Under the AFS Exchange Program, a team of 13 students from Classes VII and VIII -
Avisha Bhansali, Saloni Lodha, Anaisha Rathi, Ashmi Singhvi, Pearl Singhvi, Esha Thadani, Arna Hiran, Riddhi Rao, Juana Makhijani, Anya Bhargava, Shanaya Jain, Shrishti Jain Naisha Jain and teacher escort Ma’am Asha Bajpai went to
Maa Anandmai Memorial School, Raiwala from
20th to 28th April 2023 for a 7 day program. On reaching there on 21st they were warmly welcomed by the Director and the Principal of the school. After a little rest, they were taken for School tour followed by a visit to Army Cantt where they tried their hands in Archery and Polo.
Next day the team was taken to Dehradun to visit Drinkung Kagyu institute and Songsten library where they were welcomed by the Director of that place who gave them a lot of information about Tibetan culture, literature and philosophy. Next they enjoyed at Sehestradhara, the sulphur springs which was then followed by yet another adventurous place named Robber’s Cave popularly called Gucchupani among local people.
Next day students were taken to the village to understand the local vegetation and agriculture. In the afternoon all went for Jungle Safari and were excited to see many elephants, deer and peacocks. They also visited Basanti Mata temple.
The following day took them to Teerthnagri Rishikesh where they trekked for about 45 minutes to reach Neergaddu waterfall, splashed in the fresh springs and enjoyed a lot. After that, the delegation saw Ram Jhula and attended Arti at the Parmarth Niketan and also got an opportunity to have an interaction with Swami Chidanand ji.
Next day they visited Haridwar to see Bharat Mata mandir, Daksha Prajapat mandir and finally reached at Har-ki-podi, the much awaited place to see. The place was totally Gangamai and some of them dipped themselves in the holy water of Ganga and attended Ganga Arti. Moti Bazaar, the local market was explored.
Next day, once again Dehradun was visited to see Indian Military Academy where they were explained the working culture of the place. Forest Research Centre was their next destination, a place famous for shooting of Bollywood movies. Lacchiwali Nature Park was the last outing over there. Hundreds of pics were clicked to keep the memories alive during their trip.
Beside these outings, the team was also given some session of dance, music, pottery making and painting. RKKians also presented Ghoomar dance there and were given Caps, Memento and Certificates during the formal send off. All in all, it was an enriching experience to go to MAMS Raiwala and get a lot of exposure.
