Arunav Deka, Bronze Award participant from YES Centre Assam Valley School shares his passion for music and the belief The Award has brought him

The only power I believe in…Music

I used to be a regular person with no aim in life, with no clue of where this circle of life would lead me. But it all just came to place when I began to take things seriously; I knew what I was passionate about, what would lead me to be someone I can be proud about.

It was the music, an art of meditation, a power which expressed me every time I wanted to be heard.

A voice that consoled me every time I was upset with the something or the other. A melody which brought a smile to many faces. A path which inspires many to come along with me or besides me. Those who simply heard me, reflected their beliefs on me.

"Music brought a lot of change in my life, making it more systematic, pragmatic and worth living."

And there’s another worth I have made in this phenomenal gyre of learning is enrolling in the Bronze Award this year . It has helped me strengthen my capabilities to seek opportunities and open many doors, I look forward to becoming a master of, in the years to come.

While I continue my search, I hope to learn more and seek every oppourtunity to learn from the activities of The Award in my School and outside.

"I want to explore the possibilities through the Award, learning music and exploring my strengths... here I strive to a new beginning."

Apply to attend 'The International Family Meeting of Friendliness' in Russia from 03-09 August, 2011 Republic of Karelia

Award Russia welcomes all young people, Award Leaders and their friends to the Republic of Karelia, Russia for the third consecutive year. With 150 participants and friends of the Award Programme scheduled to attend, the six day event will showcase cultural exchanges, workshops, sport and adventurous activities for Bronze, Silver and Gold levels of the Award Programme.

The costs for the basic programme is € 100 plus travel expenses (to Petrozavodsk via St. Petersburg, Moscow). Last date to apply is 18th June 2011. Ask for more details now!

Bronze Award participants from Delhi University share their Expedition Experience

The Adventure section is considered the most exciting level by Award participants worldwide. The recently concluded Bronze expedition successfully allowed 18 Bronze Awardees to actively challenge themselves physically and engage with the environment in the Aravalli mountains.

Experiences of Surabhi Chaturvedi, Shatakshi Chattopadhya. Sanya Tuteja, Pranay Pachauri and Akanksha Chaturvedi:

As we arrived Tikkling Camp in Haryana, adrenaline rush filled us. We were divided into two carefully balanced groups and started on the military style obstacle course. This kick started the flow of activity and allowed us to get ready for the events planned ahead.

The sudden rainstorm dampened our spirits as we were forced to return from our short trek to campsite. However, the survival session followed by steaming pakodas and 'chai' allowed us to connect with our fellow campers, thus somewhat restoring our moods. The night was cold and we were all jittery as we lay in our damp tents listening to the occasional call of jackals.

The next morning began early and the lush greenery with canopying mountains brought our spirits back. As we embarked on the trek to climb the nearby mountain, our task was surprisingly challenging as the rain from the previous night has made the route very slippery. We persisted and finally arrived at the rock climbing/rappelling site. Some of us were very skeptical about rock climbing as we had never tried it. The Trainers really encouraged us and we were exhilarated to complete the beginners' level. Post lunch, we went river crossing and thoroughly enjoyed it. The artificial rope session was tremendous learning as we discovered the many ways of knotting a rope. At the end of the session, we let loose with a fun game of football.

Making dinner from scratch over wood fire, singing songs, pulling each others' legs under a clear sky really was a memorable experience.

For some of us, who have been on several adventure trips, this was a completely new experience. Going beyond our comfort zones with new people, new environment away from the city was indeed fun! This expedition allowed each of us to know ourselves a little better than before.