around us and it felt as if the train was moving like a serpent in a wild forest of tall, green trees with monkeys swinging from branch to branch. After six hours of travelling we reached Tara Devi station. Then we went to our scout centre where we were offered lunch. After having tea and snacks in the evening we were feeling quite fresh and ready to begin our adventure. Our camp in-charge told us about the rules and regulations of the camp and gave all guidelines and schedule of the camp.

Early morning of 21st May we started our day with exercise at 8 am after which we took our breakfast. There was halwa puri for breakfast and it was quite yummy. This was followed by playing outside games like cricket and football.

Next day after breakfast we all were ready for our  hiking and trekking programme. Everybody was charged up to climb the mountains. While climbing, students used sticks for self protection and to clearing their route. The track was quite steep and tough. There was thick jungle all around and it seemed as if we were passing through clouds. While trekking we also saw a helipad. Our instructor told us that water would be our best friend during the trek. We thoroughly enjoyed our trek and also the welcoming nature -- it was a lifetime experience. In the afternoon we reached the Tara Devi temple. After doing our prayers we took our meals and started our return journey back to our scout centre.

On the third day, we had lots of fun participating in various activities like hide and seek, group activities, learning safety knots, tent pitching and a flag ceremony. All the activities were new to us. At night our teacher organised a camp fire and everybody participated in singing and dancing around the fire. It was as if we were in a different world. Next day we went back to Shimla, where we visited Lakkar bazaar. That is where we purchased gifts for our friends and family. We went horse riding on the Ridge and visited the Tibetan market and Sankat Mochan temple. While returning to our camp, everybody was very tired, we had our dinner and soon went off to sleep.

It was on 25th May that we started our journey back to Bhatinda.This adventurous trip was the most unique journey we had ever been on, we learnt about parts of our life that we never knew existed. We reached our school with lots of new experiences and good memories from the trip. The trip was full of thrill and excitement. We will always cherish our trip.

YES CENTRE AWARD LEADER TRAINING WORKSHOP

12th - 13th April 2014 at Father LeBlond School, Siliguri 

Two days Youth Engaging Society (YES) Centre Award Leader Training Workshop was held for nine students from Father LeBlond School, Siliguri and two teachers from Birla Divya Jyoti School, Siliguri. Niranjan P.Datta, Director, Father LeBlond School, Siliguri welcomed National Award Authority (NAA) India Programme Manager Bivujit Mukhoty by talking about the excitement among the school students who are part of The International Award for Young People (IAYP) Programme and also talked about the overall development he has witnessed among the students taking IAYP Programme. 

Award Leader showing her skills.

Rather than calling it a training workshop, Bivujit Mukhoty preferred calling it an experience sharing workshop. Over the span of two days at Father LeBlond School, the participants were given in-depth knowledge regarding the four domains of the programme i.e. Skills, Service, Physical Recreation and Adventurous Journey and also the Residential Project for the Gold Award Programme. Other than that the participants were also introduced to the technical aspect of the programme, which included Risk Management and Branding. Before meeting the teachers, NAA Programme Manager also held an orientation workshop for fifty students from Father LeBlond School to introduce them to the IAYP Programme. The workshop was delivered by Bivujit Mukhoty & Ranjana Rai (Member, National Training Panel & YES Centre Manager, The Assam Valley School, Balipara). The programme concluded with the presentation of participation certificates and badges to the participants by Mr. Datta. Click for pictures