Tuesdays for Tomorrow

~ An Inspired Catalyst ~

At the beginning of the century, Mandip and his daughter, Himali, had the opportunity to participate and promote a state government initiative in a village in Kerala. The enterprise aimed converting the villagers from hunters to naturalists.

The campaign triggered the idea idea of creating a similar model in the village of Khonoma in Nagaland. Mandip and his took action to teach these locals to pledge against hunting the endangered pheasants, and to become birdwatchers and guides.

"The village of Khonoma, in Nagaland, was in the black books because of their hunting of the protected Blyth’s Tragopan Pheasant. They knew it was wrong but it was tradition and people were hungry. It was explained that they could earn probably five times what they were netting from the meat by running home-stay businesses and guiding birdwatchers to the endangered rare species. Everybody wins."

Today, the villagers use their knowledge and skills for their livelihoods. The money they earn allows them to buy chicken for food, rather than them illegally hunting pheasants.

Vintage Monday

~ The Elephant Escapade Ensues ~

ELEPHANT BACK SAFARI
On January 17, an unusual expedition was flagged off from the town of Trichur in Kerala: the Kerala Elephant Expedition 1990. Said to be the first of its kind of undertaken in India in recent memory, the elephant-back expedition has been organized to spread the spirit of adventure among Indian youth, to create an awareness of environmental issues through publicity generated by the project and to "emphasize some basic human values: the pursuit of courage, commitment and cooperation," as the organizers put it. The expedition hopes to cover some 200 Kms through two wildlife sanctuaries over about two weeks to conclude in Tamil Nadu. The launch yesterday was timed to coincide with The Great Elephant March arranged by the Kerala Tourism department of the state government as part of their Tourist festival.

Leading the expedition is 32-year-old Mandip Singh Soin, an internationally experienced mountaineer, chairman of the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme and an elected Fellow in Britain's Royal Geographical Society. In addition, he has taken part in a cycling expedition from Delhi to Kathmandu covering 1,500 Kms, rafted down he Rogue River of Oregon in the US, led the first Camel Safari across 450 Kms of Rajasthan's Thar desert and has trained in Mountain Rescue in Scotland to subsequently set up the Himalayan Evacuation & Life Saving Project in India. Last year, in 1989, Soin was an instructor and an Escort in the Icewalk international Students' Expedition to the Arctic near the North pole. Currently, Soin runs a rock climbing school, and his company, Ibex Equipment, manufactures camping and mountaineering equipment. Apart from Mandip Singh Soin, the present Kerala Expedition has 14 members in its team, including women, all outdoor enthusiasts drawn from professions including photography, writing, designing, etc. Of the four foreign members of the team, two come from the UK and two from Hong Kong.

The expedition received enthusiastic support from the Kerala government and also from several industrial houses and enterprises. The project hopes to result in an audio-visual which will cover aspects of local culture, folklore, wildlife and will, at the same time, highlight various ecological issues.

ELEPHANTINE ADVENTURE
It was an expedition only the gutsy could undertake: a 1--day trip in January atop elephants in the Parambikulam wildlife reserve.

Said Mandip Singh Soin, the leader of the group: "By riding on elephant back in a wild area, we have recorded an interesting story which will be used to promote the spirit of adventure in India and overseas. Photographs and useful video footage were taken and will be used by the members to create awareness on environmental issues."

He hit upon the idea when he learnt that the Kerala tourism department was exploring possibilities of tourism in wildlife areas with a stress on environmental protection. "It was the first attempt through an unknown and potentially dangerous terrain," said Mandip. However, he should not be too concerned: Mandip has trekkend through wilderness and climbed difficult mountains in the world; last year he even made it to the Arctic. But the safety of his group (people from different backgrounds who were selected on the basis of their outdoor experience and commitment to environmental protection) was uppermost in his mind, "The Kerala tourism department provided us guides, jeeps, and a stun gun."

Testimonial Thursday

~ We have all come home with our heads and hearts full ~

"We have all come home with our heads and hearts full. I know many have already said they can’t wait to return! The guide was gentlemanly, solicitous and good-humoured throughout. He read each one of us very well, and dealt with our different fears and phobias with great tact and firmness.
So, for all this, thanks to you and your wonderful team."

Eve

Wildlife Wednesday

~ The Fabulous National Bird of India ~

Photo: Mandip Singh Soin

The male Peafowl (Peacock) uses its train for mating rituals and courtship displays, opening it out into a glorious fan that spreads across its back, touching the ground on either side. It is believed that the females (Peahens) choose their mates based on the size, colour, and quality of these glamourous feather trains.

Photo: Mandip Singh Soin

Did you know? 

When you consider the combined length of it's train and wingspan, the peacock is one of the largest flying birds.


Get in touch to find out more about our Wildlife Safaris, and maybe you too can get a rare view of this spectacular bird!
Email: ibex@ibexexpeditions.com

Tuesdays for Tomorrow

~ Indian Students, International Teachers ~

 

The volunteers from People & Places made waves at Chitardai School.

Testimonial Thursday

~ The Beginning of a Long and Lovely Friendship ~

 Dear Anita, Mandip and Himali,

Last night was a magical evening for us. We cannot thank you enough for your incredible hospitality, your warmth, and charming company. Your family is the model we all aspire to and I have already emailed my daughters describing the hope that we might have 3 generations of friendships such as yours.

Dinner was beyond delicious. We have never enjoyed Indian food as much and you have raised the bar for mutton, it has a whole new level of appreciation now. Thank you for going to such lengths to share your very amazing cooking skills and introducing us to so many delicious new dishes. Most of all, your warmth and gracious hospitality made us feel as if we could have talked all night and as if we had known each other a very long time.

We are so appreciative of all you have done to make this vacation such a wonderful, memorable experience. I know this is just the beginning of a long and lovely friendship.

With love,
Lisa and Danny