KPMG's Unique CSR Initiative Sponsoring Transformative Treks for Students

In the first of its kind CSR initiative from KPMG, they have experimented with a vision close to that of Indiahikes. That is, a vision to make trekking, the challenges and rewards in the outdoors available to everyone.  

Indiahikes worked together with KPMG’s CSR wing to lay down the fundamental objectives of a novel venture. The idea was to create an experience for students from two NGOs in Bangalore to explore, enjoy and reflect on a short day trek.  

Both NGO’s, Shishu Mandir and Samriddhi Trust  focus on working with students from socially and financially marginalised backgrounds. Shishu Mandir works towards providing holistic education to students and specifically girl children, thus allowing them to break from the cycle of poverty. Samriddhi Trust on a similar note, works with out-of-school children of migrant workers in Bangalore. 

A trek plan was designed keeping in mind the objectives of helping students relate to their natural surroundings on a trek and enjoy the journey as a group.

How was this trek facilitated to improve student’s connection with nature and themselves?

On the first trek, 37 students from Shishu Mandir between the ages of 14-16 trekked to Bananthi Mari Betta. Initially, the trek leaders from Indiahikes observed that the students were not engaging with the whole group. They were almost exclusively walking and talking only within their own cliques. 

Indiahikes trek leaders facilitated ice-breaking sessions to encourage group interaction, but these had limited success. At the summit, the students participated in an introspective activity, writing postcards to themselves about their feelings, dreams, and future aspirations. This reflection, after spending quiet time alone, helped them connect more deeply with the trek and the natural environment.

During the trek, the students were actively taking part in the ‘Ecobag activity’ wherein they were led through the process of leaving the hillside in a cleaner condition than they found it. Further, they had the chance to discuss and reflect upon the impact humans have on the environment. 

Upon the descent from the trek, the facilitators of the trek expressed that the students who were mostly shy and chatting amongst themselves were now more open after the trek and activities. They were even initiating deeper conversation with those from both KPMG and Indiahikes!

Activities designed and integrated in the sphere of learning by doing are better ingrained when these thoughts and ideas are formulated by the students in their own words. This is a key aspect an informal outdoor excursion apart from that of an experiential learning trek.

What did the students share with us after their first trek?

For many of the students this trek was the first time they were embarking on a trek as a conscious activity and while they were not new to the outdoors, it was the first time the outdoors were not just a backdrop but both the destination and journey. 

During the reflection session following the descent one student said “After this trek, I am able to see that good things often come after a struggle”. 

A couple of students who were undecided about which course or career path to follow next said that they came back from the trek with more clarity about what they wanted to pursue since they had time completely to themselves at the summit.

Another student said “Nature is fine on its own and it is us humans who have spoilt it”, reflecting upon the Ecobag activity.

How was KPMG’s CSR initiative unique? 

Due to KPMG’s support, they made it possible to improve inclusivity when it comes to enjoying a trek. KPMG went the extra mile in their CSR initiatives beyond a namesake gesture. They actively took part in the design of the objectives and even had a few employees engage and take part in the trek. 

As some students mentioned, the trek brought about a new found clarity in them. Through their thoughtful gesture, KPMG sponsored a transformative trek experience for students who otherwise might not have had the opportunity.

Why Indiahikes to support unique, transformative and special treks?

We work towards creating a reality out of our founding vision of “Everyone Must trek”. Trekking, especially in India, was until recently an elite sporting activity. It was not one which was enjoyed by all sections of society. Furthermore, smaller local treks were highly underappreciated and unknown. We work towards slowly but steadily changing this reality. 

When we design activities for experiential learning, the trek choice, facilitation and intended outcomes, everything is carefully planned in consultation with the corporate group and their objectives. 

We work towards complementing these objectives given our extensive experience in leading and designing treks to bring about a transformative experience. One where any trekker is empowered to trek mindfully and immerse themselves in all that a trek has to offer.

As for students, we believe that certain values and attitudes are best learnt through experimentation, adventure and first hand experience of doing and not through theories or textbooks. 

Whether it is leadership qualities or responsibility, when students are exposed to real situations with real consequences in unpredictable natural conditions, the outdoors are already the best organic teachers, providing challenges and awe-inspiring scenery.