We at ABEL wish to do things thought to be impossible and unexpected...
One such thing was our visit to Panchgani’s St Peters school.Our schedule tightly programmed for 3 days stay, to work for a cause of creating awareness among students about the issue of Climate change and a constructive step of organizingYouth summit about it.
We were truly mesmerized by the beauty of Panchgani the moment we stepped out of bus, on a shivering Sunday morning.With lot of apprehension about visiting the school and more so about meeting the person responsible for bringing us here Peter sir.But the grace of welcome seemed to be perfected by everything.
The sprawl of St Peters was magnanimous something which lacks in city schools, and even more so was the Lawrence villa where we were to stay. No sooner we did we unpacked ourselves in the villa, off we were to the school for list of things slotted for us that day.
Our apprehension was now turned to eagerness……
First day's check list bore visits to-
1) The Spandan Eco-Foundation- It’s an Eco-park in heart of a 500 acre forest sprawl of panchgani and mahabelshwar..
We saw the effort that went into making all the plantations, setting up cottages (huts), rain water harvesting plant and these efforts were not only by people working for the foundation but also by students of St.Peters. Well that surely was remarkable aspect, something that is totally amiss in city life.
2) Lingmala Falls 
The waterfall at Lingmala was another of such overwhelming experience. It won't describe it, for words cannot do justice to a sight so beautiful. It is like this with Nature, sometimes you cant say why you love it… there seems no real logical reason… perhaps it is the sheer majesty, the force, the might, that you can see in even the simplest of Nature's happenings. It is humbling and inspiring at the same time.
3) Old Mahabaleshwar Table land
The visit to table land was captivating experience(walking in mist, is not everyday experience).A written description to which would not aesthetically justify the being of such terrific beauties…4) Bramha-Rishi CavesWell since the downpour was lashing, literally hitting we managed only one cave, but the strides in knee deep water, in such extreme climatic conditions was one hell of an experience.
But yes, nature does want to test you as it wouldn't want to give away its beauty to every eye!
For us it was day of acknowledging nature’s granditude and our gratitude towards it.The second day was jammed pack session, seconds ran.. And we ran with them, which included….
1) School AssemblyIt started off with routine prayer and song “All things bright and beautiful” couldn’t think of better choice of song for that day.
The “Abel Foundation” was introduced to whole school, wherein each member had tete a tete with teachers and students.
2) Presentations /Interactive sessionsRest of the day was assigned for making presentations and conducting interactive sessions with all students of St Peters. The essence of presentation was creating awareness amongst school kids about climate change and environment, with such an intelligent and receptive crowd we were more than contented…
We not only had 8 non-stop presentations and 4 interactive sessions, but we truly got a glimpse of the kind of love and passion each student had towards nature, through their short write-ups (now locked with us as their memorabilia)
3) MeetingSqueezing some time from hectic schedule, we had meeting with the Head master Mr. Desmond De Monte, Mr. Peter Patrao and Teachers of St. Peters to allocate 2 teachers to co-ordinate in Youth Summit.The meet was successful in deciding on Ms. Ingrid Fernandes and Ms. Reetu Ganguly as the representatives for Youth Summit.
The day ended with us cheering our new found friends the students of class 6-7th for their football match.
After that a sumptuous dinner and droopy eyes, off we were to our moonlighted paradise (the Lawrence villa).
The extended third day was filled with lot more work, more presentations, more interactions, more running but more smiles too….
1) Meeting-We had yet another meeting now with St. Peters teachers representative for YS and Peter sir, a brainstorming session on objectives and roles for Youth Summit.
2) Interview Session-At days end with just 1 hour left for our departure, students of St Peters were resolute on interviewing us the “Abel
Foundation” for their magazineThey managed to toss some challenging and tricky questions but they were excellently volleyed by Ruchi and Hemanth
It was time for us to bid adieu, but with anticipation of returning back again with more hopes, more dreams…
We were filled up to the brink, with more life, more enthusiasm; more hopes more friends and even more smiles............................ [:)]
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