Tibetan Culture & Social Dev. | RC-02/25 | 2025-03-10 - 2025-03-22 | CULT,SOCI | Age: 17 - 85

RUCHI is a not for profit organisation committed to sustainable development since 1983 in the hilly areas of northern India state of Himachal Pradesh

Work: During 1st week volunteers would join us in our headquarter which is based at a rural location where they have opportunity to live & experience a typical mountain village culture, their lifestyle and during process join our ongoing initiatives like NFE, women empowerment, NRM (Protection of fresh water sources), organic farming etc. They will also enjoy the opportunity to witness and participate in Holi festival (Festival of colours) during this week. During 2nd week the group would move to Mcloedganj in Dharamshala which is a touristic town and also Secretariat of Tibetan Government in exile. Over here they would visit Tibetan, monasteries, museum, schools and join language classes with Tibetan monks. There is a likelihood that we may take up some cleanliness work or some other activity. Otherwise, this week will be more of touristic and culture sharing.

Accomodation and food: Volunteers will live in shared accommodation in both places. The minimum basic amenities will be available. Vegetarian food will be served but in the town you will have access to non-vegetarian meals as well. A cook will be there but volunteers are expected to help him and occasionally cook their own meals and self-management is required.

Location: SolanandDharamshala

Location and Leisure: (1st week) RUCHI Campus at village, Bandh of Solan district and (2nd week) in the town of Mcloedganj in Dharamshala, a tourist hub. In the first week, Nearby Kasauli town is a major attraction.A visit to Shimla will offer an opportunity to see high Himalayan Mountains and British architecture. During 2nd week, the volunteers will visit Dharamshala, the headquarters of Tibetan Government in exile. Opportunities will be there for short and long treks in the mountains. After the camp, if they like, volunteers may visit Golden Temple in Amritsar, Punjab.

Airport: DEL

Train/Bus station: Kalka

Requirements: Disable volunteers with full mobility are accepted. Otherwise all with interest and respect for other cultures are welcome.

Take a direct ttrain or bus from Delhi to Kalka or a flight from Delgi to Chandigarh and then a bust for Kalka. Kalka to camp venue is about 75 minutes by private vehicle.

Language: eng

Extra Fee: 260 EUR

Through this project we aim to provide volunteers with an enriching (rural & urban) experience where they would participate in our ongoing rural community development initiatives aimed at uplift of marginalized people and later move to McLeodganj, Dharamshala where Tibetan Government in exile has its head quarters. Volunteers here would get chance to increase their understanding about Tibetan Culture, their movement and their ongoing struggle to keep their identity alive. Relates to SDG-11 (Sustainable cities and communities)