The Journey of a Lifetime

Trivarg Arandhara, Bronze participant from Maria's Public School, Guwahati shares his experience of the Bronze level Adventurous Journey
As a teenager with an adventurous bent of mind, I am always in search of adventure of any kind, anywhere possible. Then came the amazing year of 2014, when I started my Award journey. It was both adventurous and exciting. But one thing which made me enjoy this year the most was the Adventurous Journey to Mandarmoni, West Bengal, with my fellow IAYP Bronze and Silver aspirants from Maria's Public School, Guwahati and our teacher mentors of IAYP.
Well, today I can say that I am fond of beach trekking, rock climbing, ziplining, commando bridge crossing, rope knotting, etc. And to be honest, I discovered this crazy love for wild adventures after coming back from my journey. Yes, as you may have already guessed, we had the opportunity to do these amazing activities in our Adventurous Journey to Mandarmoni itself!
This journey made us self-aware, responsible, and we also learned how to tackle difficult situations during a natural calamity or any kind of accident. This entire journey is imprinted in my being and has given me the impetus to face any challenge in life. We all know that human life is uncertain in many aspects. Like for example, living in an earthquake and flood prone area and having a lot of people around living below poverty line, any calamity might strike any time. Now after taking part in the Mondermoni journey, I can say that I have gathered the courage to face all these disasters with a brave heart. Given a chance, together with saving my own life I would be able to offer my helping hand towards saving others' lives too.
Hats off to the International Award for Young People (IAYP) who have initiated the Award programme and promoted self-development in school and college students to prepare them for any situation.
This was all possible because of our accompanying teachers who took care of us and guided us throughout our journey. I specially thank our Managing Trustee Mrs Nellie Ahmed Tanweer because of whom we were blessed with this opportunity to learn so much.  Click for pictures

Charge to the Mountains!

A group of 43 Award participants (22 boys and 21 girls) from Miles Bronson Residential School, Guwahati set out for their Adventurous  Journey to Rocky Island in a valley near Darjeeling, West Bengal.  The group left for their destination on 20 Mar 2015 night by train and was accompanied by the Director (Pastoral Care), two House Mistresses and two Sports Teachers. Having reached the railhead New Jalpaiguri the next morning, they left for Rocky Island by bus. The thrill of the adventure began almost immediately when they stopped by a freshwater stream en route to relish their breakfast. Finally they reached the place by noon.

The group was accommodated in tents and huts with the support of a simple bathroom/toilet and a kitchen with open dining space. The young people enjoyed their meals and were happy to wash their utensils themselves. The main focus this time was Rock Climbing and Trekking. Special care was taken throughout the trip to ensure their safety and security. Participants freely roamed around in the surrounding hills and streams accompanied by their Instructors and escorts. They were made to wade through a challenging width of the fast flowing stream, learning to work as a team with close coordination to cross the stream. Rappelling and steel wire sliding were among the other activities conducted during the camp. 

During the afternoon session the participants practiced erecting tents and shelters with natural wood and the minimal material available. In the evening the group gathered around the campfire and participated in the music, dance and group games. 

On 23 Mar morning the group was guided on a trek through hills, deep forests and streams. They were taught various types of knots to be used while making support systems to cross streams and also given training on survival tactics in the jungle. By afternoon the group departed for New Jalpaiguri to return to Guwahati by rail. The group reached MBRS the next morning.

The participants learned not only basic life skills to survive in a jungle but also strengthened their confidence. The trip was a huge success and many of them can't wait for the next available opportunity to return to those environs again!

The Award programme -- a platform for continuous progress and well-being

Sudershan Kongkham, Gold Participant, Miles Bronson Residential School, Guwahati sharing his experience and achievement in the Physical Recreation section

At MBRS we indulge in various sports like football, volleyball, basketball, cricket, lawn-tennis, swimming, mini-golf, and other indoor games. Karate is an emerging physical activity along with yoga, to help us keep physically and mentally fit.

I started playing basketball and soccer as part of my Physical Recreation for the IAYP. I learnt fast and soon was selected as a part of the school's basketball and soccer team. My team mates and I were always hard at work, practicing together to perfect ourselves at the sports.

I participated in the North East Zone CBSE cluster tournament in 2014. We emerged as champions of the entire zone and got an opportunity to compete at the National level in Gujarat, representing the North East. Though we could not reach the finals, our hard work, perspiration, love and respect for the game rewarded us with the trophy for the "Most Disciplined Team" of the tournament.

I have learnt a lot while participating in these events: I have tasted both defeat and victory. I understand that failures are the pillars of success. So I am optimistic that I will achieve more success in the field of sports and games in the near future and bring glory to our esteemed institution. I am confident that I will be consistent and maintain a positive attitude towards fair-play and hold up the spirit of the games and sports. I am grateful to the Award, which has provided me with a platform to maintain a continuous progress both in the games I play and also in my general well-being. Click for pictures

Visit to Mother Teresa Old Age Home

Himshekhar Konwar, Silver level participant from Miles Bronson Residential School (MBRS), Guwahati, shares his teams' experience when they visited the Mother Teresa Old Age Home.

In this era where many leave their old parents homeless, there are a few angels of God who give these old people another chance at life in the comfort of a home. On 6th July 2014  we, the members of IAYP from MBRS, Guwahati visited the Mother Teresa Old Age Home. One of the members we met there was 105 years old and and lived there happily under the care of the 'angels of God'.  At present there are around 19 old people who are cared for by Ms Manika Sharma and her team.

We spent four hours with the old people, hearing their stories and their life experiences which brought tears to our eyes and made us realize deeply the importance of our parents in our life.

As part of of our entertainment effort, we sang several songs and one of the old grandmas sang to us the song of youth which describes the happy youth phase of life and advises us never to grow up! Then, we had a cake cutting ceremony by our grandma of 105 years, while we feasted on cake and soft drinks.

We left the home, our hearts filled with the simple purity of the old hearts who showered their blessing on us and through this we earned a great respect for them as well as for our parents. The time that we spent there is unforgettable and we will remember it in every phase of our life.  Click for more pictures