Finding Native Roots

As part of their ongoing Award Programme, 30 Award participants of Good Shepherd International School, Ooty partnered with the NGO 'Clean Coonoor Team' to initiate the 'Wetland Restoration Programme' on March 22, 2019, i.e., World Water Day. Sriniketh Krishnan, a Gold Award aspirant narrates the experience of the participants, throwing light on aspects of the environment that we often miss out.

In the vast green lands that encompass the commercial town of Coonoor, one can hardly find anything amiss. Yet, beyond this superficially flourishing ecology, there lurks a dark truth unknown to the inhabitants of the town, that cripples not only the present ecology of the district but blurs future prospects of environmental prosperity. The evasive truth is that all the plants in the ecosystem mentioned above, while seemingly glamorous, are invasive species - aliens - colonising this land and driving out the ecologically more contributory, native species from the district. This truth was what we, along with ‘Clean Conoor Team’, a local citizen voluntary group, set out seeking.

On 22nd March, the Green Team of Good Shepherd International School proceeded to the Yedapalli Marshlands where they were to meet the ‘Clean Coonoor’ team and learn about the importance of marshlands and native species. Initially, upon arrival, the students were veritably puzzled as to how learning about native species had a significance with World Water Day, the two seeming thoroughly unconnected. However, all our doubts were soon dispelled by Clean Coonoor volunteer, Dr. Panchavarnam Vasanthan. Dr. Vasantham explained that the marshland is a key component of the district ecosystem, retaining water, which in turn supports various forms of life that thrive there. This property of water retention is most instrumentally sustained by the presence of native Shola grass which restricts surface runoff and allows for soil penetration. However, with the intrusion of invasive species like Lantana, which do not have soil-fortifying roots, the rate of surface runoff and soil erosion increases, diminishing the very essence of marshlands. Both appalled and intrigued by this, the participants began a short excursion across the marshland with Dr. Vasanthan, identifying the various species (both invasive and native) inhabiting the region and noting the visible depreciation of the marshland.

Soon after this exercise, the students commenced their planned course of action: planting native Shola grass saplings in the marshlands in replacement of uprooted invasive species. Without a moment of hesitation, the students put on their gloves and boots and immersed themselves in the service, relishing taking part in an activity that was both exciting and constructive. They planted over a 1,000 Shola grass pods, contributing to the marshland’s much awaited process of recuperation.

Having completed the task, the participants returned with a profound sense of enlightenment and invigoration, gaining knowledge that not only supplements their curricular study but empowers them and others to be more sensitive about the environment in which they live. Meaningful activities like these have a powerful impact on the youth, stimulating them to take ownership for the problems that abound our world today and preparing them for a sustainable world of tomorrow.

IAYP Team visits Chennai for Award Leader Training and Student Orientation Workshops

On 26th and 27th April, 2019, a team from NAA, IAYP, comprising Mr. Kapil Bhalla - the National Director, Mr. Bivujit Mukhoty – the Programme Manager and Ms. Pallavi Gill – the Programme Ofiicer visited Chennai for an Award Leader Training workshop. The workshop was held at APL Global School where a total of 10 Award Leaders were present. The purpose of the workshop was, essentially, to welcome the Award Leaders into the journey of the Award Programme and to remind them of the important role that they, as guides and motivators, play in shaping the future of young adults pursuing the Award.

The workshop commenced with an ice-breaking session, followed by an introduction about the Award Programme. The team threw light on the philosophy of the Award and its framework. They then went on to explain its various facets that includes Voluntary Service, Skills, Physical Recreation, and the Adventurous Journey. They also elaborated upon risk management, stressed the benefits of the Programme and touched upon the residential project for the Gold level of the Programme. What followed next was a review session and discussion about the levels of the Award Programme. The session concluded with a film highlighting the Award’s achievements and its impact.

In addition to the workshop, Mr. Kapil Bhalla met with K.C. High, Chennai to discuss the prospects of the Award Programme being offered at the school. Apart from that, Ms. Pallavi Gill conducted the orientation of the students at APL Global School to acquaint them with the ideology and structure of the Award Programme. Such workshops are stepping stones in IAYP’s stride to build aware and able young people who can make productive use of their capabilities.

Award Holders from Center Point Schools, Nagpur share their Award Experience

“The Adventurous Journey as part of IAYP has completely transformed me. It has prepared me for any challenges that may come my way and has made me courageous. It broke the monotony of my life and infused some freshness into it. After the journey, I have become mentally stronger. The Journey helped me overcome my fears and has increased my tolerance level. The Adventurous Journey introduced an extra dimension in my life and has helped me discover a different side of myself. The journey was one of self-discovery.”

~ Shazil Jalil
Bronze and Silver Award Holder
Gold Level Participant

“Physical Recreation was my favorite section of the Award. Physical Recreation ensures that every young person has a healthy body and spirit. I chose badminton as my activity under this section. It was great fun to learn new exercises, various strokes, and strategies. Playing a sport daily is very beneficial as it helps us gain stamina, maintain our body, and helps keep us active! I also developed various skills such as team spirit and coordination.”

~ Tanisha Sangtani
Bronze Award Holder

“The vision of the International Award for Young People is to engage people from diverse backgrounds and equip them for life. IAYP empowers us to succeed in life and rewards us for our achievements. I opted for Art in Skills. Art has been a wonderful medium for me to explore and express myself and the boundless beauty of the universe. As for Voluntary Service, I had opted for Awareness Campaign. Voluntary Service allowed me to educate myself on the various topics like water conservation and methods to save plants. It allowed me to express myself while talking to people about these issues. Voluntary Service sensitized me to various environmental issues and allowed me to make my contribution as an individual towards a Greener Earth. I would like to thank the IAYP organization for giving me such a wonderful opportunity!”

~ Sneha Tuteja
Bronze Award Holder

“When I decided to participate in IAYP, I had no idea what to expect, but once I started, I completely transformed to a better version of myself. As a part of Voluntary Service, I volunteered at a home for differently-abled children. My experience has been phenomenal! Voluntary Service has transformed me into a more empathetic and sensitive person. I was exposed to a completely new experience and has taught me to make my contribution in society.”
~ Radhika Agarwal
Bronze Award Holder

AEROMODELLERS OF CPS KATOL ROAD EXCEL IN NATIONAL AEROMODELLING COMPETITION

The team of Centre Point School Katol Road aeromodellers consisted of Zaosh Khambata, Akshat Vishwakarma, Aaryan Vasu, and Chaitanya Patil.

The team was declared First Runners Up in the finals of the Boeing National Aeromodelling Competition held in IIT Delhi on 20th April ’19. From among 978 aeromodellers from all over India, 12 teams were declared finalists after qualifying in the Zonal Round held on Dec’18 in IIT Powai. The team from CPS Katol Road was the youngest team among the 12 finalist teams!

After qualifying for the Finals the team of four geared up, designed and fabricated a fixed Wing Aircraft System that could perform any task commanded to it. In the finals, they demonstrated their Aircraft before a panel of judges in IIT Delhi and were declared First Runners Up. During the prize distribution ceremony held in IIT Delhi they received a cash reward of 50,000/- and Certificates of Excellence from Mr. Sahil Gupte, President, Boeing India.

The young Aeromodellers are presently active participants in the Award.

IAYP India would like to wish the young participants the heartiest congratulations and all the very best for their future endeavors.

The Stride to Keep Indian Heritage Alive

The Award participants of Bawa Lalvani visited the Moorish Mosque and the State Gurudwara in Kapurthala as part of the Service section of the Award Programme. This project helped them strengthen their knowledge of two important cultural sites whilst making them more aware and committed young adults.

The vastness and vibrancy of the Indian heritage sites is unparalleled. In view of that, preserving their grandeur is of utmost importance. No matter how far we reach in terms of progress, it is imperative that we keep them alive in our memory and strengthen their hold as an inseparable part of our larger culture.

For a better understanding of the heritage sites and for imbibing values to preserve them, the Award participants of Bawa Lalvani School visited the Moorish Mosque and State Gurudwara in Kapurthala in April 2019 as part of the Service section of the Award Programme. Situated in Kapurthala, the Moorish Mosque was built by Maharaja Jagatjit Singh in 1927 and possesses the unique feature of a tall tower and the absence of external domes. This important site symbolizes social integration. The striking red sandstone building (now painted white) of the State Gurudwara was consecrated in 1915. Having adopted an Indo-Saracenic style, it has vast expanses of marble, enveloped by the feet of the hundreds of devotees.

The participants thoroughly studied the rich architecture and history of these two important sites but more importantly, they were engulfed in the feeling of oneness. They performed the ritual of praying at both the sites and learned the omnipresence of the Almighty. The participants also engaged in service at both the sites by cleaning the area, making it more sanctified. Moreover, to spread awareness on the need for a green environment, they watered the plants and launched a campaign to plant more trees in the vicinity. Activities like these are not merely landmarks in the participants’ journey of personal growth; they are important factors that contribute towards bringing about a change in how they see their environment and the larger world around them.