IIM Shillong - First Trip In The Northeast: Sustainability Trek

The field visit organized on 9th July 2017 was consist of two places. First one was a sacred forest of Mawphlang, and after that, a trek was arranged. We, 176 students along with Prof. T.K. Giri leave the campus of IIM Shillong at 5.30 a.m. on Sunday for the sacred forest of Mawphlang. Sacred forest of Mawphlang is situated at around 25 km from the campus of IIM Shillong. Sacred forest is one of the remarkable features of Khasi hills, and traditional religious sanctions preserve it.

When we reached the Sacred Forest of Mawphlang, the officer explains to us about the forest, such as different areas of forest, and the various kinds of plants available in the forest and asked us to be careful during the visit as many poisonous plants were there. We were split into multiple groups and then each group was allotted a guide. When we entered the forest, I overserved that forest has a fantastic life form of plants and flowering trees. In between, the guide was explaining to us about the various trees and the importance of those trees in medical as well. Also, the guide explained the tradition people of Mawphalng following from hundreds of years and asked us not to take anything outside the forest strictly. People in the society believes that if anyone takes anything out of forest, then that person will get punished by someway by the god.

Afterward, we headed towards the Mawphlang dam; dam was situated between the two hills. It was one of the best scenic views I have ever seen in my life. The dam was partially covered with fog and hills on both sides of the dam were adding beauty to the view.

Sustainability trek was one of the most awaited parts of the visit. We had our lunch and then started to trek at 2 pm. It took us 4 hours to complete the trek which includes lots of scenic views and the cold breeze which ease our way to the complete the trek. During the trek, we got the opportunity to access the caves, and the greenery was breathtaking.

During the visit, I understand the importance of nature and how much it is important to preserve the environment and it's our duty or responsibility to focus our attention on sustainability. One incident I want to narrate, when we were trekking through the hills, there was a pipeline in our way. However, the pipe was broken at one end, and water was coming out from that portion continuously. So, when we saw that everyone was trying to figure out a way to stop the leakage of water and one of our strategies works and we were able to almost stop the leakage. This would never have happened if we were not exposed to sustainability. Hence, I think the sustainability program helps us not only to expose our self to sustainability but also to become a good citizen.

  Aakash Hiwale PGP 2nd Year IIM Shillong