Friday 15 March 2013

Arunachal Pradesh Report by Deepshikha Verma


SOCIAL INTERN IN ARUNACHAL PRADESH UNDER VIVEKANANDA KENDRA

This summer some students of IITB enriched themselves by teaching in Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalayas (VKV), also the experience includes knowing about culture and problems of Arunachal Pradesh.
Our journey started on 12th of May when we boarded from Guwahati for Itanagar. Reaching there, it was our luck that we were able to attend YOUTH MOTIVATIONAL CAMP (Chalo Kanyakumari-phase I). The camp was organised for young college students in which many sessions were framed in order to inculcate in them some values and responsibilities towards society. We joined the camp by engaging in the role of Sahgana Pramukh or Gan Pramukh (Group leaders). In the camp emphasis was given more on the teachings of Vivekananda-“Man Making - Nation Building”.

Participants of the camp were following a well-planned schedule from day 1.
In the morning, all of us used to gather for Prayer and Yoga. For promoting in individuals the value of teamwork and respect for all kinds of menial works SHRAM DAAN was included in the schedule. Session called 'Pariksha dein hanste-hanste' was aimed at guiding the students about the methods of relieving stress during exams. It was done through demonstrating some memory development games. Various outdoor and indoor games were played to dismiss the strangeness, everyone started knowing the other through these games. Regular group discussions were conducted called MANTHAN to encourage the participants to speak their mind and think critically about the issues they face in their practical life, after which they were instructed to represent their group regarding the topic and to give a presentation over it. BHAJAN SESSIONS helped in spiritually relaxing the participants. Brilliant speakers were called to enlighten the students about some relevant topics. Lecture sessions were as follow-

16th of May- Yuva Kaun by Shri Kata Rangmo; Our culture, our pride, our life by Dr. Hui Tag

17th of May- Smarth Arunachal, Smarth Bharat by Dr. Techi Upen Taara; Community-the strength of Arunachal by Dr. Nani Bhat

18th of May- Challenges and Response by Shri Taba Tatup; Respond Creatively by Shri S.C.Dixit

19th of May- Vivekananda: A platform for youth by Shri Kalyan Dutta; Wake up Bharat, enlighten the world by Shri Rinchen Dorjee.


Each and every moment was fruitful and response we get from the college students was great. In future, many were ready to contribute heartily in the projects and programmes of Vivekananda Kendra. They went home with a beaming heart to help everyone and to channelize their energy in order to serve the nation.

After this camp which was from 15th of May to 20th of May, we headed for Yazali to see a Dam Project over Ranga River. Staying there for three days we visited the dam and power house. It was an enriching experience.

On 23rd of May we reached VKV Ziro. Next day, we took some classes in which we interacted with school students. We informed them about JEE, CAT, Civil Service Exams; also we enquired about their culture (languages, festivals, traditional dresses, customs, etc.)
For some two days, we took informal classes. Beside that, through visiting some Basti (Village) we came to know some things about their culture [paddy-cum-fish culture , nose plugs (yaping hullo) tattos (Tiipe) of Apatani women, Dree Festival, Babo, Lapang, Myoko Festival]
Remaining one month went in teaching Physics to 8th, 9th and 10th students in VKV Ziro. Also, visited many local homes and met Apatani Tribals. Interaction with hostel students also helped in knowing about them which included some mythological stories, their food, local handicrafts, animal husbandry, multi-purpose earthen chulha,etc.

All in all, our stay in Arunchal was most pleasant and we carried with a us the humbleness of Arunachal Pradesh. Their culture, their response, their modesty stirred the heart of our hearts.