Trek along the Mystic peaks in the Shola forests of Western Ghats

Post the treks amongst the serene beaches of Goa, Odisha and gigantic Himalayas, this time I set out to explore the Shola forests in the western ghats between the Princess of hill stations, “Kodaikanal” all the way to Kashmir of Kerala “Munnar”.

Kodaikanal lake

Kodaikanal sits on a plateau on the upper Palani Hills in between the Parappar and Gundar valleys about 2100 mts above sea level. Blessed by the tranquil kodai lake in the heart of the city surrounded by the meadows and grasslands. A 30 min cycle ride around the lake through the guzzling markets flooded with homemade chocolates, spices, tea outlets and the warm woolen cloth shops along the rich flora was placid.

After the evening session of orientation and excitement of meeting fellow trekkers from different parts of the country, sharing each other’s past experiences we settled down to rest in the shivering cold of kodai. Once again the team comprising of 20 year old lazy bums to the hyper enthusiast 60 year old couples, from ISRO scientist, bankers, students, consultants to of course IT professionals.

Trail down foothills of Kodaikanal

On the Christmas morning we set out along the lake downhill amidst the shola forest and the grassland complex comprising of Indian Mahangony, Bishop Wood trees. It is along the route to the popular Dolphin’s nose and echo rock tourist destinations. The rolling stones all along the path ensured everyone to experience minor slips and skids and cautioned to watch ones steps with intense toe bits. Early evening we made it a pristine village by name Vellakavi.

Vellakavi is a small village on hill top with about 300 people and numerous temples. This has ensured to restrict the usage of slippers in the village and maintain a clean atmosphere all around. As the village is a part of the trekking circuit, they quite often host foreign travelers and of course very hospitable. With the smell of oranges and tinglings of the bell on the neck of horses and goats depicted an unique aura of the village. We were strictly instructed to keep our volumes lower post sunset to abide by the village rules.

Camp Site at Vellakavi

The next day, everyone geared with much more excitement as the destination was the kumbakarai falls which is one of the lesser known falls in the foothills of kodaikanal hills.  However, with some of the fellow trekkers crippling over the previous days muscle catches and pain, we slowly set out along the steep trail to the falls. With tamarind trees, lemons amidst the tropical montane forests added to the excitement and provided much needed breaks.

As per wiki, Kumbakrai falls has two stages. At the first stage, water collects in huge rock recesses which are each named after wild animals such as tiger, elephant, snake etc. The Pambar River then flows to the second stage before falling as the main waterfall. Thanks to the Sabarimala crowd for flooding all the water streams. However, managed to have a nice bath in the first stage of the fall to relive of the tiredness of the trek and refresh myself.

With fresh and chillness of the kodaikanal hills we board the mini bus to our next campsite at Kurangani.

Kurangani Falls 

Kurangani is a hill station atop Western ghats in the Kottagudi valley of Theni district and popular for coconut, mangoes, spices, arecanut and coffee estates. State forest department is actively promoting community based ecotourism. In our interaction with one of the forest he explained how strictly commercial establishments were completely banned and only trekking and other pro nature anthropogenic activities were allowed. It is a popular destination for many film shoots. Camp site located amidst the Arecanut and coconut farm with sound of the stream in the background. All were utterly cautious to place themselves in tents at the same time protect themselves from the possibility of falling coconuts. Early morning sun rays passing through the trees, reflection from the gigantic mountains and reading a book amidst the sunshine was a priceless moment.

Kurangani Camp site amidst Arecanut farms

All knew the day is gone be hard as we had a 8km trek uphill with minimal trees and grasslands along the way with sun shining bright adding to the heat. People slipped, lost breathes and mutual help and support was put into test. Fortunately, expect for minor slips we managed to reach the uphill which included almost a kilometer of vertical trek. After gaining back our breathes we further moved along the forest witnessing some of the forest fires in few spots of the forests.

Early morning view of the sun shine of the arecanut farm 

We anticipated to  have glimpses of Niligiri Tahr or Indian Gaur we trekked along however not much luck. Thankfully we were able to spot Malabar giant squirrel with long tail. The sharbat station just prior to the camp site ensured all made it their destinations successfully. Although sharbat was mere mixture of lemon sugar solution and water, it energized each one’s body and resorted trekkers to initiate usual discussions on demonetization, modi vs congress etc.

Bamboo houses for travellers as a part of Eco tourism initiative

Central station camp site was located in picturesque location amidst the trees and hills and overlooking the valley. Post tea break we head to watch the sunset and capture some of the vivid snapshots to upload to ones profile. With just another day left for the trek, post dinner session involved the star gazing session trying to spot the constellations, and stories from Bhangad in Rajasthan to each ones encounters with the ghost made it enthralling. Next day again, wake up by 6.30 am grab your cup of tea and set out to explore the other side of the valley which has a ruins of a old mosque on the edge of the hill. The beauty of the mountains is the unpredictability of the weather. With onset of fog engulfing the valley we all had to run back to the camp site before loosing visibility of the path.  

Uphill trek to Munnar via central station

All geared up for the final day of the trek with just 4kms uphill. For a few young vivid trekkers who wanted more out of nature were still looking out for more extreme conditions which could burn the fat within. And thanks to our prayers. With less than a kilometer onward, rain god started to pour. Everyone tried to protect their bag packs with the rain sheeters or the coat and set out to the top station. Rain wasn’t intense, however continued for the rest of the trek journey. The drops on the flowers, with view of the valley, rain drops refreshing ones senses and goosebumps all over was exciting. With the path getting slippery and divergent paths all along made one cautiously move one step at a time and make it to the top station. First thing one does on reaching is to go and grab one’s share of the chai, Maggie, break omlettes which are perfect for a cold chilly trek. The local tamil songs playing the local restaurant made one tap their feet as everyone was aware that this was end of the momentous trek and all had completed successfully.

Kottagudi Valley view

We boarded the jeeps and drove down to Munnar with brief stops of Mattupetty dam, mattupetty lake and lucious green tea gardens. Munnar is popular hill station in the Idukki district of kerala location at 1600 mts above sea level. It is a confluence of three rivers namely Mudhirapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundaly rivers.

As we refreshed and packed our bags to head back home, the essence of chillness of hill stations, smell of the tiredness and sweat amidst the joy of completing the trek, remembering the arecanut farms, oranges, the kurangani falls, kottagudi valley, the heat of the sun, chase of the fog, blessings of the rain god filled our hearts. Once again YHAI treks continue to amuse inspire and make us better human beings.

 

And thats me

Life In Dubai Is Not As Rosy As It May Appear

By Nitin Ningaiah:

(written during my internship program at Dubia, UAE. Published in - http://www.youthkiawaaz.com/2014/08/life-dubai-rosy-may-appear-accounts-indians-migrated-will-tell/)

The city of gold, the city of life houses, the world’s tallest building, the largest aquarium, theme park, airport, mall, mosque etc. – all of this portrays the picture of Dubai and life in Middle East as rosy and soothing. But, in reality, things aren’t exactly as is being portrayed. UAE hosts 2.2mn Indians, which is 26% of the total population, of which 40% are Keralites. During my stay, meetings with different people brought out contrasting as well as disappointing realities of life there.

It is indeed quite unfortunate that a 22-year-old young man couldn’t manage to find a decent paying electric job in Delhi, and thus had to move to Dubai for job prospects. This man hails from the suburbs of Delhi, stricken by poverty and other family issues. He managed to join an ITI training program, but failed to complete it. But his passion for electric currents and techniques of wiring helped him to master the art, and he loved the work he did. Unfortunately, a few organizations in Delhi refused to recruit him, in spite of his talent, due to the lack of an ITI degree.

After hearing about possible opportunities in Dubai through his cousins, he finally moved to Dubai and started working with a contractor/middle man who holds charge of his passport but ensure he has enough work, and pays around INR 35,000 per month, which is comparatively good. He knows that if he works for a couple more years, his salary would be doubled, as skilled and talented labour is appreciated and well paid for in Dubai. Also, they don’t really let them go back to their native place. Unfortunately, money wouldn’t bring content to this man, whose heart and soul lies with his family and in the streets of Delhi, and he dreams of joining the Delhi metro family, but is scared that the riches in Dubai might compel him to work and remain here.

Thanks to Indian Elections, IPL moved to UAE and excited all the Indians there. The atmosphere wasn’t much different as compared to Indian stadiums, since it was the same energy and passion. Post-match, there was a ruckus, as roads got jammed around the stadium, and no arrangements from RTA (Road transport Authority) for bus facilities to move to city were made, which left us stranded. As all taxis were already booked, we (2 of us) finally had to ask for help, and fortunately, a taxi driver from Himachal, carrying another customer, agreed, and we occupied the back seats. This well-built taxi driver from HP moved to Dubai assuming he would work here for a few years, and this could get his family out of poverty and afford a better life. Little did he know that the style of business was very different in India and Dubai. Dubai is all about rules, regulations and money. In India, we add compassion to the list. As a taxi driver, it took time to adapt to roads and movements, but there was no warning or exception, as heavy fines were levied on him without even listening to his tribulations. And during accidents, along with life insurance, money would be deducted from drivers’ salaries. In order to fight back, there are no labour laws. This made his life miserable, as his dream might not be fulfilled, nor would he be able to go back home, as being a failure hurts even more.

The other gentleman was average built, very well dressed, milky white shirt with cufflinks on, and a golden-framed spectacles, which made him look rich. He had been working in Dubai for 10 years and had made a lot of wealth. He earned well and had a family. Remember, 10 years! No joke at all. Unfortunately, on this day, he had quit his job and come down to watch the match all alone. This made us very curious. His next statement was that “There is no life in Dubai”. This left us stranded. There were much more important moments of life that he wanted to experience and live; unfortunately, the prospects of riches made him sacrifice his younger days instead of spending time with his kith and kin, but they hold little value for him, as the moments gone could never be re-cherished.

This story indeed is one of many Indian expats residing in the Middle East. Every day, hundreds move to Gulf countries on tourist visas to look for jobs, without knowing the bitter reality. Most bachelors, or married men (who leave their family behind) end up living with 4 to 6 people in a single room (like PGs in India, which are commonly known as bed-spaces in Dubai), with shared bathrooms for 12-15 people. Many would have never lived like this in India. At the same time, strict rules from the municipal administration, like heavy fines in crossing roads other than zebra crossing, or for sitting with folded legs on bus stops (which is difficult for Indians to quickly adapt to) adds to their misery.

The case of the Keralities is a different story altogether, and much more complicated, as many feel that Dubai is an extended Kerala, and are happy and content with work and social life there. Nobody cares for stories of the construction workers from Asian countries here, but the ones exposed by various human rights activists have been a bitter reality. This short snippet is for you to re-think and evaluate your decision before moving to the Middle East.

New Education Policy - recommendations

New Education Policy - recommendations
(prepared for a panel discussion) 

Sole objective of new education policy need to be Building global citizens of India who empowered to put India at the top of the global competitive map.

How do we do this.

1.       Self-oriented/ driven learning :  Currently the students are getting moulded to certain knowledge or skill sets. Emphasis in the primary education need to ensure kids how to learn them selves as information availability is high.

a.       Digitisation of learning experience, so that barriers are open

b.      Reduce the quantum of books and issue digitized tablets. On an average cost of money spent on books is over Rs. 1,20,000.

c.       Up gradation of existing teacher skills to own technology driven methodologies to help children, making it mandatory for the other teachers

2.       In Primary education, language is a critical important factor. Major barrier amongst students who technically strong but fail to communicate or express the same. First 2 years of primary education should be merely emphasized on language learning.  Three language formula emphasized in the 1976. 

3.       India hasn’t been able to make a mark in the Global innovation index.
Collaborative learning experience – Teachers are just facilitators

a.        Bring in critical thinking and creative learning approach and methodologies which include role play, brainstorming sessions, and push rote and text learning back to home.  This would be a step forward in India moving up the innovative index. If India doesn’t move up the innovative index in couple of decades we would still be doing unimportant work.  

4.       Value based and moral education.

a.       It is important for each child to realize that “10 rupees earned is better than 100 rupees found”. But unfortunately our existing moral system of education hasn’t been inculcated and be successful. Only medicine for this is value based teachers. Included a component in the teacher recruitment process to test the ethical quotient of the teachers.  

Also eliminating existing space for moral values would more space for other collaborative learning process.

5.       To reach out to rural segments, and bridging the need for more faculties. In the short term increasing the size of the teachers is difficult; therefore follow Teach for India model and higher students. These students would help the teachers or the school in restructuring the schools, modifying the curriculum locally, engage with students personally and to the families as well.

This would be a major step in building social leaders amongst students,

a.       Adoption of Teach for India model : self-sustainable educational model with alternative revenue sources

b.      Create a program called, “Each one teaches one” – is a part of CBSE curriculum but never followed.

Government and civil society can’t exist in isolation and move towards a change.

6.       Using civil society to monitor the implementation and engaging change.

-          Implementation of the policies at the grass route is extremely critical and tough for the government to monitor. Money has been sanctioned by the government towards infrastructure has to be implemented.
Create CITIZEN ENGAGEMENT CELL / Complaints cell.

-          This would reduce the nexus between school principals and District education officers.

(Background work)

Challenges:
40% of India’s population is illiterate.

 Indian classrooms are understaffed (1 in 4 teachers will be absent on any given day)

Teachers are not engaging ( Only 50% are likely to be teaching at any given time)

Drop-out rate is unusually high (More than 1 in 3 children who begin primary school will drop out before reaching 5th grade)

Education spend is relatively low (India spends only 3.3 percent of its GDP on education, compared to an average 5.8 percent in developed countries) (Source: India’s Educational Crisis, Teach For India)

 Unquantifiable improvements in a child’s mental abilities, lack of immediate results and the sorry state of public schools are the major factors behind the drop-out rate being unusually high in India. 

Though Education spend is relatively low in India in terms of GDP the high rate of teacher absenteeism is not due to low salaries

in India, the ratio of average teacher salary to per-capita income is more than 3.5. The corresponding figure for US and UK are less than 2.0 and those for East Asian countries are less than 2.5.

Kothari Commission (64-66) - - science and SUPW , vocational education, research- modernization, new methods, unversalize education,   - introduce common school system, develop modern indian languages - moral, social and spiritual values, religions of the world, group meditation

42nd constitutional amendment (1976) - Education changed from state to concurrent

,    policy - Union government in    1. Reinforcing national & integrative ,  character
  2. mainitaing quality education ,   3. manpower development research and , advanced study, international aspects

National Policy (NPE) 1986, Child centred approach,  - National system of education - Education for quality, - Promotion of adult education, - Elementary education and operation black

, board, - Pace setting (Navodaya vidyalaya), - Vocationalisation, - Rasising the status of the teacher, - accountability in education , - incentives to backward familiers, , Operation black board, Rural education , 86th constitutional amendment (2002) , - Right to education added to Article 21,

RTE (2009)
- Free and compulsory education (6 to 14  )
- No detention till completion of elementary
education
                - Limit in pupil teacher ratio
        - 25% economically disadvataged in private schools
         - professional qualification for all teachers,
         - minimum infrastructure

Strategic marketing plan to Brand Mysore

Strategic marketing plan to Brand Mysore

(created as a part of course work during b-school training)

Mysore has been graded as the royal heritage city of India. Has been a hot spot tourist destination for millions of tourists across the globe. The famous Dasara festival, numerous palaces, unique dishes, premium products like sandal wood and silk puts it in a unique spot on the map.
Over the years with ongoing tourist experiences and destination it’s important to address a few key issues to pop the image of the city.

1.       Purpose & Goals

a.       To make Mysore as the favorite tourist destination

b.      To grow retail and service business sectors via tourism

c.       To increase visibility and appeal to visitors

With the ongoing competition there are numerous options available to the tourists, and at the same time their preferences have been very selective and need for customization. Therefore, on the verge it is extremely important to have multiple packages keeping tourist interest, passion and preference in mind.

New services or packages:

      

    a. Learning based packages:  Mysore which houses great institutions/structures of learning important to leverage their existence. This would include visit to places like Sandalwood factory, Silk weaving factory, Agarbhatti factory, Visit to Palace and brindavan gardens with a engineering marvel perspective

b.      Activity based packages:  In order to cater to tourists passionate about adventure sports and nature exploration. A trekking on the Chamundi hills, exploration in Bandipur forest and gopalswamy hills, water sports in KRS.

c.       Family bound packages: A soothing comfortable stay for the families with an experience of a lifetime with real taste of Mysore and best shopping experience. This should include visit to the prominent tourist attractions and get to experience the taste of the city.

d.      Bird Watching Tours : Exclusively dedicated to Ornithologists to experience the migratory birds visiting Karanji lake, Kurkkarahalli lake, lingambudi lake and Ranganthittu bird sanctuary.

As ensuring the packages as needed by the tourists it is extremely important for the state to understand their changing taste and preferences. A complete tracking mechanism is required to know the tourist better. This could be done in multiple ways.

a.       Dedicated card: all international tourists would be assigned a travel card (prepaid card) which could be used to make to visits to various spots. Also use them in shopping purchases, tourist hotel transactions. In the end analysis of this information would help us understand what exactly does the consumer require. If this could be used in Taxi’s and other transportation mediums would be phenomenal.

b.      Swipe in swipe out mechanism using magnetic cards or wrist bands could be easily used.

Seasonal Schedule

Dasara ‘naada habba’ of the city keeps the city buzzing between the months September and December. Majority of business for the retailers, hotels and transport service providers making maximum profit in this time period. During the rest of the months it is essential to increase the footfall of the tourists.

a.       Monsoon months (June – September): Unique monsoon experience packages in Coorg could be capitalized as Mysore is the route to coorg for passengers from Bengaluru.  Short or quick visit packages of Mysore attractions would be most appropriate. Monsoon treks to mandalpatti or Kotti betta would be an added experience.

b.      Summer Months ( March – May ) : Leverage on the opportunity of existence of Ooty and Coorg and promote hill station experience amongst residents of hot climatic regions.

c.       Months January – March should be dedicated to hold festivals like yoga fest, harvest festival (in sync with sankranti) to give foreigners local cultural experiences.  

 How to Market ?

a.       With the advent of digital technologies with smart phones on every ones hands, people prefer navigation applications to commute as well as to explore nearby places like restaurants, shopping areas etc. This makes evident for small business to be registered on Google maps to be able to be prospective options for travellers.

b.      Though Print and other display mediums are conventional sources of advertising, the rising trend is the peer review on online travel portals. Foremost, it’s essential to be active on social medium, have a website with all details including booking, facebook, twitter accounts as well be active on travel portals to reach prospective tourists. All visitors should be requested to write reviews and comments and take feedback from them and should be displayed on the social media. Who could be better ambassadors than the tourists themselves?

Other Aspects :

a.       Important business to understand the need for basic necessities of tourists to improve their businesses. A numerous amount of business is lost in Devaraja Urs road just due to lack of parking spaces. Immediate construction of Multi level car parking is need of the hour.