Venue

Day

Main Activity

Note

Vikasnagar

SMTA Hostel

1

Arrival at Delhi airport; Pick up and travel to Vikasnagar (about 8 hours): No halt in Delhi

Breakfast near Meerut

2

Formal introduction with local team; More discussion / fine tuning on research objectives; Clarifications if any needed by the students

More time for rest and jet lag; Half a day trip to Gujjars if possible.

3

Marketing and collection of any item needed by students for field phase; write letters, send emails, phone parents etc.

SMTA Niketan

Jaakhdhar, Near Chakrata

4

7am departure by vehicle to SMTA niketan at Jaakhdhar (30 Km from Chakrata) for field phase.

Reach the field centre and settle in by the evening. A general meeting with local staff.

Lunch on the way at Daamta or Lakhamandal

5

Discussion on learning/ Research methodology, tools, work schedules (ie. who interviews whom, with whose help, when, where etc) and logistics.

Morning walks/ Yoga optional

6^th to 23^th

Field phase health research, with in the context of students’ chosen theme / interest

Visit to local health center.

One night in a village- Optional.

24

Consolidate major learning/ insights; prepare an informal presentation for the community representatives and Key SMTA staff

Self appraisal for those opting for trekking

25

Presentation / sharing with the community / SMTA staff

Farewell and cultural program

Vikasnagar

SMTA Hostel

26

Return to Vikasnagar (SMTA hostel); washing and relaxation, emails, phone etc

27

More consolidation, documentation (semi final report and daily summaries), research on secondary sources; Write letters, send emails; marketing etc

28

Final presentation to SMTA coordination team and other stakeholders from local NGOs (3 hours, morning)

Feedback session (students and organizers)

Cultural show

Preparation for departure early next day .

29

Farewell to those who are leaving (core module ends)

29-30

Preparation for trekking (optional module)

Renting/ procuring of essentials (tents, rucksack, sleeping bags, dry rations, utensils, emergency medicines)

Checking out of the equipment

Students organize their supplies (camera reels, batteries etc)

Optional Trek Module

Trek

31-40

Moderately difficult Trekking in the Garhwal Himalaya; Study of habitat of nomads and remote communities

(self cooking; study of flora and fauna)

Expected altitude 10,000+ feet;

Vikasnagar

SMTA Hostel

41,42

Return to Vikas Nagar and Farewell to second group of students