| CLIMBED
STOK KANGRI (6153m) IN 2009!
SATOPANTH
(7075m) – MISSION ON 2010!!
Last
August, we scaled up Stok Kangri, a mountain in Ladakh
at 6,153 metres above sea level. One of us, pledged that
trek to raising funds for Akanksha to help fund education
for underprivileged children. The response was encouraging
and close to half a million rupees was raised for the
cause.
It
is a new trek this year. The two of us will try to push
ourselves higher and hope to raise more funds with our
dual effort. The expedition this year is more arduous
and therefore promises to be more exciting. Our 23-day
traverse through the foothills of the Himalayas in Uttarakshi
starts at Gangotri, the mouth of the Ganges, and winds
its way to the Satopanth peak which is at 7075m.
Sato
(meaning truth) and panth (meaning path) literally translates
to true path. It is the second highest mountain in the
Gangotri group in Uttarakhand. The route includes a complex
glacier approach, high angled snow slopes and a knife-edge
ridge, before the final section to the summit. Yet, the
reality is that for many children, the trek through life
is far more arduous, harsh and punishing.
Akanksha
is engaged in building a school model that seeks to redefine
the “possible” for kids from some of the poorest
sections of Pune and Mumbai. A good school system is an
integral part of the answer to India's persistent inequities.
The literacy rate is just 61%. Only 52% of the students
who go to school reach standard five. Schools are characterized
by rote learning, an examination-driven system, and lack
of parental involvement and curriculum content which often
doesn't prepare children adequately for dealing with life.
This
year’s climb is challenging. But when one knows
that one’s meditative steps on the Himalayas could
contribute to little kids taking steps towards life, there
would be a purpose to the effort higher than physically
climbing high. We seek your pledges to support our trek
and thereby education for poor Indian kids. Your contribution
would help bring many Indian children closer to quality
education. Join us in this effort by supporting some of
the costs incurred in the children’s education.
To give you an idea,
Rs.
18000 (USD 375) would cover the complete cost of a child
for an year
Rs. 10000 (USD 210) would cover the cost of stationary
and supplies for an entire classroom of kids
Rs. 4000 (USD 85) would cover medical expenses for an
entire classroom of kids
Participate in this journey and help make a difference.
Aspire. Achieve. Be the change.
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