The NSS Unit of Salesian College Siliguri organised a Faculty Trekking cum Study Tour for the members of the faculty of Salesian College Siliguri from 20 to 22 March 2017 as an annual feature. The route planned for the trekking was from Mirik to Gopaldhara and Rangbhang, and then back to Mirik. From Mirik to Murmah to Dudhia via Bungkuling. The faculty representing the Departments of English, Commerce, Mathematics and Computer Science & Applications took part in the trip with much gusto and enthusiasm. Braving the chill, rain and hail storm, the team reached Gopladhara on 20 March at 3 pm and rested for a while around the hearth provided by Don Bosco School, Gopaldhara. In the evening the team visited the nearby tea garden and the village to understand the socio-economic situation of the village. The method of study used by the team was observation and interview.

The second day was planned to visit Rangbhang a riverbed of the tributary of Balasun river. After delivering the ‘good morning’ talk to the Don Bosco Gopaldhara students in the morning assembly, the team trekked down to the riverbed and interviewed some settlers to understand their means of livelihood. “‘Home Stays’ have been a common new growth the region has witnessed”, said Mr Paul Rai, Teacher-in-Charge, Don Bosco School Gopaldhara.

“Apart from Home Stays, quarrying activities and tourism in the riverbed by tourists, picnickers, swimmers and weekenders have been observed lately,” added a local taking care of a Home Stay. Tea Garden is the main bread earning industry for the people of the area.

The third day was planned to trek down to Dudhia via Mirik, Murmah and Bungkulung;and to come back to Siliguri by vehicle. The team started early to go to Murmah and walk down to Bungkulung. The trek down to Bungkulung was treacherous yet enjoyable negotiating together with rushing brook down the valley. The team reached finally to Dudhia at 5 pm. Mr Dhirodatta Subba, HoD, Computer Science & Applications, a senior faculty and a veteran trekker present in the team comprising of mostly young faculty of average thirty years,expressed his deep sense of satisfaction and gratitude to the College management and organising team for making this provision ‘to trek and lean’ to the teaching faculty of Salesian College. The team reached Siliguri at 06:40 pm.

Reported by
Peter Lepcha
Head, Department of English
Salesian College Siliguri