60 youths on 15-day trek to Manali

 Ajith More, a 19-year-old from Bidar, is elated. He is one of the 60 students selected from across the state by the social welfare department and the Indian Mountaineering Federation to go on a 15-day trek trip to Manali.

“I have never been out of Karnataka. It was only last year I came to Bengaluru from Bidar to pursue my studies. I am interested in seeing mountains and in mountaineering. I aim to become a trained trekking guide and may even try my hand in the defence sector. The certificate and exposure will boost my CV,” he said.

The trip was flagged off by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday. Encouraging the students, he said trekking and mountaineering require a lot of stamina and endurance. “I love the mountains, I have seen them but have never climbed. Do not think of defeat and victory but look at it as an exercise to increase your own stamina to attain greater heights,” he said. He also directed officials, lecturers and guides to ensure the trekkers’ safety and enquired about the technical qualifications of the guides and trekkers.

Suhas R, a 20-year-old pursuing 3rd year BCom in Chikkodi said this was the first time he got an opportunity to travel outside Belagavi. “I am excited not only to travel and see new places but also learn more. I am a rank holder in NCC and I am keen to join the Indian Army. This expedition will also help me get admission to the Army,” he said. The group comprises 30 boys and 30 girls. They have been selected by the IMF after a physical test.

They also did a wall climbing session to check for acrophobia, said Brigadiar K Kumar, an IMF member. This is the first batch of students being funded by the state government to go on a trekking expedition. The department is providing Rs 26 lakh for the programme. Each student has been insured and has also being given Rs 5,000 cash for personal expenses and a mountaineering kit.