Youngsters are a busy lot this summer

PUNE: From trekking to canvassing for politicians, collegians have had their hands full this summer as they go about exploring newer avenues to make their holidays more fruitful. While some have turned into fitness freaks, others have taken up a hobby that they find time to pursue only during holidays.
For Gaurav Ogale, who just appeared for his HSC exams, the vacations provided a unique opportunity to visit a place he had been wanting to for a long timeAuroville, a small town in Tamil Nadu.The concept is to explore humanity irrespective of nationality and religion. "I had seen a documentary on Auroville and thought it was a place I should visit since they conduct quite a few workshops on art. Having stayed there for a week, I learnt a bit of sculpting and pottery and also furthered my interest in painting," says an excited Ogale, who plans to go back in May, this time for an extended period.
Second year student Devika Deshpande is planning to go on a whirlwind tour of Maharashtra! "I am planning to visit my friends, relatives and also squeeze in a bit of trekking at some well-known spots in the state. I also plan to take up an internship if possible," she said.
The idea behind every activity these youngsters take up is simple: use the vacations constructively and not waste any time. "I met independent Lok Sabha candidate Arun Bhatia a couple of months ago and I knew then that I would campaign for him. Luckily my summer holidays were to begin the very next month and since then I have been campaigning for him," says student Rohit Kulkarni, who just appeared for his third year examination.
There are of course also those who want to make their hobby more enduring and something that can turn into a career. "Singing is my passion and so I decided to attend some music workshops and see where it takes me. I am loving it so far and I definitely intend to pursue Hindustani Classical music from now on," says third year mass media student Alapi Aashay.
But then there are also some for whom it's time to catch up with some cricketing action on television. "I do intend to go for some mountaineering and trekking camps, but I will try and do those on days when my favourite team is not playing in the Indian Premier League (IPL)," says Anup Shelar, a designing student.
Yet others are taking off with family and friends to places where they intend to spend some quality time together. "Along with my family I plan to take off to hill stations like Mussoorie and Darjeeling and after coming back I might go for picnics to places near the city with friends. I also intend to join a salsa dance class since that is something I enjoy," says Rithika Ghosh, a third year political science student.