Wednesday, March 24, 2010

A Himalayan challenge for the orphans


Dreams-2010, a trekking expedition to the Himalayan ranges for orphaned youth from Southern States in India, has been organised jointly by the International Academy of Mountaineering & Allied Sports (IAMAS) and Society for Trekking and Environmental Preservation (STEP), New Delhi, from April 25. This is an opportunity for orphaned youth to 'climb the highest mountain and live life to the fullest.'
The man behind Dreams-10 is N. Shankara Subramanaya, Chairman, IAMAS and D.S.D. Solanki, Programme Director.
Speaking to Star of Mysore, Shankara said "The expedition Dreams-2010 is dedicated to the mountaineer, late Govindaraju of Deccan Mountaineering League, Mysore. This expedition is exclusively meant for the visually challenged, speech and hearing impaired and tribal youth of Karnataka which will be undertaken with great conviction and it is a herculean task."
"The trekking team comprising 13 orphan youth from Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and 14 amateur trekkers from Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh will be led by Shankara Subramanaya assisted by Pankaj Mallick, Shrisha Bhat, Mohan Kumar, Dr. Rashmi and Lakshman Raju," said Solanki.
The orphans have been chosen from various institutions like Juvenile Home for Boys, Sadem Road, and Juvenile Home for Girls, Aland Road from Gulbarga; Bapuji Children’s Home, Govt Girls Home, National Association for the Blind, JSS- Suttur and Govt Home for Boys, J.P. Nagar, Grace School, Kumbarkoppal, all from Mysore.
The aim of the expedition is to realise the dreams of orphan youth and provide them an opportunity to have a glimpse of the world. The youth will make the Kuari Pass ascent on May 9 which is at an altitude of 4,268 meters. Kuari Pass is a popular trekking route in the Garhwal region of the Himalayas.
Trekkers will see magnificent peaks like Nandaghunti, Duna-giri, Bethatoli, Hathi Parvat, Devasthan, Nandadevi, Chauk-hama Mana, Kamet, Palki and Trishul which are visible on the way to Kuari Pass. The trail from Ramni to Kuari is also known as ‘Lord Curzon Trail’ named after Lord Curzon who explored this route in 1905.
IAMAS has started making all the necessary preparations and the team will undergo training in rock climbing at Chamundi Hill and Kunti Betta, along with classes on recognising flora and fauna. A medical and physical endurance test will also be held at the Open Air theatre, before the team leaves the city. The youth will be taught high-altitude trekking, snow walking and other activities which are part of the trekking programme.
Solanki said IAMAS is seeking sponsors for the expedition which is expected to cost Rs. 2.99 lakh. The dreams of these orphan youth can be realised only through generous donations by philanthropists.
Those who wish to extend a helping hand to these orphan youths can contact Mob: 09880-273405 or 098451-16835.
Cheques and Demand Drafts may be drawn in favour of 'Drea-ms-2010', payable at Mysore and send to P.K. Ramakrishna, Treasurer, Dreams-2010, Expedition Secretariat, Flowersynth, G-9 and G-10, Industrial Estate, Yadavagiri, Mysore-570 020. [Mobile-98451-15120].
For those who wish to make online donations:
* Account Name: Dreams-2010, SB A/c No. 64054311790.
* Bank: State Bank of Mysore, Siddhartha Nagar Branch, Mysore.
* IFSC Code: SBMY0040273, Branch Code: 40273.
* MICR Code: 570006023, Swift Codes: SBMYINBB054.

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