Akanksha is a Mumbai-based non-profit organisation engaged in the education of less privileged kids. It was started in 1990 by Ms Shaheen Mistri, all of 18 years, with the sole intention of making a difference in the lives of slum children. She and her friends were not let down by the many hurdles they faced while trying to implement the simple idea – bring together kids, volunteers, and spaces. Hard work and persistence paid off. Today, Akanksha has 63 centres, two Kindergarten centres and four schools across Mumbai and Pune, where more than 3,500 children are experiencing a new life full of love, hope, and aspirations.

Nature Knights is a Mumbai-based eco-adventure organisation formed by a group of nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts, came together to discover a life beyond the chaotic urban grind. Started as a nature club by Mr M Asif two decades ago, Nature Knights evolved into an organisation, fully equipped to organise trekking, mountaineering, jeep safaris, outbound corporate training, and more. With the belief ‘the world is not for us to inherit, but for us to cherish and pass on to the future generation,’ Nature Knights has so far facilitated more than 800 outbound events.

When Akanksha and Nature Knights joined hands, it was fun time for kids from the Lower Parel (Mumbai) centre of Akanksha. Sanjay Gandhi National Park witnessed this wonderful event, where the kids got a taste of rock climbing, rappelling, and valley crossing. Everyone – the kids, Akanksha teachers & volunteers, and Nature Knights volunteers – went home with exciting memories to cherish.

A few snapshots of the event ...

Let's be the change

Chalo Kanheri Caves

Introduction

To the base camp

Base camp

Asif explaining mountaineering basics

Dino joins for a demo

The harness effect

Curious

Wonderstruck

Harnessing the kids

Top view of the base camp

In waiting

Tightening exercise

All set for rock climbing and rappelling

Jai giving demo

Belay-ers

Sanjeevni didi - the link between kids' parents and Akanksha - gets adventurous

Packing up

Winding up

Kids with the return gifts

Getting ready for a group photo

End of an exciting day