The students of 6th Semester English Honours- Don Bosco College went on a field trip on 10 March, 2018 to Nokrek Biosphere Reserve with the twin purpose of practical experience of the highest mountain of Garo Hills and acquire knowledge about the place. The trip was organised by the English Department under the supervision of Dr. Barbara S. Sangma, Head of the Department and self-financed by the students.
The group was sent off by Fr. Bivan Rodriques Mukhim with Best Wishes at about 6:45 AM from Chandmari Playground junction. The students numbering about 55 geared off in high spirits in rented Boleros and Mahindra Pick-ups and got to experience a number of things for the first time. As Jakrimra R. Marak, a student leader puts it “Everybody got to try something new. Some rode on the Mahindra Pik Up for the first time, some entered forest for the first time while others walked for miles for the first time.” The group was ably assisted by personnel from A·chik Tourism Society, who also happen to be past pupils of the college. As the students jostled among themselves for space in the vehicle, as they rocked this way and that in the rear trailer of the pik-up, they squealed with a mixture of sense of thrill and a small percentage of fear.
The first stop for these dare-devil of students was Chandigre Rural Resort. The students got to see the resort, sit in the “Nokpante”, enjoy its lovely surroundings and refresh themselves with steaming cups of tea accompanied by local delicacy ‘sakkin’. Some loaded themselves with local-made gooseberry and star-fruit juices. Happiness is truly along the way and the students got to experience it as their vehicles meandered along bad roads lined by orange trees. The next stop was the helipad on the fringes of Nokrek Biosphere Reserve. The group stopped here for a brief while to take photos and also to take in the spectacular view around. Then after a very short ride, the vehicles had to be parked and left behind. The climb to Nokrek Biosphere began. It is mandatory to have guides accompany those taking a trip up the biosphere reserve and the Don Bosco College had to have three guides because of the big number of students. As they made their way up the hills and went on their undulating paths, they could see thick green forests. They walked safely on under the green canopy and wherever they looked, left or right, back or front, they could see moss- covered trees with many of them entwined by anaconda vines. Even the pebbles on the pathways were covered with moss. One can well imagine how slippery the pathway must be during the rainy season. Nokrek Biosphere Reserve is a home for a rare species of citrus locally known as memang narang (citrus indica) and this species of plant could be seen scattered in this mountain.
A steep climb, then the origin of Simsang river and the students found themselves in “Abong-Nogani Apal”. This spot is associated with the folk history of the Achiks. Abong-Noga is one of the greatest chiefs of Achiks in the initial years of their first settlement in Garo Hills. This spot “Abong-Nogani Apal”, literally meaning the field of Abong Noga is water-logged during rainy season. It showed deep marks of hooves of animals. This spot is also known for a rare thorny bamboo plant known as “wabisi-wamina” that is said to have medicinal properties. Thenceforth, they trekked towards Matcha Nokpante (Tiger’s Haunt) which is a huge cliff hanging over a precipice. The lane leading to the Matcha Nokpante was steep and narrow enough to tickle the souls or even the most courageous or even those who can take great heights. What was worse was the fact that students had to go in a single file and there was a point when those with bulkier physique had to manoeuvre themselves sideways. The ledge atop the rock offered a mixture of compulsion, thrill and great fear. A few of the bravest of hearts managed the feat and came away thrilled and with a tingling sensation while others had to satisfied just looking at the spot from afar. Even though the students could not feel it, the canes that they were carrying for support got colder as they climbed higher. It was evident that with the rise in altitude there was a drop in the temperature.
The last leg of the trip was to Nokrek Midan (Abong Noga’s Granary) where a view tower had been built for use of the trekkers. Needless to say, that the view from the tower was awesome. It was told that on a clear day, Bangladesh was visible. The return trek seemed to be faster and easier and the day ended with a well-deserved sumptuous meal at Balkasin Home Stay. The day waned but not the spirits of the students. By nightfall, the students returned having enriched themselves just a little more and with a profound memory etched in their minds and hearts.
