Dear Members,

Greetings from Youth Hostels Association of India.

First of all, we are delighted to inform you that our National Chairman, Dr. Harish K. Saxena has been awarded Bharat Nirman Award for promoting the youth services by theBharat Nirman Foundation, Kolkata. The award was conferred on him during the 17th Annual Bharat Nirman Awards function staged in the full house on the eve of 5th June, 2010 at Kalamandir, Kolkata. Bharat Nirman was set up in early 1980 to revive all ancients Indian sciences and propagate Indian way of life, culture and development.

The 48^th IYHF Conference was held in Shenzhen from 24^th to 28^th May, 2010.  Shri K.Purushotham and Dr. E.M. Rajan attended the conference as Delegates.  Shri Mohd.  Shafi Pandit, National President was observer.  Dr. Harish K. Saxena was invited as Past President by the IYHF.   All the members took part in the Conference actively.

Keeping the spirit of Youth Hostelling for budget travelers, Dr. Harish K. Saxena, National Chairman did back packing in Northern Philippines, Brunei and adjoining rainforest of Borneo on his own.  It may be mentioned that Dr. Saxena back packed in four South Asian Countries i.e. Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam during May, 2009 for the same purpose and as a part of Centenary Celebration of Youth Hostelling International and 60^th Anniversary of YHA of India.  Any member, who wishes to know more about his trips, can contact him at his e-maid id:harishsaxena_iyhf@rediffmail.com.

We are pleased to inform you that our National Himalayan Trekking Expedition – 2010 was organized successfully with the support of all the State Branches, Units and volunteers. We thank all the state branches, units and volunteers for rendering their help for the successful completion of the expedition.

Some of the highlights of the expedition this year are as follows –

1.      7337 participants took part in these programs from different parts of the country

2.      For better safety and medical facilities for the participants, oxygen cylinders were provided in the camps

3.      For the first time, HMI trained Sherpa guides were involved in trekking expedition as an added measure to ensure participants’ safety in case of any unforeseen situations on the higher mountain passes.

4.      A three member Central Resource Development Committee was constituted for the purchases of the required material for the program. Requirement was given to the Committee and after exploring the market for best products and prices, purchases were made at Delhi as well as at the Camps at Kullu. By appointing this Committee, purchases were streamlined and proper accounting was done for the expenses

5.      During this year most of the bookings were done online and members appreciated the new system by putting more seats for online booking. Keeping in view the demand of the participants, it was decided that in future most of the bookings will be done online. However, State Branches and Units may block the seats in advance by giving a request to the National office

6.      There is also a plan to rehash the trekking section at the National Office for more efficient organization of the programs We, at national office, once again thank everyone for their coordination and hope the same in future as well.

Regards,

Prasad B. Hanchate,

CEO,Youth Hostels Association of India. 

To - All the State Branches and Units of YHAI