NSS (GOI) ADVENTURE CAMP
AT ABVIMAS, Manali, Himachal Pradesh
16th - 25th November 2023
NSS (GOI) student volunteer Shurti Jain (Computer Science Engineering-25170) from Dronacharya College of Engineering, Gurugram (Representative of Gurugram University) attended a ten day adventure camp organized by Higher Education Department Haryana and sponsored by Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Govt of India, NSS (GOI) Regional Centre New Delhi at Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports (ABVIMAS) Manali, Himachal Pradesh from 16th – 25th November 2023. 90 NSS volunteers (GOI) from different Colleges of Haryana & Chandigarh attended the camp.
The objective of the camp was to infuse the sense of love towards the various regions of India and to undertake adventurous activities like trekking, mountaineering, para-gliding and basic skiing for improvement of physical and mental strength.
Inaugurating the camp Dr. Anuja Awasthi (Director ABVIMAS McLeod Ganj, Himachal Pradesh) stated the importance of Physical and mental fitness for NSS Volunteers. She further introduced ABVIMAS (Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports) and the facilities provided for the youth. She also shared her amazing experience of 45 years, difficulties faced as a mountaineering climber and other life experiences.
Under the guidance of Mr. Narayan Dutt (Course Incharge), Mr Pawan Thakur, Mr. Puran Thakur, Mr. Amar Negi, Mr. Santosh, Mr. Gaurav Negi, Mr. Kushal ,Ms Gunja, Mr. Harsh and Mr. Chaman (Health Department) performed number of activities.
Second day of camp started from rock climbing then participants went on with one-hour lecture on the same which was told by Mr. Pawan Thakur. Participants were also made to do a practical demonstration of rock climbing then after that the volunteers themselves did it.
Third day of camp started with rope climbing again then it went on with introduction to ropes lecture by Mr. Harsh. It was also practically demonstrated. After that, participants went for market visit where they raised NSS slogans and awakened a few people.
Fourth day of the camp started with NSS song and then lecture on Artificial Climbing was given by Mr. Pawan Thakur. Next practical session was conducted under the guidance of Ms. Gunjan and Mr. Harsh. In the evening participants were shown the Cricket World Cup match in the auditorium.
Fifth day of camp started with trekking to Jogini waterfalls. River crossing was done by the volunteers under the care of instructors. The distance covered was almost about 18 kms.
Sixth day of the camp started with shifting to Solan Institute of ABVIMAS and went on with a trek to Anjani Mahadev temple which was of about 8kms.
Seventh day of the camp started with crossing Atal Tunnel and participants went to Lahaul and Spiti district and on returning participants were made to trek a bit to mountains to experience snow where everyone enjoyed a lot and it was a very new experience for most of the volunteers. It was a very beautiful day.
Eighth day of the camp started with a repelling and went on with a lecture on Mountain Manners and later at night participants had a borne fire in which they enjoyed a lot.
Ninth day of the camp started with a trek to ABVIMAS MANALI from ABVIMAS Solang. The trek was of about 13kms. After returning to Manali participants again made to trek to Hadimba temple.
On the tenth day (Last Day) participants were standing for the closing ceremony. With some wet eyes and some happy faces to meet there family’s again. It started with distribution of certificates by Dr. Avinash Negi (Director) and went on with cultural events.
The camp was very useful as the NSS Volunteers (GOI) developed unity team-spirit, physical fitness, discipline, patience through participating in various activities.