For the students of PSBB – K.K.Nagar, it was not only a trip to enjoy but also a trip to get exposed to various forms of nature and the ways in which they had to be handled.
Apart from all the fun and frolic that the students enjoyed they were taught to do Rappelling, River Crossing, Trekking, Chimney Climbing and more!
This was the second level of the programme called ‘International Award for Young People’. It was organised by a team named AKARA. This four-day trip began on Sep. 23 when students left to Mysore in the Mysore Mail.
The first day saw the students performing various activities in groups such as Rappling down a steep hill, Crossing across a river and trekking for about 25kms. This was followed by Chimney Climbing, that is, climbing a very narrow path between two hills that lay next to each other. Then they left the camp in Kuntibetta to their rooms in Mysore City where another fantastic event was awaiting to amuse them.
With the whole of India glued to their TV sets, these students got the perfect environment to enjoy a wonderful India-Pakistan World Cup final with their friends which made them hold their nerves till the very last moment. The whole hotel together, with around 350 students screamed and enjoyed every cricketing moment by exchanging hand-shakes and hugs at the fall of each wicket and when every boundary was hit.
The final moments provided great moments of joy to every one including the teachers who joined the partying. Then came the celebrations for India’s victory over Pakistan and a perfect day had come to an end.
The next day the activities continued with the students sweating it out under the hot sun. But the little showers that came down never interrupted them but instead only boosted them up by making the climate more pleasant.
The third day saw a long journey towards Koorg and from there the students climbed about 2kms uphill to reach and enjoy a spectacular scenery of the Abbey Falls. From there they proceeded towards Raja Seth, which was the apt place to enjoy the sunset among the beautifully lined hills.
Then it was time to know more on Indian culture. The trip to the Namdroling Monastery educated all of them about various Buddhist practices. The tall statues of various Buddhist monks and Buddha himself left them awestruck. That was the end of another beautiful day.
A visit to the Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary flagged off the proceedings on the fourth day. A fantastic view of all the different kinds of birds was amazing. The students also visited the Ranganatha Temple in Mysore and had a glimpse of the famous sculptures of Lord Ranganathar and many other famous deities.
Some shopping by the students and the teachers got them items as memories of the trip. Then they visited the Jaganmohan Palace and learnt about the various historical roots of Mysore and King Naalvadi Krishnaraja Wodeyar and lots of Ravi Varma Paintings.
Then they headed towards our hotel. It was then time for the grand finale. They spent their last few hours partying, singing and dancing to some great songs. Not just the students but the teachers also participated enthusiastically in dancing to the beats.
When it was time to bid adieu to Mysore, they all boarded the train back to Chennai.
The train journey was also filled with fun. Playing games and singing along, students went to sleep only at around 1 o’clock.
On the whole this trip was a great piece of relaxation and recreation for the students who had spent the previous two weeks toiling and studying hard for their exams.