A Journey with Difference

Bronze and Silver Award participants from Sanjay Ghodawat International School, Kolhapur, completed their Adventurous Journey at “92 Acres barren land” opposite Ghodawat Rice Mill near Kolhapur Reserve Forest from 25 - 27 November 2017. Sasikrishnan (Award Leader) is sharing a report on this Journey.

Adventure sports are being enjoyed by people from all walks of life in a big way. The reason for this is that there are new sports being conceived every now and then, which are a thrilling and exciting experience. While people these days are so caught up in their social world, tirelessly busy to maintain their digital profiles, there seems to be no time for them to enjoy the marvels of nature and to have fun outdoors. It is these adventure sports that provide an addictive adrenaline rush, which is refreshing and rejuvenates people from the monotony of daily life -- to give young people a feeling of excitement and thrill and with the aim of experiencing learning outside the classroom.

There were eighty-two Bronze and five Silver Award participants from Sanjay Ghodawat International School who undertook an Adventurous Journey to 92 Acres barren land in front of Ghodawat Rice Mill near Kolhapur Reserve Forest from 25th to 27th November 2017. They were escorted by 8 teachers and 5 sports teachers and 6 attendees.

Though they had been briefed about the Adventurous Journey during a preliminary training session, had understood the importance of safety and use of different equipment, the process of pitching tents, use of different types of rope knots, first aid and navigation techniques, the actual Journey proved to be a personality changing experience for each one of them.

When they reached base camp, they were divided into SEVEN groups named Gora, Sambhaji, Shahaji Raje Warriors, Halloweens Shivaji Maharaj, Badal, and The Shield, and the instructors appealed to their competitive and leadership instinct right from the very beginning.

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 at 6:30 PM. The day was full of experiential learning for all of us. Everyone noted the important points in their diaries and record keeping journals.

"Each time, on time" was a clearly communicated motto. Each member of each team had to report right on time. There was always an ongoing competition between all teams regarding punctuality, keeping the tents clean, serving and eating meals in a disciplined and cordial manner, putting shoes and utensils in place... in short, in an effort to score over other teams, participants tried to imbibe the right values till it became a habit with them.

The day’s activities were exercises, treks, adventurous games, and leadership games. Treasure Hunting, etc., was organized in such a way that besides being challenging and entertaining, each team was back in time for hot, sumptuous meals and full of enthusiastic anticipation for the next fun-filled activity. Participants and teachers both marvelled at the level of excellence in planning and execution of camp activities.

The participants had no access to smartphones, television and other gadgets that have become an inseparable part of their lives, and they did not miss them. It was back to basics. With a clear star-lit sky, a bonfire in the centre and fellow participants around it, each narrating her experiences of the day, scaring others with ghost stories and imaginary incidents of the night trek, playing antakshari, celebrating birthdays and friendships, they enjoyed the human interaction which has been lost in the digital world.

It was amazing to see that even asthmatic participants undertook long treks, rappelling and zip-lining sessions, without difficulty. The air was truly invigorating! Leadership games and cooking a meal after an uphill 12-km trek, saw the best of volunteering, taking responsibility and delegating it to fellow team-mates, recognition of individual talent and excellent coordination among participants even in such a short span of time.

The perfect weather and the scenic surroundings of Kolhapur Reserve Forest became secondary to the admirable transformation in these youngsters, who came to realize their own potential after going on the IAYP Adventurous Journey. It is always going to be a memorable experience for all. Click here for the pictures ...

Learning with Fun

Award Participants of GEMS NPS International School, Guwahati undertook an Adventurous Journey to Goreswar forest area. Goreswar is a town in Baksa district, situated on the north bank of river Brahmaputra, surrounded by Rangiya and Baihata in Assam. A report by Kannan T. (Award Leader).

We a group of 30 Award participants and 2 Leaders set on an adventurous trip on 24th of September 2017 to Goreshwar, in Assam. The planning for the trip was done one month in advance by making all the necessary arrangements for the trip and do the Preliminary Training and Preparation. On 23rd September one of the organisers of this trip Mriganka Sharma, from Assam Mountaineering Association briefed us about the trip, like what are the safety measures to be followed and what to be done in certain situations. One of his team members exhibited all the equipment which will be handled by the participants and he explained to us how to handle them. The school medical team explained us the procedure of first aid and how to use various items from the first aid box.

On 24th September we started from our school at 1.30 pm and reached the town of Goreshwar by 4.30 pm. From the town, we travelled another half an hour to reach the camping site which was located inside the forest. We were asked to set up the tents which we will be using for stay during this trip. After the tents were set up, we set up the bonfire. Some of us sat around the fire and played the guitar while others were involved in making and helping the cook in cooking.

Next morning after freshening up, we had our breakfast and went for trekking. The trekking was for 12 Km to a Buddha temple situated on the top of a mountain inside the forest. While trekking, the mentors explained about the terrain and the various flora and fauna available there. We returned to our campsite in the afternoon. After lunch, we went to a nearby area where the rappelling rope was fastened and kept ready. All of us did rappelling till evening and returned to our campsite.

Next day morning after breakfast we again went on a trekking for 3 Km. and reached Puthimari River. The mentors were already there ready with the rafts for us to do rafting. After a briefing, we wore our life jackets and helmets and in a group of 6 students each, we started the rafting. The rafting was for 6 Km and we had a thrilling experience. Till evening we were rafting and then we moved to our camp. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity for us where we experienced fun with learning. Click here for the pictures

Programme Manager's Visit

Programme Manager, Bivujit Mukhoty visited The Hyderabad Public School, Begumpet, Hyderabad on 24th October 2017. Bivuit Mukhoty met Skand Bali, Principal, The Hyderabad Public School, and handed over the National Operator Licence.

Bivujit Mukhoty also delivered an Orientation session to students and teachers of The Hyderabad Public School. The orientation was attended by over 250 students.

Ripples of change for a Cause

Award participants of Sat Paul Mittal School, Ludhiana took an initiative to support the specially-abled children. A brief report.

"I slept and dreamt that life was joy… 

I awoke and saw that life was service… 

I acted and behold, service was joy."

Rabindranath Tagore

It is rightly said, “Only a life lived in the service of others is worth living”. Abiding by this maxim and to support Aashrivad Schools Amba Project, the Satyans affiliated with the IAYP Programme have taken a step ahead to help pave the way from “Dependence to Independence” for specially-abled children. The Satyans have taken an altruistic initiative of promoting Indian handicraft and entrepreneurship. The Satyans put up stalls for the sale of beautiful garden planters and exquisitely designed biodegradable and eco-friendly diyas. The money collected from this initiative will be entirely spent for buying technology to further the endeavour in making the specially-abled children technologically adept for self-sufficiency. This initiative has provided the Satyans with an opportunity to rise by lifting others, and the power to bring about a change for good.

This initiative was undertaken by Satyans on September 27, 2017 and was duly acknowledged and appreciated by the parent fraternity. They encouraged the Satyans by contributing to the beneficent sale for a noble cause. Ms Bhupinder Gogia, Principal, Sat Paul Mittal School, also appreciated the efforts made by the Satyans of the IAYP Club and stated that Satyans should work consistently with the conviction for a humanitarian outreach and create ripples of change for a better society.

Story of Papiya Koley

“Slow, persistent and silent work does everything.” Swami Vivekananda

Papiya Koley is a living example of these words. Her father is a van puller by profession. Needless to say, it is an arduous task for him to procure sustenance for a family of six. But they have seen better days ever since Papiya was brought by her elder sister Ashalata Koley to Rasik Bhita to get involved with the Award Programme.

The remote village of Heradaha could not provide her opportunities for higher education, yet Papiya was not defeated. The orthodox villagers could not accept the progressive outlook of the two sisters and began to cast aspersions on them. But people who script success stories are seldom held back by such constraints. Battling against numerous odds, Papiya managed to put up a praiseworthy academic performance. By dint of sheer hard work and dedication, the sisters have achieved an notable feat.

Ashalata Koley is a Silver Awardee who works for Tata Consultancy Services Ltd. India, and Papiya is now a student of Sanskrit Honours in Srerampore Girls’ College and her results have been consistently good. She has scored 60% marks in Compulsory English. She is a proud winner of the IAYP Gold Award this year.

A Great Learning Experience

Dikshita Khullar, Gold Award Participant from Open Award Centre, is sharing her swimming achievements.

Accompanying my elder brother to the club swimming pool, for his swimming lessons, instilled in me a deep desire to be a swimmer too. At the age of 4, I found myself able to float. My happiness knew no bounds when I won my first individual Championship in Grade 5. My practice starts early at the school pool and then in the afternoon I take coaching lessons from my coach at the Kendriya Vidyalaya.

Soon after, I joined the IAYP and I started practising and participating at the annual club meets. I enjoy swimming; not only does it make me fit but it is also a good break from my studies. Thereafter I have been competing and winning medals at inter school, district and state levels. I have also represented Delhi for the 200 m Freestyle Relay at the 43rd Junior National Aquatic championship held in Bangalore, in 2016. Though our team stood 6th, it was a great learning experience to witness the competition at such a large scale. I hope to continue and improve my timing with each practice.

Cleanliness Drive - A Report

The Award participants of Sanjay Ghodawat International School, Atigre undertook the second phase of their cleanliness drive in the village of Hatkanangale (Maharashtra) in the Old Market Area on Saturday, September 9, 2017. All the 96 Bronze and 8 Silver participants were involved in this activity under the supervision of 15 mentors.

The purpose of the second phase of this cleanliness drive was to create more awareness among the villages regarding hygiene. The open drains which were cleaned during the last drive were not in a good condition, and the participants had a difficult task ahead of them as the drains were again filled with polythene bags and grass had sprouted around the drains. The Award participants convinced the villagers not to throw litter everywhere. They also discussed the negative impacts of poor hygiene on our health. The participants visited each home and shop of the area to spread awareness. It took nearly three hours to clean the drains. The work was appreciated by the villagers and the Sarpanch of the village. Click here for pictures

Award Leader Training (YES) Workshop

 at Award Training Centre, New Delhi

An Award Leader Training Workshop was organised on 27th - 28th June 2017. Twenty-two participants from Vidhyashram International School, Jodhpur; DPS International, Gurugram; G. D. Goenka Public School, Gurugram; Vidya Devi Jindal School, Hisar; Vivek High School, Mohali; Allenhouse Public School, Kanpur; Bodhi International School, Jodhpur; Partap World School, Pathankot; Red Bricks School, Ahmedabad; K C International School, Jammu; Fountainhead School, Surat and National Award Authority attended the workshop. The workshop was led by Kapil Bhalla (National Director), Bivujit Mukhoty (Programme Manager), Priyank Kumar Gupta (Head IT and ORB) and Pratibha Kumari Singh (Member, National Training Panel). Click here for the pictures

Dr. Vivek Raghavan

Chief Guest at Gold Award Ceremony - 20th July 2017

We are pleased to share the profile of Dr. Vivek Raghavan, Chief Technology Officer, Team Indus, who has kindly consented to grace the occasion as the Chief Guest of the Annual Gold Award Ceremony to be held on 20th July 2017 at India International Center and felicitate Gold Awardees at the function.

Dr. Vivek Raghavan is at heart an out-of-the-box problem solver.

He serves as Chief Technology Officer and Board Member for Team Indus, India's entry to the Google Lunar X-Prize, which aims to land a spacecraft on the surface of the moon.

Vivek is also the Chief Product Manager and Biometric Architect at the Unique Identification Authority of India. He has been involved in the design, implementation and scale out of the technology platform for Aadhaar, the world’s largest identity program. He joined the Aadhaar project just before the first Aadhaar was issued, and was there when the billionth Aadhaar was generated.

Vivek is a full time volunteer, and is in the unique position of playing both these roles in a volunteer capacity.

Vivek spent 20 years in the field of Electronic Design Automation, successfully founding, running and selling two EDA startups and being responsible for the design and development of multiple market leading EDA products. He has held senior management positions at Magma Design Automation, Synopsys and Avant! Corporation. Vivek has an M.S. and Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Carnegie Mellon University and a B. Tech. from IIT Delhi.

Training Workshop for Trained Activity Service Providers for IAYP

The National Award Authority organized a two-day Training Workshop for Trained Activity Service Providers for IAYP & ITAP license and interested Award Leaders of YES Centres to operate Adventurous Journeys and Residential Projects. Eleven participants from nine institutions: The British Co-Ed High School, Patiala; The Aga Khan Academy, Hyderabad; Adventure Education Tours (Mumbai) Pvt.Ltd., Mumbai; Global Travellers Guild, Kolkata; Snow Leopard Adventures Pvt. Ltd., Gurgaon; Juniper Wings, Kolkata; Inside Passage, Dehra Dun and Holiday Moods Adventures Pvt Ltd., New Delhi participated in the workshop on 10th - 11th March 2017.

The workshop was a blend of field work, classroom lecture and demonstration, covering various aspects of the Adventurous Journey and the Residential Project, in which the participants gained knowledge of the need and requirements for the same. The evening session before the bonfire was on the Role of the Assessor and the Supervisor, a critical input for a successful Adventurous Journey.

Day two activities started with an Adventurous & Exploration Journey, where the participants took part in trekking and exploration. This session included the learning and demonstration of the Preliminary Training, Practice Journey and Qualifying Journey, followed by a drill on Recording and Management of the Diary. There were Q&A sessions where the participants shared their experience and the problems that they come across during the AJ, and the NAA Team helped them in finding solutions. The workshop was mentored by Bivujit Mukhoty (Programme Manager). and Priyank Kumar Gupta (Head IT & ORB) The workshop concluded with the presentation of certificates by the IAYP National Director. Click to view pictures

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