The foundation course conducted by the Lal Bahadur Shastri Academy (LBSNAA), Mussoorie for Officer Trainees (OTs) is as arduous as the three-tier selection process conducted by the UPSC. The course is a mixed bag of rigorous training, curriculum, and co-curricular activities.
One of the co-curricular activities is high altitude treks to remote village visits in the Himalayan range. This year’s trek had contributions from Nature Lovers Club (NLC), a forum for the nature lovers of the LBSNAA community and alumni, It comprised of various activities during the trek including a photography competition. Some of the breathtaking pictures clicked by the OTs were shared on the social media as well.
In an interview with Indian Masterminds, Mr. Ashish Das IAS (AIR 291 CSE 2019) spoke about his first ever experience in this majestic trek organised by LBSNAA.
He said, “The whole team was divided into 20 groups are they were sent to different destinations in the Garhwal region mostly around the Uttarkashi district for a period of seven-nine days. Everyone participated in this trekking experience including the faculty member, instructors, and all the official trainees.”
He added, “It was one of the most important parts of the foundation course as during the duration of the trek we experienced life without much facilities and accommodation as we were living in camps. This also made us feel the importance of nature and the beauty which lies in it. By visiting the remotest villages in the area, we had an idea of the hardships people have to go through in various parts of the country.”
The trekkers had to walk for more than 18-20 kilometers daily on steep slopes of the Himalayas. All these experiences contribute to building their mental and physical strength before going to the service.
There were excellent medical facilities and physical training drills during the event. The groups were formed as their their physical abilities. People with medical issues were given lighter tasks as compared to the ones who were physically fit.
