Second year on a trot, a two-day “Nature Observation Camp” was organized by Durgapur-based social welfare organization Durgapur Adda Young Association (DAYA) at Gajaburu in Purulia. The camp was held on 29th and 30th January 2022 with 23 students of the ‘Sinchon’ project, members of the organization and family member of our members.
Dr. Shubhashis Chirkalyan Patra, a doctor by profession but an avid sky watcher gave hands-on lesson on sky watching. By virtue of the telescope brought by him, the students and those interested were able to view the Saturn and some stars as well.
Gajaburu Hills, considered to be the paradise for rock climbers, providing slopes that are hard, rough and tough gives the much needed challenge for climbers. Two of our members, Priyotosh Chakraborty and Pradip Sarkar having direct experience of mountaineering helped the Sinchon boys to learn, how to set and pack tent, what the basic things to watch for during climbing a hill and how to adjust oneself in adverse condition.
All the Sinchon boys, most of our members and their family made it to the top of Gajaburu, which at an altitude of 677 meters is the second highest point in southern part of West Bengal. Though tiring and exhaustive, but it was great feeling of achievement for all those who made it to the top.
Arrangement of campfire on the evening, staying in tents and enjoying the geographical diversity, made the two-day program a memorable learning experience for everyone. Incidentally, DAYA in 2021 organized a similar “Nature Observation Camp” in the Sushuniya hills of Bankura. This exposure to nature will definitely help understand our environment in a better way.