Award India

Award India

Issue : 3 Year : 16 September 2012

In this issue

 The GAHN Workshop, Singapore  International Sport for Development - Photo Competition 2012  Case Studies and Award Stories

YEARS

Dear Readers, A big hello to all of you... It's always been a pleasure to present the Award India magazine, I'm honoured to bring out this issue, packed with news and information from the Award Family, from us, from you…

With 61 YES Centres and 37 Partners till date, the Award in India is growing from strength to strength, challenging young people everywhere, and transforming lives with the motto of Creating Committed Citizens. As mentioned in the last issue, the Award has been actively working to ensure quality Training delivery to YES Managers, Award Leaders and Volunteers. The aim is to guarantee the best possible experience for the most important stake-holders of the Award – the Award Participants. Also, keeping in mind the prospects and issues related to the One Award Alliance, the National Training Panel is at its best, training Leaders with the aim of making the Award experience a self-equipping endeavour for every single youngster.

So sit back and enjoy this colourful issue of your Award India which highlights the GAHN Workshop, Adventure Camp Reports from both the Awardee's and Award Leader's perspective, Case Studies, as well as the creative effervescence from a budding poet.

You'll also get to know more about the upcoming Forum at Malta. And for all of you ready to Challenge yourselves, do keep an eye out for the Photography Contest. Don't miss the chance to have your photograph exhibited at the International Sports for Development Office in Australia (detailed information inside).

After almost ten years of living the Award, when I sit here writing for my Award Leaders, Mentors, and Fellow Awardees, I am just thankful to the Award Programme for touching my life and transforming me, like it does for millions of people around the world, and the ever growing Award Family keeps reminding me that “Life is either a daring Adventure… or Nothing!” – Helen Keller.

It is our dreams we live for, and truly the Award is a platform which equips young people to realise and fulfill their dreams. On such a note I dedicate this issue of Award India to the Award Family – to YOU – to all of us sharing the same passion for the Award and making a difference to society by Creating Committed Citizens.

Rajarshi Banerjee Honorary Editor

Contents 4

Recognition of Volunteers

4

The GAHN Leadership Capacity-Building Workshop

5

When the going gets tough the tough get going

6

Chopta Tungnath Trek Experience

7

Adventure Camp & Rock Climbing

8 Raphael and RKM Show the Way 10 Malta Forum 2012 11 Case Studies from The Doon School 12 Expedition to Draupadi- Ka-Danda II 13 International Sport for Development - Photo Competition 2012 14 Award Partners National Director - Kapil Bhalla Programme Manager - Bivujit Mukhoty Award India published by Kapil Bhalla for The International Award for Young People, India.

This publication is the newsletter for operators, leaders, volunteers and participants and meant for internal circulation only.

All rights reserved. No part of the newsletter is reproducible without prior permission.

For further information, please write to: The Communications Team The International Award for Young People, India 86/1 Shahpur Jat, Khel Gaon Marg, New Delhi 110049 INDIA Tel: +91.11.41087062 Telefax: +91.11.26497164 Email: ai@iayp.in Website : http://www.iayp.in Although every care has been taken to avoid errors, this newsletter is published on the condition and understanding that all information in this publication is for reference only. It must not be taken as an authority or bind the authors, editors or publishers, who do not owe responsibility for any damage or loss to any person as a result of this work.

Award Programme Foundation, India Registered Charitable Trust No. TR/27951 Member: Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Association Cover Image : Special Project Expedition by Emmanuel Ministries This Newsletter is sponsored by The Shell Group of Companies, India.

Next Issue : 6th YES Training workshop National Training Workshop Success Stories and Expeditions Send in your articles with high resolution photos by 15th October 2012.

Patron Vice President of India - Mr. Mohd. Hamid Ansari

Award Programme Foundation Trust Mr. Himmat Kalsia - Chairman Mr. Analjit Singh Mr. Arunachalam Vellayan Mr. Ishaat Hussain Mr. Rakesh Bharti Mittal Dr. Sanat Kaul - Managing Trustee

National Award Authority (NAA), India Kapil Bhalla - National Director Bivujit Mukhoty - Programme Manager Priyank Kumar Gupta - Head, YES Comm. Project Chittaranjan Das - Office Manager Manish Rao - OAC Project Assistant

Hon. Advisors Yogender Chaudhry, Indian Revenue Service Rajarshi Banerjee - Youth Representative Devanjali Dutt - Youth Representative

Award India | Page 3

Recognition of Volunteers During the Golden Jubilee Ceremony, participants received their Gold Awards, and Certificates of Recognition were awarded to Mr Analjit Singh, Chairman, MAX India Ltd and Trustee-Award Programme Foundation, and also to Mr. Ajeet Bajaj, Gold Holder, Padma Shri by Ms Sue Walker, Regional Director, Asia Pacific Region.

Mr Anal Chatterjee from ICNL was awarded the Certificate of Recognition for Outstanding Service to the International Award for Young People. Certificates of Recognition for Valuable Service were awarded to Mr Surender Sharma from Bhavan’s Public School and Ms Nivedita Samanta, Communications Manager, IAYP, India.

Certificates of Recognition for Special Service were presented to Saanya Gupta (Gold Holder, Award Volunteer), Saurabh Saklani (INME Learning Pvt. Ltd), Chittaranjan Das (Office Manager, NAA), Neelam Singh (JCB Supported Government School- Jharsaintly), Varshi Khanna (Jharsaintly), Narender Kumar (Jharsaintly), Jyoti Fotedar (St. Mary’s School- Safdarjung Enclave, New Delhi), and Vijayshree Pahal (GD Goenka World SchoolGurgaon).

Ms Sue Walker with Mr Anal Chatterjee, ICNL

The GAHN Leadership Capacity-Building Workshop 16 - 20 August 2012, Singapore Captain Rohit Saxena and Ms. Devanjali Dutt represented IAYP, India in Global Award Holders’ Network Leadership Capacity-Building Workshop held on 16-20 August 2012, Singapore. Youth delegates from the four regions of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award International Association (also known as The International Award Association or IAA) – Asia Pacific, Africa, Americas and Europe, Mediterranean & Arab States attended the Workshop. The participants were warmly received by National Youth Achievement Award (NYAA) Gold Award holders and participants.

Workshop hosted a series of presentations and followed by the lively discussion which help delegates to get benefit from the different perspectives offered by Gold Award holders from the different regions.

The Meet the People session was a rare opportunity to see the Members of Parliament in action through the 'Servant Leadership' concept that is practiced in Singapore, while Ministerial Dialogue session was summed up by the Minister Chan, whose inspiring words of encouragement have helped the youth leaders to consolidate their ideas and devise ways to put them into action.

On 18 August 2012, the delegates attended a keynote address on “Servant Leadership” by Dr Tan Chi Chiu, a well-known community leader and a Member of the NYAA Council. After this interesting and interactive session, Katie Hulmes of Australia and Kathleen Hewitt, Regional Communications, Development and Event Coordinator, Asia Pacific Regional Office, presented the Pre-Survey and Overview on the proposed Global Award Holders' Network concept with the delegates.

The workshop was aimed to share the best practices of established and successfully operating GAHAs (Global Award Holders Association), strengthening the existing GAHAs and establishment of new GAHAs. The delegates collectively made the recommendations after the discussion on how to make an effective GAHN & GAHA. The event also aimed at Capacity Building Workshop for some of the GA's to be engaged as future regional trainers.

Devanjali and Capt Rohit Page 4 | Award India

When the going gets tough the tough get going Detailed report on Special Project Camp by Emmanuel Ministries Calcutta July 6 to the 9th of July was a day of reckoning for all the aspiring awardees of Emmanuel Ministries Calcutta, Since the inception of the award programme at Emmanuel Ministries in 2001, we have witnessed 12 young adults who have successfully completed the Gold standard and have taken a prominent stand in their community. Sixteen boys and fourteen girls from two projects of Emmanuel Ministries, namely the Pavement Club and the New Market community development project with the Harijan or the Dalit class comprising of municipal sweepers, local fruit vendors and basket weaver were eligible for the expedition to Panchilingeshwar. In order to complete the criteria required for all three section.

“The excitement began very much prior to the date of departure. Many of them had heard about trains and yet had not been on one , so this was a dream come true. Some of them heard horrible stories of train accidents which remained as a nightmare to them. Yet nothing could rob them of the excitement of travelling together as a group on a crowded packed train It was a big leap of faith!

We all assembled at the Emmanuel Ministries premises and bid farewell to the parents as we headed towards the Howrah Station to board the Dueli Express that departed at 6:10 am. As the train signaled it way down the track, the students burst out into laughter and merry making. They sang bollywood tunes, played memory games and even shared refreshments together.

On reaching the campsite the students were captivated by the natural surroundings. As quoted by Sangeeta Ram – although I am miles away from home, yet I do not feel home sick as I am surrounded with such lovely people who cares for us and make us feel at home- it is a home away from home.

Our first practice session was on the boulders and I said this to myself says Md. Akbar “ Oh its easy stuff” later on I was amazed that there was so much important instruction that needed to be followed. The evening session on the mountain manners was very encapsulating as it made us more aware of our environment and the importance of people in our lives.

Our 2nd day trek to the Nilgiri mountains at a height of 2,500 ft was an exhilarating experience. Many of the awardees experienced the adrenaline rush as they scaled the rock surface. Rakhi Mullick, a bronze awardees, almost gave up at one point. She persevered and pressed on till she was on the summit. She stated “Today I have learnt not to give up but to keep pressing on.”

A Rope Knots session intrigued almost all the students. There was a lot of interest developed to know more about it. Easy to tie and easy to open was the key to this session. Md Zeeshan mastered the technique and continues to practice these knots even at home. Rappelling down the mountains was what everybody sought after.

Practically everybody wanted to have a second go with it, but due to lack of time it wasn’t possible.

On third day the students trekked to the nearly villages for almost an hour and half. Aarti a gold awardee was moved by the plight and the condition they lived in. She discovered that she although coming from a poor family was far better well off than them. She also witnessed great joy which lit up on their faces on seeing the group. Most important equipment was the rope or the life line on which every student depended upon. Other mountaineering classes like Tent pitching, Jummering and mountain sickness was of valuable importance.”

Md Manzoor a gold awardee describes camping expedition not in terms of achievement but in terms of what I have become as result of it.

He personally feels that these camps are all about exploring into all possibilities and discovering more about yourself in an unfamiliar terrain. According to him camping is fun and adventurous only when the value imparted to us are practiced.

Gold award holders Rohit Mallick and Jyoti mallick volunteered to accompany the awardees on their expedition. Rohit explains that the award programme is not about competing with others but competing with self. After being felicitated the gold standard at the prestigious presidential award ceremony hosted in the capital. These four gold award holders namely Rohit Mallick, Jyoti Mallick, Rupa Mallick and Rekha Mallick took up the challenge of promoting the award to 12 youngsters in their community under the leadership of the Award leader Mrs. Suchandra Roy Chowdhury and the response was phenomenal.

Award India | Page 5

Chopta Tungnath Trek Experience International School, Aamby Valley Bronze Level Participants “The IAYP adventurous journey on the Chopta Tungnath Trek, set amongst the Himalayas, was a huge challenge and undertaking for the students who participated, but was well worth the hard work and persistence that was required. Students set off on a 3day camping trip which saw them climb to 4000 meters and included lunch at India's highest temple, as well as a swim and kayak ride in the famous Ganga River!”

- Reid Litster, YES Centre Manager “This was the best trip I have been to in my entire life! In a span of three days, I climbed to the highest temple in India, saw the best scenery and learnt a lot of different things.”

- Jay Patel “The trip was great.

It was a fun, challenging adventure. The best part was the dip in the Ganga river.”

- Naman Khanna “We did a lot of things in 3 days! We hiked over 4000 meters, swam in the holy Ganga River and we even watched a movie, played cards and charades. It was one of the best trips of my life.”

- Aditya Jain “IAYP trip was awesome! It was one of my best trips.

There were a lot of adventures and I had a lot of fun. I

learnt many new things and had an amazing time with my friends. It was a great experience. I was the youngest amongst us and still loved it! IAYP rocks!”

- Akanksha Gupta “The thought of reaching the top of the mountain and the feeling of being on top of the earth made me not give up.

I actually completed the trek! The overall experience was amazing, as sleeping in tents, having food by the campfire and playing charades, is not what I do every day. Yes, climbing up the mountains turned out to be the most difficult part for me, but to complete this trek successfully was my goal and I achieved it. We all worked as a team, in searching for our train or helping each other with our heavy bags. I will never forget having Maggi noodles up on the mountains near our camp. What made this trip even more fun was our supervisors and friends. Mr Reid and Ms Christina, thank you for this wonderful trip!”

- Laxmi Borude “It was a great opportunity for us to find ourselves in nature. After climbing the beautiful mountain on the Chopta trek, I realized how gorgeous nature is. I liked the snowball flights, the trek and the dip in the Ganga River.

The trip was something to experience and share.”

- Naman Jain

Adventure Camp & Rock Climbing Priyanka Kumari, Bronze Level Participant

A

dventure creates new and inspiring memories which reminds us that our journey is just the beginning. Adventure is not just that extreme and dangerous experience that one could find existing.

On the contrary, it is an attitude that helps us face the obstacles present in our daily routine. The challenges we have to deal with, the new and different options that life offers, the unknown that is at all times waiting for us, represent an adventure in itself. And it is in this adventure that human beings discover themselves.

I got this wonderful opportunity when I joined IAYP bronze level and went to Rishikesh for the adventure trip. It was an enriching experience that left an indelible imprint on my mind. Before boarding the coach, we were given instructions regarding the safety measures and a small first aid session was conducted.

On the bus, we all danced and sang till we reached our destination. A 15-minute walk down the hill took us to the foothills of the Shivalik range where the camp Roof N Ride rested in the arms of nature.

The view of the valley and the small perennial river flowing by the side of the camp was majestic. The camps were so designed that each one of us could enjoy every moment of our stay, be it the camp fire, beach volleyball, or a quick splash in the stream and then a nice sun tan.

We stayed in the Swiss Tents. The morning tea along with the chilly winds were quite enjoyable. The breakfast was really appreciated as they cooked fresh vegetables grown on their farm. They served delicious food in the buffet style.

We were divided into two groups. I was in the second group which was accompanied by Nivedita Ma'am, Sonal Ma'am and Kapoor Sir. Pratibha Ma'am and Mr C.S.Yadav accompanied the first group.

The first adventure of my group was rock climbing and rappelling. We were 24 in the second group. We walked through the village led by a guide. The life of the people there was quite simple and serene. Watching the other camps, the green fields and the small stream flowing along the way, we reached our rock climbing spot. There was an Aashram named Phoolchatti nearby. Brief introduction of the various equipment was given by Arvind Sir. One by one, we all experienced the thrill of hanging from a cliff of 40 feet height. The cheers from the whole team were mind blowing. I never felt I was away from my home. In the meantime, we watched the scenic beauty and collected some extraordinary looking seeds.

We returned to the camp, had lunch and within a few minutes we were at the rafting spot. It was a 16 km long rafting journey starting from Shivpuri. Imagine freezing water trying to push you off the boat like the bulls do to

a cowboy! We faced 4 rapids and at a point we were asked to jump off the boats and do body surfing. My heart skipped a beat when I prepared myself for the cliff jumping. We returned by the evening, shivering in our wet clothes.

The Thrilling Rock Climbing Session: The camp people had prepared a bonfire along with hot tea and snacks. Everyone felt drowsy and tired but still played antaakshiri and some music till late night.

Finally, we slept like the dead in our tents till the valley was bathed completely in the sun rays.

I cannot forget the morning tea with the whole gang and then the yoga session. After that, we all set to start for the trek to the waterfall. Along the roads of Mohanchatti, we reached the waterfall. We jumped into the water, splashed it on everyone and played with the falling drops of joy in the form of shower. Our journey wound up on a happy note with group photo sessions. During the return journey, we stopped at Dhuradhari Aashram and the Ganga ghats at Haridwaar. We offered prayers at the ghat for the whole IAYP gang. Travelling for the whole night with a break at a hotel for snacks and dinner, we reached AIT before sunrise.

For me, this trip was not less than any educational trip.

For me, this trip was not less than any educational trip. I understood the deeper and hidden meaning of an adventure trip. It was not only about travelling, sight seeing and hanging by a rope but it actually taught me to recognize my strengths, weaknesses and accept myself as a person.

I understood the deeper and hidden meaning of an adventure trip. It was not only about travelling, sightseeing and hanging by a rope but it actually taught me to recognize my strengths, weaknesses and accept myself as a person. It requires intense concentration and focus, which is a great mental workout. Moreover, the touch of nature and its beauty can heal any wound. Those days without a cell phone, TV and PC taught me to live with myself. It was the best time for spiritual and emotional discovery.

I think the Award Programme not only provides us with fun filled experiences but truly creates the platform for us to gain knowledge and be Equipped for Life in the true sense of the expression.

Three Cheers for IAYP............

Three cheers for the entire team......... “HIP HIP HURRAYYYYYYYY.....................�

Award India | Page 7

Raphael and RKM Show the Way Raphael Camp

O

n the 21st of March, 2012, the group of Award participants was briefed in the morning about the Camp, it's rules and other information. And then they plunged into Trallian Traversing with immense enthusiasm.

Initially, some of the participants were a bit shaky about trying it, but in no time they got over their hesitation.

The close bonding with the instructors and the boost to their own confidence helped them take part more freely and actively. Post lunch, the participants attended the session on tent-pitching quite attentively, and quite impressive was the fact that just after the theoretical class with demonstration of pitching different types of tents – A-shaped Tents (Ridge-tents), Dome-Tents, etc. – they themselves indulged in the practical experience and pitched the tents for their Award Leaders, Instructors and themselves.

After tent-pitching, the whole group was de-briefed, and before that, was divided into 4 “ropes” or groups that would be their “rope” for the rest of the Camp.

After some light entertainment after the whole day's work, the team had dinner and got back to their tents to call it a day and prepare for the next day.

The 22nd of March began with warm-up exercises early morning, which was followed by a Jungle Trek of about 23 km outside the campus. After returning from the trek, the group had breakfast together and began the sessions and activities for the day.

By evening, they all had learnt and practiced Burma Bridge Crossing, Jummering, River Crossing, Monkey Crawling and Rappelling. After having practiced a few of these activities, they took a rest and then collected twigs, logs and dry leaves to light the fire and cook lunch for themselves and their Instructors. Lunch was such a fulfilling experience, having cooked your own meal. In the afternoon the team also went for another short trek just before Book your place today! practicing rappelling.

After two days of tiring work (enriching and successful too), this evening called for celebrations. So the evening was dedicated to Camp Fire, which knew no bounds with music, dance, chatting, and in a nutshell having a merry time.

On the 23rd of March, 2012, the team had breakfast early in the morning and prepared themselves for some outing, or rather a visit to the Purkal Village. After all, the tough work for the last few days deserves to be celebrated with an outing.

Complete your Gold Residential Project and Expedition in Spiti this June

Page 8 | Award India

RKM BBA Panchalingeswar Camp

by Rupanjan Goswami, Award Leader

T

he Rama Krishna Mission Blind Boys' Academy (RKMBBA) has been an Award Special Project since 2002. RKMBBA transforms lives of visually challenged young boys. Rupanjan, Award Leader at RKMBBA describes the impact of The Award very candidly: “Life was under a dark shadow before The Award came to the boys. With IAYP, a new ray of hope entered their lives, kick-starting a new journey of self-realisation. Ever since the young boys have taken up the Award, they have challenged themselves boldly, imparting their courage and leadership to their fellow students and proving that they have a place in society in a very different way!� The recent success of 19 visually challenged boys from 2nd to 5th May 2012, at their Adventurous Journey in Panchalingeswar, Orissa, organised by the Institute of Climbers and Nature Lovers (ICNL) was 'empowering' for everyone!

DAY 1 - The 5 instructors from ICNL encouraged the boys to learn the formation of different rocks and mountains and different techniques of free climbing, exploring hand hold, foot hold, etc. They also learnt how to keep body balance on a rock face. In the evening session, the theoretical classes taught the boys how to survive in a 'do or die' situation, dealing with the symptoms and remedies of mountain sickness.

DAY 2 - The first session was started at 5:10 am with the students going to a huge rock face for rappelling training. It was a fabulous experience for them. They were not scared to descend from the high altitudes, in spite of their visual disabilities! Post breakfast, the session was a class on knots and equipment.

They learnt all about the different types of knots like end-man knot, bowline knot, clove-hitch knot; in addition to learning about carabiners, figures of eight, different types of ropes and how to pitch a tent. This session proved to be very informative, the boys were proud to touch and use the equipment because they knew these equipment are used in different expeditions even for Mt. Everest.

This session was followed by a short trek to Panchalingeswar Temple. On top of the hill, during the trek, there was a violent thunder storm and we (the instructors) were surprised to see that none of the boys were scared. This is The Power of The Award. Young People learn to overcome their fears and learn new things.

The day ended with one of the ICNL instructors recounting his Mt. Everest climbing experience, where he shared his valuable thoughts and memorable moments of climbing Everest.

DAY 3 - The next morning, the boys woke up at 0530 hours for an altitude gain session where they climbed around 2000 feet without ropes, on a hill that is a free sanctuary for elephants and bears. The ICNL Instructors showed a few signs left behind by the elephants and bears and the boys enjoyed this tremendously.

The 2nd session comprised practical training, where the instructors hung different rope bridges and the students successfully completed their allotted task in time. This followed the 'most interesting training' where they climbed a wall with the help of a Jumar.

The afternoon session began with a trek of about 5 kilometres to get to a river dam surrounded by hills. On their arrival at the dam, they interacted with the local tribals and shared their love for nature with them.

The Silver Level Adventure Camp ended with a Gala Camp Fire, display of remarkable music skills by the boys, recitation, mimicry and dance.

Above all, the experience was awesome.

Award India | Page 9

Welcoming Mr. Kapil Bhalla as the new National Director of IAYP India A huge shout of welcome to Mr Kapil Bhalla for taking on the position of the National Director of The Award Programme in India. With over 27 years of comprehensive experience in managing organizations and advising investors, high net worth consumers, small and medium corporations in capital raising strategies, financial planning, organizational restructuring, risk management, marketing and business planning, Mr Bhalla brings extensive knowledge and experience to the National Award Authority in India.

He feels excited to be heading 'an evolving organisation that has made huge strides in the last few years' and believes that 'this amazing Programme is shaped by the passion of our young people' and he looks forward to 'taking the Programme from strength to strength'.

A big Thank you to Mr. Sandeep Dutt for completing his tenure as National Director We are immensely grateful to Mr Sandeep Dutt for his leadership in heading The Award Programme for the last three years. As National Director, Sandeep successfully infused new spirit and energy to The Award's growth by creating innovative partnerships and leading the way ahead for central management and control in India.

After completing his stint with The Award, Sandeep looks forward to designing and building a new enterprise, reading and spending time with his family.

Leaders like him are essential for progress and we recognize his stellar efforts and his incomparable volunteering record. We thank Sandeep for his invaluable contributions and wish him the very best for his future endeavours.

Malta Forum 2012 At the Forum in 2009, 47 out of 49 NAAs recognised the role of one of the most important stakeholders for ensuring the growth of the Award.

'The FORUM acknowledged the importance of youth perspectives and their meaningful participation in and contribution to both the governance and programmatic areas of the Award programme and agreed that the national and regional youth representatives have strategic roles to play in this regard.' (Sydney Declaration, Paragraph 5).

Even prior to 2009, many NAAs had already strengthened their practices to strengthen the participation of young people and professionals under the age of 34, and had reported the benefits in their newsletters and other publications. With the above Declaration in mind, and building upon the good practice ably demonstrated by the NAAs and upon the pledges made at IGE2011, the International Foundation invites parties attending the Forum to also select one Youth Attendee to be part of their delegation.

The role of the Youth Attendee at Forum 2012 will be to:  Support decision makers within the Award structure by being fully informed and participating fully in all aspects of Forum 2012.  Support the planning and delivery of the activities within the programme. Through the commitment to youth engagement by both NAAs and the IAA as a whole.  Ensure there is a youth perspective in all deliberations.  Assist with communication and implementation of decisions.

In keeping with the practice of follow through and ensuring impactful returns, it is important for youth attendees to be able to further their engagement after the Forum. At the Forum, attendees will be encouraged to commit to delivering specific outcomes relating to the One Award Alliance.

Page 10 | Award India

Case Studies from The Doon School Micro Finance Aviral Gupta (completed Bronze and Silver Awards and is currently a Gold participant) along with a group of boys started the Micro Finance project in a village called Makkawala, behind the DIT college. After having conducted a number of surveys at all the project sites where the school is involved in doing service, the boys picked this village for their Micro Finance project.

Here, they got together a small group of women and involved them in self-help activities - knitting sweaters, mufflers, blankets, making quilts and other items. Today these women are earning while working from home. A number of boys have joined the group and are doing the work very seriously. The boys felt that just constructing houses was not enough - they wanted to help the women be self-sufficient and to support them in their long-term growth. This is totally a boys-driven project, which is now being taken to other places as well.

After Yash taught poor students in this village, today two Muslim girls of the same school have become teachers there. It is a really commendable and sustainable model for enriching the lives of poor children.

The Journey a poem written by Satyam Gupta, Bronze Level Participant, during the first phase of the Adventurous Journey to Rishikesh

Apna Vidya Mandir Apna Vidya Mandir is a village school which was started in a tent. Yash Singhania (Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards holder; completed Gold in April 2010) has been associated with this project for the last six years. He has not only participated in the construction of the building but also made sure that the other students helped in the project. Because of this he has generated a positive energy which has inspired the students who have graduated from that school to come back and teach.

This primary school is one of its kind in that area. It stands out today thanks to Yash's involvement and positive approach.

Living in the shades of the dark, Today on a new journey we embark.

This journey is the first of its kind, Everyone embarked has some answers to find.

As the sun has already set, On this path don't know where we'll get.

But the journey has to continue, Because no one cares of our view.

We may think that we are right, But every mile in the journey brings a new fight.

We always have to remain steady, Come whatever may, be always ready.

Before we started it was all fascination, But right now it's a strange sensation.

At one point there was starvation, Our body and soul needed a filling station.

In the middle of nowhere was a place, Silence filled every bit of space.

Our entry made that space lively, A halt here had become very likely.

Once again we were on the move, Though this time on a different grove.

Many got tired and fell asleep, While few stayed awake to look into the deep.

Now that its time and we are leaving, One last line is 'It's a new beginning'.

Award India | Page 11

Expedition to Draupadi- Ka –Danda II An amazing experience for the Gold Award Participants (a report)

by Laxman Singh, Award Leader, Welham Boys' School On the occasion of the Platinum Jubilee celebration, Welham Boys’ School sent an Expedition to Draupadi Ka Danda II (5716m),Uttarkashi. The team comprised 18 students and 3 staff members.

Draupadi Ka Danda is a holy peak. There is a story behind it. It is said that Draupadi,wife of the Pandava's left her soul on this peak while on the way to Swarga towards Swargarohini(22000 ft). To the east of this peak exist GangotriI, II, III & Kedarnath. On the north-west region Swargarohini can be seen from the top of Draupadi-ka-Danda.

The Expedition lead by Mr Laxman Singh and Rajat, who is the sports captain of the school was accomplished with the guidance of Nehru Institute of Mountaineering (NIM), which is one of the finest Mountaineering Institutions in the country. The expedition started with the Flag Off ceremony on 25th May, 2012 and culminated on 12th June, 2012. Lt Gen Manvender Singh, Commandant IMA, flagged off the Expedition. In the Flag Off Ceremony Gen. Manvender gave a motivating and enriching speech, which motivated the Expedition team to successfully scale the peak.

The expedition lasted for 19 days. The first five days ie from 26th May to 30th May the Expedition team underwent an extensive training programme that included physical exercises, rock climbing, trekking, belaying, rappelling, jumaring, bouldering, artificial vertical wall climbing, snow craft, ice craft and tying of knots.

Having completed the training successfully on 30th May, the team trekked to Tela Camp which is situated at 8000ft.It was a steep and arduous climb for 4 hours. Each member of the team enjoyed this trek immensely.

After camping at Tela, we marched off to our next Camp at Gujjar Hut (1100ft) on 1st Jun,2012. It was a wonderful experience because it turned out to be a Herculean task which the team achieved very confidently.

On 2nd June, 2012 we moved to our next destination, the base camp at 13000ft. Not very far from Gujjar Hut, it took just an hour to reach the Base Camp. The main aim was for the expedition members to acclimatise, check equipment and practise walking with crampons on their shoes.

On 3rd June we set out on our trek to the Advanced Base Camp (14000ft) and returned back to the base camp. It was an exercise of acclimatisation.

On 4th June we proceeded for Advanced Base Camp. At ABC, we were trained to pitch tents on the Glacier, Glacier walk, Snow craft, Ice Craft etc. We were also briefed about the dangers in the Glaciers and the necessary precautions to be taken. At the camp the weather became bad and there was heavy snow fall for 24 hours.

Disappointed, the expedition team decided to stay at the ABC till the weather was clear. We lost one day due to bad weather condition. On 6th June we headed for ice craft, which we enjoyed immensely.

On 7th June, after a very difficult and challenging climb full of danger, the team reached Camp-1.On the way they overcame crevasses, avalanches and steep slopes. To add to their predicament, the oxygen level went low, but the confidence level and the teams’ spirit was high. This helped to overcome the challenges and reach Camp-1 safely and successfully.

The anticipation was over. D-day arrived. On 8th of June, equipped with all the technical paraphernalia, the team began its final climb at 4:30 am. The climb was steep full of challenges and the weather conditions worsened. Visibility was almost zero. It was snowing heavily and the wind was blowing at a very high speed. It was a tough call to take, should we continue or cancel the attempt. We decided to move on and with the grace of god, despite deteriorating weather conditions, 14 members of the Expedition were able to accomplish the honourable task of completing the expedition.

Watching the boys bracing the challenges, including the icy winds and embracing all hardships with a smile was a feat by itself.

Page 12 | Award India

International Sport for Development - Photo Competition 2012 International sport for Development is currently running a photo competition for all official partners. It's time to grab your camera and take some amazing photos displaying your sports programs in 2012.

The winner of the competition will have their photo exhibited at the International Sports for Development office in Australia as well as receive some great Australian Sports Commission merchandise.

So jump on board and provide us with your best happy snaps for 2012.

Competition Criteria      

Photo must be taken in 2012.

Photo must be from one of the ASOP programs.

The photo must be taken by a person associated with the program, not by a professional photographer.

The photo must be taken of participants within the sports programs and expressing one of the following themes: Education, Health, Social Inclusion, Gender Equity or Disability The maximum number of entries per person is 3 photos.

The photos must be sent to your contact at the Australian Sports Commission in an electronic JPEG format.

Submission Details   

Submissions will be judged by an expert panel of judges within the ASC. The photo that best captures participants of the sport programs and one of the central themes will win the grand prize. Time to get creative!

Submissions must be received by the International Sports for Development Team by Friday 30th of November 2012. Please send the entries to IAYP, India (ai@iayp.in) for onward submission.

Presentation of YES Operator Licence

Award India | Page 13

Partners The aim of partnering model is to harness the potential and to encourage young people to grow from their own strengths.

The Award Programme Foundation assists with training and support, and even helps work for social reconstruction and mainstreaming youth from all sections of the society. Partners of IAYP India are :

Award Partners ASOP India

Bharti Enterprises

Culture Clothing Private Limited JCB India

Delhi University

MAX India

SEL Group

Civil Society HSBC India

Nirulas Corner House Private Ltd.

Shell India

TAJ Hotels Resorts and Palaces

Tata Consultancy Services Limited

Service Partners British Council

Ecosphere, Spiti RLSS, India

Institute of Climbers and Nature Lovers World Wildlife Fund

Adventure Partners INME Learning Pvt. Ltd. The Explorers Holiday Moods Adventures Pvt. Ltd. Juniper Wings Leap Adventures Rocksport Himalayan River Runners Magic Bus India Foundation Nature Trails Resorts Pvt. Ltd. Negi Sports Pvt. Ltd. News Travels Raleigh International India Youreka Outbound Services Pvt. Ltd, Zlife Education

Manvi Gupta Aloke Bajpai Tejbir Singh Anand Joydeep Ghoshal Rahul Sharma Gopal Krishan Yousuf / Ganeve Gaurang Mehta Janardan Vipul Negi Anupam Vaid Mark Ashby Nalini Dhariwal Swati Jain

manvi@inme.in +91.11.46714663 aloke@explorersindia.com +91.9821421566 tejbir@holidaymoods.net +91.9810122384 juniperwings@gmail.com +91.9831028316 rahul@leapindia.in +91.9810409055 gopal@rocksport.in +91.9999423049 info@himalayanriverrunners.com +91.11.26852602 gaurang@magicbusindia.org +91.98202 84725 anardan@naturetrails.in +91.9223596505 info@negisports.com +91.9815906316 anupam@newstravels.co.in +91.731.3919111 mark@raleighindia.org +91.9008556902 nalini.dhariwal@youreka.in +91.11.40801100 info@zlifeeducation.com +91.9910644233

Physical Recreation Partner Football First Sport Pvt. Ltd.

Jeyadev

jeyadev.parthasarathy@footballfirstindia.com

+91.9999495950

Skills Partner Basix Academy for Building Lifelong Employability Sumiran Tandon

Page 14 | Award India

sumiran.tandon@b-able.in

+91.9873299941

YES Centres Ansal University, Gurgaon Contact Person : Pratibha Singh Tel.:+91.9711723689 pratibha.singh@aitgurgaon.org

Hopetown Girls' School, Dehra Dun Contact Person : Parul Vij Tel.:+91.9719230542 vijparul@ymail.com

Pinegrove School, Solan Contact Person : Surinder Mehta Tel.:+91.9816 155402 surindermehta@pinegroveschool.com

Audacious Dreams Foundation, Vellore Contact Person : Dinesh Gajendran Tel.:+91.98495 51749 dinesh.mba.mku@gmail.com

Indus International School, Hyderabad Contact Person : David Udry Tel.:+91.8417302100 stephen.anand@indusschoolhyd.com

Purkal Youth Development Society, Dehra Dun Contact Person : Manish Chandel Tel.:+91.9927193913 manishinblack@gmail.com

International School Aamby, Pune Contact Person : Reid Litster Tel.:+91.20 3910250 doso@isaamby.com

Rashtriya Life Saving Society India, Pune Contact Person : Ankit Wagh Tel.:+91.9689587679 ankit@lifesavingindia.org

B-ABLE - Basix Academy, New Delhi Contact Person : Sumiran Tandon Tel.:+91.9873299941 sumiran.tandon@b-able.in Billabong High International School, Bhopal Contact Person : Virendra Kr Sharma Tel.:+91.9893038884 info@bhopal.billabonghigh.org Bombay Scottish School, Mahim, Mumbai Contact Person : Molly Paul Tel.:+91.9869562156 mollypauls@gmail.com Calcutta International School, Kolkata Contact Person : Chai Eng Dutta Tel.:+91.8902166054 anna_climbing@yahoo.com Cambridge International School, Phagwara Contact Person : Jorawar Singh Tel.:+91.1824 228107 cisphagwara@gmail.com Cathedral High School, Bangalore Contact Person : Isabella Simon Tel.:+91.80 2557262 principal@cathedralblr.com Coorg Public School, Mysore Contact Person : Teena Machaiah Tel.:+91.8274 247011 teensmach@gmail.com Delhi Public School, Greater Noida Contact Person : Raina Krishnatray Tel.:+91.8527776555 rainakrish91@yahoo.com Dikshant International School, Zirakpur Contact Person : Dr. Rajni Chandan Tel.:+91.1762.508438 dikshantint@gmail.com Doon International School, Dehra Dun Contact Person : Ravi Dutt Tel.:+91.135 2658491/6088 dnints@vsnl.com G D Goenka World School, Gurgaon Contact Person : Vijayashree Pahal Tel.:+91.9810575841 vijupahal2000@yahoo.com Goa Football Association, Panjim, Goa Contact Person : Anoop Abraham Tel.:+91.832 2234181 joseph.demelo@gmail.com Good Shepherd International School, Ootacamund Contact Person : Jacob P Ajith Mathews Tel.:+91.9442646660 ajithjac@gmail.com

Jain International School, Bangalore Contact Person : OMP Singh Tel.:+91.9611055205 omps_28@rediffmail.com Jodhamal Public School, Jammu Contact Person : Trilok Singh Bist Tel.:+91.9419797389 principaljodhamal@gmail.com La Martiniere for Girls, Kolkata Contact Person : Dr. Tapti Das Gupta Tel.:+91.9432224564 taptidasgupta@gmail.com Livingstone Foundation, Dimapur Contact Person : Andrew Ahoto Sema Tel.:+91.9862556507 andrewahoto@gmail.com M.C. Kejriwal Vidyapeeth, Howrah Contact Person : Sangeeta Bannerjee Tel.:+91.9836016385 g_sangeeta75@yahoo.com Magic Bus, Noida Contact Person : Pratik Kumar Tel.:+91.9810634666 pratik@magicbusindia.com Modern High School for Girls, Kolkata Contact Person : Saugata Banerjee Tel.:+91.9831589399 saugatabanerjee09@gmail.com Modern Public School, Shalimar Bagh, Delhi Contact Person : Mena Mittle Tel.:+91.11.27481119 mps2k@mpsshalimarbagh.com Navrachana International School, Vadodara Contact Person : Ashvin Patel Tel.:+91.9374452232 ashvin004@yahoo.com Naz Foundation (India) Trust, Delhi Contact Person : Vivek Gaur Tel.:+91.9818180362 s4d.nazindia@gmail.com O P Jindal Modern School, Hisar Contact Person : Mahesh Mehta Tel.:+91.9467293453 maheshmehta75@gmail.com Pathways School, Noida Contact Person : S. Indira Tel.:+91. 9810937482 sindira@pathways.in

Sainik School Purulia, Dist.Purulia Contact Person : Ravichadran Tel.:+91.9679788294 sspurulia@rediffmail.com Sanjeewan Vidyalaya, Panchgani Contact Person : Deepak Gosavi Tel.:+91.8806507778 sanjeewanvidyalaya@gmail.com Sarala Birla Academy, Bangalore Contact Person : Santanu Das Tel.:+91.80 41348261 info@saralabirlaacademy.org Sarala Birla Gyan Jyoti, Guwahati Contact Person : Jayashrita Shinghal Tel.:+91.9435558252 jayashrita@gmail.com Sat Paul Mittal School, Ludhiana Contact Person : Sanjeev Tyagi Tel.:+91.161 2522477 spm_school2004@yahoo.com Scindia Kanya Vidyalaya, Gwalior Contact Person : Archana Saraswat Tel.:+91.751 2322137 skvgwl@sify.com Shades of Happiness, Hyderabad Contact Person : Natasha Garcha Tel.:+91.9160063344 natashagarcha@hotmail.com Special Olympics Bharat, New Delhi Contact Person : Mukta Tel.:+91.9910200751 mukta@specialolympicsbharat.org St. Mary's School, Dwarka, New Delhi Contact Person : Anupama Sharma Tel.:+91.9868131848 anupamas068@gmail.com St. Mary's School, Safdarjung Enclave, New Delhi Contact Person : Jyoti Fotedar Tel.:+91.9899275186 jyoti_fotedar@yahoo.co.in Summer Valley School, Dehradun Contact Person : Dr. Sudesh Biala Tel.:+91.135.2673383, 2678356 drscb1950@gmail.com Symbiosis International School, Pune Contact Person : M Madan Mohan Tel.:+91.20.26634550 sis@symbiosis.ac.in SYNA International School, Katni Contact Person : Dr. Aditya K Sharma Tel.:+91.9926481060 ppl@synainternational.com

Talent Enablers, Dehra Dun Contact Person : Rajiv Johari Tel.:+91.9286557728 talent.enablers@yahoo.in The Assam Valley School, Tezpur Contact Person : Ranjana Rai Tel.:+91.9957577326 ranjana@assamvalleyschool.com The Cathedral & John Connon School, Mumbai Contact Person : Noshir N.Engineer Tel.:+91.22.24453460 engineernoshir@yahoo.com The Daly College, Indore Contact Person : Sarita Badhwar Tel.:+91.731.2719057 badhwar.sarita@gmail.com The Doon School, Dehra Dun Contact Person : Sakand Bali Tel.:+91.7895385308 sbl@doonschool.com The Galaxy School, Rajkot Contact Person : Pareag Fatehpuria Tel.:+91.9978111041 f.parag@gmail.com The Gold Award Holders Society Contact Person : Ishita Khanna Tel.:+91.9899492417 info@spitiecosphere.com The Heritage Schools, Gurgaon Contact Person : Kaye Roberts Tel.:+91.124 2855124 kaye.jacob@theheritageschool.in The Lawrence School, Sanawar Contact Person : Ravinder Singh Kanwar Tel.:+91.9882414585 ravindersinghkanwar@yahoo.com The Sanskaar Valley School, Chandanpura, Bhopal Contact Person : Atul Chamoli Tel.:+91.755.3255346-49 info@sanskaarvalley.org The Scindia School, Gwalior Contact Person : Raksha Siriah Tel.:+91.751.2480750 office@scindia.edu Welham Boys School Society, Dehra Dun Contact Person : Laxman Singh Tel.:+91.9837679566 laxman_singh2001in@yahoo.com Woodstock School, Mussoorie Contact Person : K Krishnan Kutty Tel.:+91.135.6615173 krishnankutty@woodstock.ac.in Wynberg-Allen School, Mussoorie Contact Person : L. Tindale Tel.:+91.135.2632526 principal@wynbergallen.com Open Award Centre, New Delhi Contact Person : Devanjali Dutt Tel.:+91.9811133430 devanjali@dofe.in

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