GMC School connect program and more…

Great Malnad challenge was envisioned by Tandem trails that have been pioneers in organizing Cycling Trails. While they not only, more than efficiently created a mountain biking trail amidst the green preserves of the state of Karnataka, they also focused on some social causes. The main focus of Great Malnad Challenge was to

·         Enable bikers to enjoy the most scenic yet challenging experience of mountain biking in South India

·         Showcase the Western Ghats and KARNATAKA as a premier ‘Cyclo-tourism’ destination in India

·         Spread scientific awareness against superstitious beliefs among students in rural schools and recognize talented students in remote villages along the ‘Road Less Taken’.

To spread scientific awareness the team of Great Malnad challenge came up with a school connect program. GMC School Connect Program (GSCP) conducted seminars in 3 schools each day, with the joint efforts of Karnataka Rajya Vijnaana Parishath. The seminars were aimed to promote rational thinking among students in rural schools, exposing the scientific principles behind common religious beliefs, which otherwise are presumed to be magical.

The GMC team was focused on driving away all the superstitious beliefs to make way for a clear understanding of science. As the kids are the future of the nation every kid must be educated and well nursed to become a wholesome citizen, with these thoughts in mind their seminars were conducted in rural schools along the GMC trail. GMC conducted a Quiz program in all the 10 schools in association with Grey Caps. 3 winners in each school were given merit certificates and books on Scientific thinking as rewards. In each of the 10 schools 5 children, identified to be below poverty line were given 1 year’s supply of notebooks and stationeries.

Great Malnad Challenge was widely covered in many local news channels and newspapers. Most of these publications followed the event closely from mid October to end of October. The event was widely reported around the state. The publications and news channels that covered the event are Deccan Herald, Deccan chronicle, Times of India, Hindu, Vijaya Karnataka, Eesanje, Samaya Channel, Kodagu Channel, Hosa Dingantha, Prajavani.

All in all the 2010 Great Malnad Challenge was a more than successful event with happy and content bikers and many wonderful moments along the long and lovely Malnad trail.