And the flashback starts...

02/7/2014

When Agenda for Survival 2014 came to an end, I began to count what all I would take forward from this wonderful one month of June that I had spent. The journey had every second worth it, and so every second counts in!

Agenda for Survival provided an open platform to bring forth ideas, questions and discussions to draw conclusions at an independent level. The confluence of 19 dynamic brains ignited the most fuming discussions on environmental issues. The continuous lectures sometimes took a toll on our brains, but the lemonades and coffee were always on time to help us take a respite. Each day we went back exhausted. Despite the hectic day the website never failed to get updated with the daily blogs and pictures.

Field trip had added another facet to the course. On 10th June we all had set out for a 7 day trip with bags packed and hearts full of excitement. There was extensive learning, discussions and visits planned to make most out of the trip. Every day was an early start with a lot in minds for the day. Overpowering sun on the top of our heads would drain us by the mid-day but Sharmila ma’am would drive us out of our rooms to hold discussions on what we learnt. Ever memorable experience was at the great Himalayan national park. We were allotted tents to stay in and the picturesque location of the camp had a profound effect on my senses. Amidst the serenity of the atmosphere I awed at the forces of the nature so visible out here. Further we went up to Kothi, a quiet place between Manali and Rohtang Pass. Environmental issues are the woe of every place we went. Intangible delicacy of nature is brutally murdered with every dam being built, every car climbing up the road to Rohtang pass and every resort standing tall on mountains.

I returned with a heavy soul. One part of me was guilty for never acknowledging the gloomy stories behind the beautiful mountains but on other I was willing to carry the rage of the sufferers to the centre stage.

As soon as we returned our next big aim was the MAGAZINE! Work on the stories began. A magazine is a uphill task but nevertheless our team work as well as with the support of DTE team "UnEarth" came out. Indeed a fabulous feeling of achievement!

It was no longer that I realized that is it. 30th June had finally arrived, our last day as an AFS team. Mentally I went to a walk back as how I began and how I am going to end. This feeling is no new. It has occurred to all of us sometime, somewhere at the end of every good thing. Yet it never fails to immerse you again when it creeps in. Now that I am over with the course I find it difficult every morning to be at home going sluggish about the day unlike at CSE where the day would be a superfast one!