The campaign, ‘Pachyaan devbhoomi ki’ is an educational drive run under team Devasthali. It aims to provide better exposure and opportunities to children living in remote villages of Uttarakhand. The campaign functions through different workshops that are conducted for the children from a varied spectrum, be it creative sessions, physical exercises or moral centric activities.
The first drive of the ‘Pachyaan devbhoomi ki’ campaign was conducted in 2021 at village Mukhem of Tehri district. Details about the same are available on our social media handles. However, this article talks about the second drive of the campaign, organized recently at village Gorshali of Uttarkashi district. This article will bring forward the team’s perspective and give insights into how it is to work for a cause and the overall experience of the camp.
The three-day educational drive was organised as a tribute to Late Mr. Dharmanand Bhatt sir (a teacher, poet and an avid proponent of art and culture) and Late Mr Priyank Bhatt by Ms Neelam Bhatt Nautiyal. Team Devasthali paid their homage to the departed souls and worked religiously for this noble cause as an act of remembrance to them.
The event was initiated by collecting donations from our supporters. To our surprise, many people came forward and contributed to this cause in whichever way they could. We received several essential presents for the children like colour pencils, sketch pens and notebooks, acrylic colours and more. The monetary contribution got utilized in getting refreshments, gifts and props for children. Team Devasthali extends their gratitude to all the contributors and thanks to them wholeheartedly.
The team members who volunteered to work for this event are – Shivank Thapliyal (Team head), Atulya Bhatt, Shivani Bisht, Amit Negi, Pragya Thapliyal, Harsh Negi and Shashank Bhatt. Each member carried out separate sessions/workshops and contributed in multiple ways. Since all the members are from different regions, they met at a common location and started their 6 hours long journey to the village Gorshali. Our journey started at around 7 am, and by the time we reached the location sun was almost set.
The Gorshali village is a beautiful location situated in the Bhatwari block of district Uttarkashi. The cool weather, captivating scenery and peaceful environment of this place make it an optimum site to visit and detox from city life. Above all, the villagers were very warm and welcoming toward us. They gave us a place to stay and assisted us with several other things. We were taken aback by the kind of hospitality they showed us.
The three days workshop went smoothly. The students showed great enthusiasm and curiosity in each session, and the participation on their part was unexpected. Most students were ready to give their all in every activity we proposed. We noticed great potential in many students – some were great at singing, while some at dancing, some were good with crafts, and some painted very well. These students can do very well in their field if provided with needed guidance. Detailed information about each session is available on our social media handles. It is our nominal attempt at giving them the exposure they deserve.
The second educational drive under the ‘Pachyaan devbhoomi ki’ campaign was initiated on 21st April 2022 and was concluded successfully on 24th April 2022.
For us as a team, it was an experience of a lifetime. Apart from the event, it allowed us to interact with the locals and have a peek into their perspective, it made us understand the good and bad of living in a place like that, and it allowed us to witness the village lifestyle closely and helped us understand our culture more deeply.
