A Bonding to Elsewhere – OBT at Somanahalli
In today's corporate world, the need of the

Day 1: The Hard Work begins

hour is for smart thinking, swift action and

As soon as the students reached the

effective people skills and qualities that are

location of Nataraj Gurukul, Somannahalli;

effectively developed in an experiential

the assigned trainer briefed the students

setting than through classroom training.

about the whole expedition. What seemed

Outbound Trainings (OBT) is such an offsite

exciting also included a sense of fear among

training program for enhancing individual &

the students’ anxious minds, and thus built

team performance. It develops teamwork,

some tension in the environs.

team bonding, communication, leadership, problem solving,

motivation,

decision

Soon after the students’ briefing, the whole crowd was divided into teams of 10-11 on

making, and many other skills.

an average, for easy control and access by
A similar expedition for a day and a half was

the authorities, and also to foster group

conducted by the authorities of Christ

dynamics from the very beginning. The

University for students of ‘Section A’ from

individual Team Leaders were then shown

the Kengeri Campus and ‘Section H’ from

and explained the directions and rules of

the Main Campus. The objectives set by the

the forthcoming activities. The first task at

Management from this expedition were to

this expedition was the “Rock climbing”.

break all sorts of barriers to inter-personal interactions among the students, and thus build a sense of trust, belongingness, and commitment for

and

towards

fellow

students and peers. Not that distant from the city of Kengeri and thus the Kengeri
Campus, the location was a proper set-off from the busy lives of the city. It propelled visiting such sites and locations which one would typically view only from the skies.

The task was structured like a typical
“Roadies Task” as per the students, where the students had

to

cross specified

Landmarks before actually having to climb the actual Mountain like Rock.
“Climbing that rock when it became as steep as 80 degrees straight up was my favorite experience. Taking small and consistent steps, soon I was already on top.”
– Rupinder Dhamija (Sec A)
Compiled by Nakul Malhotra

Surpassing the landmarks like the fields,

No matter the hard work, enduring pain,

village, barbed fencing, and many more till

cuts,

the actual rock; was nothing short of a

tiredness.. The view on reaching the top of

challenge in the scorching sunlight and that

the rock was simply breathtaking. Everyone

too without water, covering a distance of

in the group seemed to succumb to the

3.5 Kms a side. A short sense of joy and

Solitude that the environs offered, thus

achievement had swayed the teams in

enjoying the satisfaction and calmness.

preparation of the big task ahead.

bruises,

rashes,

slips

and

the

MAGNIFICENT

United We Stand !
The Rock Climbing witnessed some truly spectacular sportsmanship

&

an

unbelievable commitment to service by all.
Not being a male chauvinist though, but a great sense of responsibility was shown by all boys alike, which sometimes even involved risking their own well being for

The long period of relaxation followed by a series of pictures, memories and poses faded all the tiredness away and refreshed the students once again for the next task.

ensuring safety of the girls. Ensuring that the girls climbed the rock safely without

A little walk down the rock gave view of the

getting hurt was on paramount interest for

next task and rather a more daunting yet

all guys alike. Keeping the competition

exciting task, which was sliding, fitting and

aside, all the boys were committed to help

crossing a cave. The entry passage itself saw

and serve not only the girls, but even their

some great team spirit among everyone

other fellow mates.

where turn by turn, many boys volunteered to bring their fellow mates down safely without anybody getting hurt. In spite of such efforts, some individuals eventually got hurt, but it didn’t lessen their sense of excitement and motivation to cross the cave and complete the task.

Soda Lemon Ginger Pop.. Arkons.. on the Top
Compiled by Nakul Malhotra

“The Best part about the Cave was the team spirit everyone showed, where each one was

Day 2: Climbing and Rappelling
After a much needed sleep in the night, the

helping, motivating and directing everyone.

next morning witnessed some hesitation

Something I won’t forget ever.”

and tiredness initially, but soon everyone

– Vani Jhanji (Sec A)

was refreshed and ready for Day 2. Early

“The Cave was scary and exhilarating at the same time but it required a lot of team effort

morning empty stomach, the group was made to climb yet another hill as part of

and guidance which made the experience a

their task. This time the challenge was not

sheer delight.”

the climbing, but it was absence of food and energy required to climb that hill. Now

– Navnita Sawanth (Sec A)

After entering the cave, there was only one way to get out of it, which was to follow the light and complete the task. Quite like life, the cave was a decision; once you’re in, there was no looking back. This expedition was also one of a kind for everyone, where even complete strangers became friends and more

importantly

partners

in

completing the task and crossing the cave.
After much pain, balancing, twisting and sliding; the relief of coming out successfully was one of a kind.
The group heard some huge roars and claps for the daring challenge undertook by the

somewhat experienced, the group showed no signs of hesitancy, fear or incapability to climb that hill. Supporting the sense of achievement of climbing that hill easily, was the early morning cool breeze where everyone enjoyed solitude yet again.
After the much needed and rather heavy breakfast, with some relaxation and rest; the group was ready and prepared for the next task. Soon after some walking, the group witnessed some demonstrations of
Mount Rappelling by the instructors. Turn by turn, slowly and steadily, everyone participated actively in the Task.

students and accompanying faculty alike.
The Day ended on a rather tired note when everyone took another long walk back to their camps for dinner, followed by a brief bon fire, to reignite spirits for the next day.

Compiled by Nakul Malhotra

The Last Leg: Obstacles
What had started with a bang, was

“The training made us realize that how important team work is, how motivation

supposed to end also with a bang. What

boosts up a person's confidence and also how

seemed comparatively easy, the Obstacle

to overcome the challenges in life.”

Course was a test of patience, balance and stability. The course began with stepping

– Shalini S (Sec A)
“The OBT was perfect for team building,

stones and a small wall climb, which tested

bonding and communication. Overall, it was a

a person’s agility and flexibility. Due to

great experience and beautiful memories

injuries and bruises of the previous day, the

which we will always.”

obstacle course was made optional and

– Preeti Sharma (Sec A)

voluntary for all students. Still, the spirit of

“ Sure we got some scratches during crawling

competition and willingness to take that

but the spirit of completing tasks and winning

risk was prominent amongst all. Many of

was all above small injuries.”

those hurt and injured, took a risk and

– Aakriti Rupal (Sec A)

completed difficult task like mud crossing,

“The OBT taught me that with team work and

pole crossing and many more. Finally, the

cooperation, we can even conquer mountains,

tasks had ended and it was time to head

literally. It was a new and unforgettable

back home. Although tired, but the sense of

experience and helped in developing in us the

completion and enjoyment during the OBT

spirit of team, and sportsmanship.”

made everyone proud and cheerful.

– Vrinda Suresh (Sec A)

– Team Arkons
Compiled by Nakul Malhotra