Uttarkashi, In an earnest attempt to bring employment opportunities closer to home, District Magistrate Uttarakashi conducted its first Foundation Course in Water skiing for the youth of the district.
The seven day technical training for water adventure sports kicked off on the scenic Chinyalisaur, Tehri Lake, aided by Prakash Khatri, District Tourism Officer, District Tourism Development Council under the aegis of District Magistrate Dr. Ashish Chauhan.
At the inauguration, DM Dr. Ashish Chauhan said, “there are immense possibilities of adventure water sports in the district. The objective of conducting this course is to make the youth aware of adventure sports and motivate them for self-employment, as well as to instil self-confidence and leadership potential in the local youth.”
Course Instructor Praveen Rangar was full of praise for the enthusiasm with which young children between 13-19 year olds were taking part in the event, “Despite inclement weather and the water being cold, these children are all gung-ho. They are taking in the nuances of water skiing and keeping us on our toes.”
What is heartening to see is there are more young girls than their male counter parts participating in the course. 13 girls compared to 7 boys, these young girls are breaking the traditional homemaker image and leaving no stones unturned to beat the boys at their game.
17-year-old Amisha from Chungibadeti convinced her parents to participate in the seven-day training, for she believes, “There is excellent scope in water sports, and that too close to home. In case of any disaster, we can put our training to use and save lives and also make a lucrative career in adventure water sports.”
Trained and guided by the best course instructors that the State has to offer Praveen Rangad, Naveen Negi, Arvind Raturi, Shivani Gusain, Monica Dabral, Monica Negi, Chief Instructor Virendra Nautiyal are working round the clock to ensure that these young minds take like fish to water, and rule the waves.
