JOIN USChairperson of Hostelling International, UK, Edith Arnoult Brill on Sunday said the long pending dream of the authorities at Youth Hostels Association of India (YHAI) is close to reality with the foundation stone being laid for ‘Academy for Study of Youth Hostelling for Peace and International Understanding’.
Addressing a gathering after laying foundation for the academy at second stage, Gokulam in the city, Edith said it was more than a neccessity to set up the academy with India especially Mysore in particular witnessing rapid development as a tourist hub. The city has a rich heritage.
Former MLC and ex-chairman of YHAI, State unit, D Madegowda said it was a matter of immense happiness that the academy is taking shape in the city.
It will be a milestone in empowering youth by promoting adventure activities.
He predicted that the academy will be one of the prominent attractions of the city.
Madegowda informed that International Tourists Federation and UNESCO have extended cooperation to the academy.
Incumbent chairman of YHAI, national unit, S Venkatnarayan described that it was the maiden visit of Edith to the city. The national meet of YHAI will be hosted in the city in the coming days.
Features
The Academy will come up on 23,200 square feet of land allotted to the youth hostel by the City Improvement Trust Board (CITB) in the year 1975, which later became Mysore Urban Development Authority (MUDA).
The Academy expected to start its activities in three years, will promote short term certificate course on youth hostelling for peace and international understanding, besides promoting adventure activities with short-term courses on adventure, nature study, tourism, international peace, communal harmony and other subjects.
The facilities planned include a mini theatre with seating capacity for 50 to 100 people, a hall with 200 seats, among others. The main objective is to sensitise one lakh young travellers.