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Xavierian NCC
Cadets on
Mount Kasainath
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The NCC contingent ( Boys and Girls) of St.
Xavier’s College, Mapusa-Goa, with a total strength of
66 cadets (31 boys and 35 girls) attempted a hike up the steep slopes of
Mount Kasainath, in the Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra on Sunday 29th
July 2007- a gloomy and dull day with threatening dark clouds
This was the first trek of the year and it
was organized by the NCC (Boys) contingent.
At 7 a.m. the cadets began to assemble at
the designated location, near Hanuman temple, Mapuca. Two buses were arranged, one
for the Boys group and the other for the girls. They were accompanied by Capt. (Dr.) Tushar S. Anvekar,
Mr. Edwin D’souza, Lecturer in Computer Science.
After crossing the Goa border and a few minutes
of traveling Cadets were joined by Mr Sandesh Barajankar and Mr Arvindra from
New English High School
, Nanora who then guided us throughout the trek. The first glimpse of the Peak’s
steep side was seen just before entering the Dodamarg market area. In about 15 minutes
from then there was a special road that took the Cadets right to the foot of this
great hill. After a ‘Fall-in threes’, the seniors gave the report to Capt, (Dr)
Tushar. Snacks and fruits were then given to all the cadets. Mr. Sandesh led us
through the fields to the hill path. In single file all walked on slippery bunds
and narrow water-ways getting charged with the clean refreshing air.
Brimming with confidence and energy they
began their march uphill. It was steeper and more slippery than anticipated. The
SCUO Akram Shaikh led the way with a whistle at hand. The gushing sound of the spring
water forming waterfalls was followed by the sighting of a monkey in the trees.
The trees had enormous leaves and were very healthy in this rainy climate and forest
terrain. The second stop at a prayer site was very much welcome. A little further
and a cliff showed where we were when they first started making the journey uphill.
The cadets after 20 minutes of trekking began to feel the intensity of the climb.
The girls who had eagerly gone forward slowed down allowing the boys to overtake
them. From then on it was a race to the top—of course led by Akram. They reached
the peak after 35 minutes of trekking at around 11.20 a.m. The peak happened to
have a not-so-very large area. It was also a prayer site with intricate stone carvings.
The view from the top was not available. As all the cadets reached the top, the
cloud passed through and we were able to take in the clear view.
They played game of ‘anthakshari’ and ‘dumb
charades’. The drizzling of rain continued followed by an occasional shower. Some
of the botany students made notings of mushrooms, lichens, mosses and algae growing
in this area while some took great interest in the rocks. The rest enjoyed each
others company and the wonderful scenery.
The journey down was more dangerous and scary
than going up. Many cadets missed a fall down the steep slope on slippery rocks.
Most of the troupe reached down in 30 minutes with no breaks. Our SCUO Akram who
was at the rear was helping few of the cadets who had a fear of heights down the
more steeper and slipper slopes. After 40 minutes at around 3.30 p.m. the last few
cadets reached the foot of the hill.
The hike was a great success. The trekking
up the great hill Kasainath at around 500 mts above sea level showed the Cadets
their capacity, the need for stamina and of course the beauty of nature, under the
guidance of Capt. (Dr.) Tushar S. Anvekar.
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