A group of Bharat Scouts and Guides drawn from 10 government high and higher secondary schools undertook an enthralling two-day trek to Pachamalai as a part of a training organised by the district officials here recently.
The team comprised 60 boys and 21 girls. It included students from government high schools in Neikuppai, Velur, Koundarpalayam, Ezhumur, Kolathur and Beelvadi and government higher secondary schools in Chettikulam, Maruvathur, Pasumpalur and Kolakanatham, apart from 10 Scouts from Cuddalore district.
The team began its expedition from the Koraiyar area on Sunday and trekked three hours to reach the Koraiyar Falls. Forest Department officials, who accompanied the team, explained the salient features of the forest and its flora and fauna to the students. Under watchful eyes of the accompanying Fire and Rescue Service personnel, they had a swimming session at the Koraiyar Falls, before continuing their trek for another two km to reach a camp at Vanadupudur, a tribal hamlet. They took part in the Chithra Pournami festival at the village along with the local residents. The panchayat president Thambusamy explained to the students the lifestyle and belief of the community. A group of the village women presented a ‘kummi’ dance.
After a session of exercise the next day morning, the team moved to Top Sengattupatti. The team was guided on the trek by Bharat Scouts and Guides officials A.Ilaiyakumar of Cuddalore, K.Selvarasu, Senthil Kumar, V. Venugopal, R. Rasu, R. Dhanalakshmi and Saroja.
Collector Darez Ahamed received the team on its return to Perambalur and interacted with students and heard their experience. He emphasised the need for students to develop good mental and physical health even while doing well in academics.
A.Nagaraj, Chief Educational Officer, was present.