Daily Report - Introduction

Kalimpong is a hill station in the Indian state of West Bengal. It is located at an average elevation of 1,250 metres (4,101 ft). The town is the headquarters of the Kalimpong subdivision, a part of the district of Darjeeling. It used to be a gateway in the trade between Tibet and India before China's annexation of Tibet. Kalimpong, on a ridge overlooking the Teesta River, is a tourist destination owing to its temperate climate and proximity to popular tourist locations in the region. Mount Kanchenjunga, world’s third tallest peak, is clearly visible from Kalimpong.

Ten volunteers from Ekin India were selected to visit this place for the NER group sponsored social service project. All of us were very excited and were feeling privileged that we got this opportunity to be a part of the noble work NER group was doing. The mesmerizing surroundings and tranquility of that place added to our joy. Before leaving for Kalimpong we made some preparations for going there like preparing some skits, dance, songs, etc. to entertain the students of the various schools we were supposed to visit. We also bought some sweets for the children and gifts for the doctors who would be helping us in the medical camps there and for the GFF members without whom this project would not have been possible. GFF (Glenn Family Foundation) is an NGO in Kalimpong which is doing a tremendous job for the underprivileged sections of society. Our tour was from 1^st June to 8^th June 2014. We have tried to write about our routine and experience. But words fail to express the immense satisfaction that we derived or the joy that we experienced there.