For rural immersion 2024, our destination was Ambapani, Dang. Rural immersion was help from 16th to 22nd of December. We traveled to an Eco tourism campsite we stayed for 6 days and each day we were put out of our comfort zone and challenged to do activities that catered to all CAS principles of creativity, activity and service. We also went to village and communicated with villagers and knew about their lifestyles in routine, also how they manage their lifestyle during different problems and seasons.
The Activities we performed:
- Rifle Shooting
- Darting
- Warli Painting
- Lippan art
- Baaj Making
- Dangi Traditional Dance
- Haat Bazaar shopping
- Warm up activities
- Adventure activities
- Village interaction
- Tractor Ride
- Ashram visit and service for students
- Cleanup drive
- Trekking
- Bamboo weaving
- Cow milking (also Visited a milk service office)
Learning Outcome 1: Identify own strengths and develop areas for growth.
As we had so many activities, it gave a chance to appreciate my strength and improve my weaknesses, and thus these recognition and acceptance could help in my personal growth. Bamboo weaving at start was hard to learn as I was beginner, but as I observed and understood the pattern I 1 complete basket. This was my skill. During the warli painting, the colors I used might be appealing to people but as I am interest in art so much I know I can do more better with the colors I got, so I knew my weakness that I need to master the skill of playing with colors. As I am not used to doing warm up or exercises and waking up early for it, and again this was also my weakness. I made Baaj at the one go after learning and i than knew that this is my strength. etc. I believe that knowing your strengths and weakness gives you an opportunity to grow and learn more as you implement solution to make your weaknesses your strength and this adds another skill to your list. As one of the weakness is colors which are major part i an artistic, so would love to improve this weakness.
Learning Outcome 2: Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills.
This CAS trip was challenging as it also included a part of using your physic for trekking and adapting to rural environment and their lifestyle. It was difficult because we are never used to trekking for 4 to 5 kms together. Furthermore, New artistic techniques like Lippan art was also challenging as you have to use cow dung, which I used to found disgusting (before this task). However, I pushed myself to do it, though I wore glove but I tried my best to respect their tradition of using cow dung and to come out of comfort zone and learn. Overcoming these challenges boosted my confidence and adaptability. Learning new skills like teamwork, adaptability and mindset, could lead us to be open to opportunities, new experiences etc. This experience made me appreciate diverse cultures and reinforced the importance of continuous learning and personal growth.
Learning Outcome 4: Show commitment and perseverance in a CAS experience.
It was important for me to showcase commitment towards completing this rural immersion in order to experience everything planned out for us. I was able to be dedicated to each task assigned and I did it with a free spirit to enjoy everything. Also, commitment was essential to fully immerse in nature and connect with local communities. While I find it easy to commit to meaningful experiences, also, the activities I was uncomfortable with, I still pushed myself to do. Persistence was key in overcoming physical and creative challenges. Perseverance fosters personal growth, resilience, and a deeper appreciation for culture, creativity, and service.
Learning Outcome 5: Demonstrate the skills and recognize the benefits of working collaboratively.
Working as a team was crucial to the journey in a number of locations. One of the main team-building exercises we did was play team games in addition to shopping at the Haat bazaar. In order to guarantee a successful conclusion in each of them, I had to cooperate and communicate with my classmates, which enabled us to complete the assignment efficiently. Although everyone had differing opinions on some things, we were still able to have a pleasant conversation about them.
Learning Outcome 6: Demonstrate engagement with issues of global significance.
The CAS trip highlighted global issues such as environmental conservation, cultural preservation, and rural development. These challenges, like deforestation, loss of cultural heritage, and economic inequality impact communities around the world, However, these challenges are mostly faced in Urban setups. Interacting with rural people and immersing myself in nature and observing their lifestyle has my awareness of sustainability and the value of cultural traditions. This experience has expanded my worldview and strengthened my sense of empathy. I now feel more motivated to support traditional and environmental efforts. By participating in this trip, I was able to contribute meaningfully to raising awareness and promoting preservation. Thus, these change in mindset is needed for personal growth.
Learning Outcome 7: Recognize and consider the ethics of choices and actions.
The ethical issues involved are respecting local communities, being friendly to kids in ashram and disregarding culture and not respecting the local communities lifestyle. Often people think they low standard people are not good, not maintain hygiene, However, they are respectful and atleast they are not much like us they respect their culture and till 21st century 2025 they are still dedicated to their culture. After playing with them and serving them food in ashram the smile on these little people on earth is worth equal to smile after earning billion dollars. This seven day taught people have forgot humanity but when you take a step it brings smile on your and the opposites person face which is even an ethical thing and it worth living your life happily with too little things.
