Dean’s Tales of Trails Ignite Enthusiasm at Trekking Club Orientation

The Apollo University campus was alive with inspiration on 5th July 2025 for the Trekking Club Orientation in the Lecture Hall, hosted by the Trekking Club of TAU. The presentation quickly became much more than an introduction but an inspirational demonstration of how trekking transforms bodies, thoughts, and mindsets.

Dr. H. Vinod Bhat, the Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, was in attendance and delivered an energetic keynote address, speaking with enthusiasm and passion about the incredible immense lifestyle that is trekking. He spoke of great Everest climbers that put their life on the line in pursuit of their dreams. “Trekking is not just a hobby, it’s something serious where a person needs courage, discipline, and resilience,” he aspired. Dr. Bhat conveyed that while a technical knowledge base and professional skills may create a foundation for a career, soft skills (outputs developed during trekking) such as perseverance, leadership, and mental performance, are what a person will need to take things to the next level in life.

Dr. Bhat was genuinely looking forward to hearing from Dr. Alfred J Augustine, Dean, Apollo Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (AIMSR), the resource person and guest speaker for the day. Dr. Bhat described Dr. Augustine as a passionate trekker who was an inspiring and motivating force to the student community. When Dr. Alfred J Augustine came to the podium he won the audience over immediately with a stellar presentation that took the audience to winding trails, snow-capped peaks and lush green forests. Dr. Augustine was able to share beautiful photographs from his own treks across a variety of terrains, each photo was connected with stories, accomplishments and struggles and rich experiences. Dr. Augustine was sincere when he stated that with every trek he learned lessons:

• A trek in the Himalayas taught him that there is humility when standing in front of nature;
• A trek in a dense jungle taught him teamwork and trusting your team.
• A group trek through rugged landscapes showed him the depth of his own inner strength and resilience in teamwork.

He shared that trekking is not just physical activity, but also a place for deep personal reflection and development. "Every trip is a chapter in a book of life and a new way of learning," he said, "I come back with memories, friendships, stories, and a renewed sense of self." His photographs covered everything from the beauty of sunrise over ice ridges to moments shared with fellow trekkers that engaged the audience to think about their own adventures. It was an interactive session with students asking Dr. Augustine questions around safety, physical preparedness, and the challenge of balancing profession with undergoing adventurous inclinations.

Dr. Augustine provided practical advice, while his genuine enthusiasm for their adventures fired up students, prompting many to sign up for the upcoming club trips. The event concluded with an overwhelming sense of motivation and togetherness, as participants resolved that it was time to move beyond discussions and plan an actual trek with a small group in the near future. The Trekking Club is now positioned to be a lively hub for students looking for not just adventure, but adventure with life learning attached to hiking trails and woods trails. The orientation revealed that trekking is not just about climbing physical peaks, but peaks of oneself.

The Trekking Clubs student coordinator and faculty coordinator, Mr. Akhil J, Lecturer, School of Health Sciences was successful in organizing of the event, as there was considerable assistance from the Club Supervisor, Ms. M. L. RamyaKrishna, Assistant Professor, School of Health Sciences. The event had considerable assistance from Dr. Shani S. S., Assistant Director, Student Affairs for coordination and guidance during the event. The event was made more significant and colourful for the students and staff by dignitaries from the University including Prof. Dr. K. Bhaskar Reddy, Dean, School of Health Sciences and Apollo Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Dr. Ramaiah Itumalla, Dean, School of Management.

The energy and stories shared during the orientation impressed, piqued curiosity and implanted courage for the student community that The Apollo University's Trekking Club will soon explore new terrains, both in a cartographic sense and in the hearts of the brave souls that dare to join.