The Award in Action- HAL New Public School, Bangalore.

 Adventurous Journey for Bronze level Award participants from HAL New Public School, Bangalore.

Trekking has always been a thrill and challenging activity for everyone.

Our 44 Bronze Award Aspirants of The International Award for Young People, India, along with four Award Leaders undertook an expedition and exploratory journey to the most alluring mountains of Western Ghats of India, Mullayangiri and Bababudangiri, Chikkamangalur, Karnataka, on 26th, 27th and 28th of March, 2023.

Mullayangiri is the highest peak in Karnataka with a height of 1930 m (6317 ft) from the sea level. A famous trekking trail runs between the eponymous peaks in this range with a pitch-dark cave having beautiful layers of
sedimentation. As a part of our expedition our Award participants were taken for a Mowgli walk inside the cave. They braved not only the slippery edges of onerous cliff but also the vehemence of midday sun. In the evening, the participants cooked various delicacies to showcase their newly acquired culinary skills, as a part of The Award Programme grooming.

On the second day, we walked almost a kilometer to the most serene lake of Hirekolale, where the young people pitched their tents and explored flora and fauna. Keeping in mind the spirit of The Award Programme, they engaged themselves in cleaning waste in and around the lake. Surrounded by coffee estate, Award participants were also able to witness the vast plantations. While returning they were given a yatra of the coffee museum in order to understand in depth about one specific flora. Last but not the least, this Adventurous Journey helped our Award participants to boost their confidence through various types of activities during the camp. They developed the skills of leadership, punctuality, honesty and togetherness, which are very important for young people to be well-rounded and sensitive people in the future.

Award Leaders Ms. Aarti Deshpande, Ms. Preet Kaur, Ms. Naik Kavitha Keshav and Ms. Brindha Ilangovan accompanied the Award participants on their Adventurous Journey.

The Award in Action- VIBGYOR High, NIBM, PUNE

 Adventure Journey for Silver level Award participants from VIBGYOR High, NIBM, PUNE.

Award participants from VIBGYOR High went to Monteria village for their Adventurous Journey as a part of their programme for silver level of The Award Programme from 9th to 11th March, 2023. This journey helped us to get engaged in challenging activities in a new environment with the chance to learn about team work and leadership. We had training sessions on things like how to tie different kinds of knots that would be useful when trekking, first aid essentials, etc. We also had multiple activities like exploring the nearby village and learning how things are done there and cooking in woods with what supplies we had packed or found in the woods. It allowed the entire group to learn how to work as a team and how to handle every important aspect of undertaking adventure trips.
We attended a 3-day Adventure trip in which our main objective was to trek to and explore Kondana caves. It was a 30-45 min drive to the base of the caves from our living quarters. Caves have many stupas which were excavated in the first century BC. The beautiful wooden pattern and the prayer hall along with other structures are still intact. We saw beautiful carvings on the walls of the caves and inscription in the prayer hall.
This Adventurous Journey developed our self-confidence and fitness levels. Under the supervision of the IAYP team, the Adventurous Journey was a learning experience along with fun, within a safe and secure setting.

Award Leader Training- New Delhi; March 31st and April 1st, 2023

On March 31st and April 1st, 2023 the National Award Authority organized an Award Leader Training at India Habitat Centre in New Delhi. Kapil Bhalla (National Director) and Bivujit Mukhoty (Programme Manager) led the two-day workshop, whose objective was to interact with Award Leaders from various schools and emphasize their role in the development of Award participants throughout their Award journey.

A total of 28 participants attended the Delhi Workshop, representing schools such as S.N Kansagra (Gujarat), The Mann (Delhi), O.P Jindal Modern (Hissar), B.D Somani International (Mumbai), The Lawrence School Lovedale & Sanawar, Dyal Singh Public (Jagadhari & Panipat), Maha Devi Birla World (Kolkata), Pinegrove (Dharampur), Selaqui International (Dehradun), Jayshree Periwal International (Rajasthan), Good Shepherd International (Ooty), Hopetown Girls (Dehradun), Medicaps (Indore), The Sagar School (Rajasthan), Pathways School (Noida), Ecole Globale International, Invictus International School (Amritsar) and Scindia Kanya Vidyalaya, Gwalior.

The training opened with an icebreaker before delving into an introduction to the Award Program - its philosophy, journey and framework; followed by discussions about its various aspects like Voluntary Service, Skills, Physical Recreation and Adventurous Journey; Risk Management; the benefits of the Program; and the Residential Project for Gold Level Awardees. The training consisted of group activities, presentations and discussions that helped Award Leaders to learn about the Award Programme in detail. 

Day 2 started with a review session and elaborate discussion on the Adventurous Journey and Residential Project. Achievements and impact of the various levels of the Award, benefit Brand Pack were also discussed with the Award Leaders. To wrap up, a comprehensive review activity was conducted to help participants retain key lessons learnt over two days that were also filled with engaging activities throughout.

The Award in Action- Ushnish Mukherjee, DPS NEWTOWN

 I have had a passion for making little delectable things since childhood. Legos were my escape route from homework. But the thing I fell in love with is origami, the Japanese art of folding paper.

I remember spending hours on end and papers uncounted for to create many such models over the years. From primary school years I have gifted many teachers different origami models for teachers’ days. In recent years though, due to the perceived pressures of study, being seen with origami papers was inviting scolding from my mother.

My participation in The International Award for Young People, India and our teachers’ encouragement for physical and mental activities have rejuvenated my passion and love for origami. It relaxes me, and makes my mind work to see things differently. Using imagination is possibly the best way to keep your mind active and young.

My latest creation is a bull. An amazing animal that has inspired so many artists over many millennia. I created this using white paper because I wanted to portray a thought, ‘the biggest powers need to be peaceful’. In nature, they are.

                             

Thank you, teachers, and IAYP for your inspiration and encouragement.

-Submitted by Ushnish Mukherjee, Class XI, DPS NEWTOWN

The Award in Action- Dyal Singh Public School, Jagadhri

Award Participants from Dyal Singh Public School, Jagadhri, Yamuna Nagar share their experience with the residential project under the Award. Following is their itinerary:  

Day 1. We spent time cleaning at the Channeti Buddhist Stupa, which holds immense historical importance. Chaneti Buddhist Stupa is a 3rd century BC monument protected by the Government of India. The stupa is located in the Yamunanagar district of Haryana, three kilometers east of Jagadhri, and about three kilometers northwest of the archaeological site Sugh. 

Day 2. Learnt the art of making bricks and experienced the life of brick workers. 

Day 3. Learnt new art of making pots. What fun it was seeing clay getting molded in a new shape in seconds.

Day 4. Participants learnt about village life as well as the art of traditional embroidery and cooking.

 

Out of all levels Bronze, Silver and Gold. This residential project is most cherished.

-Submitted by Ekta Singh, Dyal Singh Public School, Jagadhri.