Sanvedana - Trip to Soorya Shibir

'Sanvedana' - Trip to Soorya Shibir

With Sanvedana completing its one year in working… it was decided that the group would go for a picnic to Soorya Shibir on the 20th February 2005 to rejoice the occasion.

The decision was a mutual one, taken up and agreed upon by all the members in the last meeting, dated 23rd January 2005.And to reach this camp, one has to take a boat (this arrangement is made by the camp) from one bank of the Varasgaon reservoir backwaters to the other. The camp is a work of a pure genius; a mastermind. Mr. Bhide, who masterminded the whole project has raised the camp from scrap… things like old wood, broken asbestos sheets, door-frames which ‘supposedly’ can’t be used, or scrap steel and iron, which can be put to use if one has the brains and ability. Mr. Bhide has precisely done the like… and put to use such things, which would have gone waste. So, this camp itself inspires people to love the environment and to use as little as possible… to reuse wherever possible and to recycle when the situations call for it.

With all arrangements made in advance, the group proceeded to enjoy the picnic, the first ever group picnic for Sanvedana and the members. It was decided that the members meet at the petrol pump in Aditya Hotel Chowk, on Karve Road on the decided date, at 0645 hours. The pick-up was to be at the same location at 0700 hours. However, situations kept the pick-up bus from arriving on time, due to which the group had a late start. Nevertheless, everyone enjoyed even the long wait for the bus. The second pick-up point was near Santosh Hall, on Sinhagad Road, to pick-up the remaining few members. And with all members on board now, the group started for Soorya Shibir.

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	Sanvedana - Trip to Soorya Shibir

With all arrangements made in advance, the group proceeded to enjoy the picnic, the first ever group picnic for Sanvedana and the members. The bus left at 7.30 a.m. and the group started for Soorya Shibir. To make the journey all the more pleasant, some bright mind suggested playing Antaakshari. But Yashoda wanted the members to first give themselves some energy. That is, she asked a volunteer member to dispense the pattice /vegetable puffs to all the members. Once done with this and with the tanks full for the moment, members started singing whole-heartedly. Some pretty good rounds of singing, some tanks started running on
reserve. So, these tanks were refilled with the naan-khatai bought by a member - Suvrat, prepared all by him. These Indian Cookies were much appreciated and liked by all. Now the tanks were full and would remain so until destination.

The group reached the desired spot on time, but to find only one boat, which was already filled with other people visiting the same campsite. So, Yashoda with majority of the members occupied the empty seats in the boat and headed for Soorya Shibir, on the opposite bank, while the remaining few waited for the second boat to take them across. Remaining of them came by the second boat.

Once on the other side, and united with the group, we were welcomed and given a big hall to keep our bags and to repose. The members took some time to get rid of the fatigue and then headed towards the dining hall for breakfast. Once again with tanks full, the members headed to explore the vicinity of the camp, with Mr. Asgaonkar leading the ‘squad’. Mr. Asgaonkar is a man of great knowledge about trees and plants. Not a botanist though, he told the members a lot about the trees and the plants in the camp and also about the species not rooted there. After gathering much information and quite a walk, the group headed back towards the allotted room; named as ‘Prabhakar’.

Now was the time for some games. It was decided that the game, “passing the parcel” be played. Almost everyone showed an eagerness to participate. So, the game began with as many as 32-35 people participating. The members did DJaying in rotation. And the punishments given for the one ‘out’ were accepted and duly completed by the members. Finally, Mrs. Sahastrabuddhe emerged as the winner and was awarded the GOLDEN PACKET. Yashoda then decided to give the members some time for themselves, so that members could come together and share their thoughts and experiences. Also, parents could share their experiences and views with other parents. It was noticed that some tanks are now running on reserve, so refuelling was a must. When it was announced that the group should reach the dining hall for this refuelling, everyone rejoiced. And everyone enjoyed the meal. Being a large number, it took quite some time for all the tanks to get full. But once done with this, everyone wanted something good.

This was delivered to them when a member, Mr. Makarand Tulankar played the tabla for the group. It was pre-decided that he would play the tabla for the group members on the trip. Mr. Tulankar entertained everyone for almost half an hour. Then Yashoda sang a song and Mr. Tulankar played the tabla. Also, few more members expressed their desire to sing a song and their wish was granted. Then was a brief question-answer session. Everyone applauded for these great souls, who entertained the group with some great music.

Then, Mr. Bhide delivered a lecture to the group. He told everyone as to why and how he set this camp up. He expressed his views that Indian can be the most powerful nation if the resources available were utilized carefully. He asked everyone present to make the maximum use of the most abundant source of energy, the sun. He said that this source is priceless and, free. He also spoke on drip-irrigation, water-arresting, worm-culture etc. he then expressed his desire that the new generation should use all these resources carefully so that the beauty and the serenity of nature would be preserved. Then was a question-answer session where the members expressed their opinions and got their doubts cleared. Mr. Bhide… what an orator he is!

With a brief break, the group headed for a tea break. Then, having themselves refreshed and thanking the management of Soorya Shibir and Mr. Bhide, the members started walking down towards the ‘port’ area, when their ship home was docked. Yashoda and Radhika and the two volunteers Suvrat and Ruta, who always work very hard for Sanvedana, personally thanked Mr. Bhide and took his leave.

Then was a petite photo session near the dock, where many group snaps were captured by many a cameras. Then, saying ‘adieu’ to Soorya Shibir, and cheering for Sanvedana, the group headed back towards the bus. The return journey was quite peaceful, as compared to that of the mornings, the members being fatigued. Nevertheless, many a jokes were cracked and riddles solved. However, with another cup of tea to refresh them at Khadakwasla, the remaining journey till Karve Road, the drop-point was good, with some hearty songs and jokes.

But then came the moment of truth. It was time to say goodbye to all. The bus halted to drop all members near Padale Palace, near Karve Road. This was the final destination of the group. Everyone thanked Yashoda and Radhika and the volunteers for their good work.

The first trip of Sanvedana was a GREAT success. May GOD and the Sun smile upon Sanvedana, always.

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