JAMMU: Around 45 students, including 10 girls, of Oriental Academy Senior Secondary School, here on Thursday left for Manali to take part in the Manali Himalayan Trekking Programme being organised by Tawi Trekkers J and K.
While Manik Slathia, a highly trained mountaineer and senior member of Ibex Adventure Club, Samba, is the leader of the group, four teachers of the school Arvinder Kour, Nishu Dubey, Jyoti Devi and Jagmohan also accompanying the group. The group was flagged off from MA Stadium, here by Administrator of Oriental Academy, Vivek Chauhan in the presence of Secretary, Indian Mountaineering Foundation (IMF) North Zone Committee, Ram Khajuria and Secretary Tawi Trekkers J and K, Shawetica Khajuria.
A large number of members of the club and parents of the participants gave them a warm send off.
The aim of the programme is to take the students away from the heat and dust, hustle and bustle and monotony of city life and to bring them close to nature thereby imbibing in them a deep sense of love for adventure and Himalaya. Students taking part in this trekking programme besides being explained the benefits of such venture in the personality development of a child are also taught to respect nature and environment and not create a clutter of left over in the jungles enroute.
Meanwhile, first group of trekkers of Shiksha Niketan School was having a great time in the sylvan surroundings of Manali. Besides trekking to the enchanting Rishi Waterfall and other viewpoints the students had a thrilling experience of rafting in the Beas River.
They also enjoyed the wonderful experience of staying in luxury tents with sleeping bags.