Mission & Story
Our mission is to enable and promote travel, tourism, adventure spirit, national intergration and Education & Health by providing hostels of good standards to millions of youth of limited means during their travel at affordable rates on a sustainable basis and by organizing adventure and educational events and to develop understanding among youth about social & development issues.
VISION
To become a centre of safe, affordable and clean accommodation for young people during their travel, to enourage youth travelling in India and education & understanding through personal experience.
Historical Background of Hostelling Movement
In World
The Youth Hostel Movement is the brainchild of an eminent German school teacher, Mr. Richard Schirrmann, the founder of the Youth Hostel Movement. He set up the first Youth Hostel in 1912 in Altenia, Germany, in his own school building so as to provide convenient accommodation to students involved in hiking activities. The Youth Hostel movement started growing up and as a consequence, the Youth Hostels Association was formed in Germany in 1919. The inauguration of the International Youth Hostel Federation (IYHF) was an outcome of the first International Youth Hostel Federation Conference held in Amsterdam in 1932. With this, the YH Movement gained momentum and more Youth Hostels were established in Europe with hygienic and sanitary conditions.
In India
The Youth Hostel Movement had found its way into India before the partition of the country in 1947. The idea was introduced in the early forties by the Boy Scouts and Girls Guides of India, Punjab Circle, after that the first Youth Hostel was formally opened at Tara Devi near Shimla on June 9’ 1945, inaugurated by H E Sir Bertrand Glancy, Chief Scout and Governor of the Punjab.
In 1949, some enthusiasts in Mysore set up a Committee to promote the movement in India. Three years later the Indian Association received the Associate membership of the International Youth Hostel Federation. The first National Conference of the Youth Hostels Association of India (YHAI) was held in 1956 in Delhi which marked the establishment of the movement on a National level, that received encouragement and appreciation from Late Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru, the then Prime Minister of India.
On 5th Oct., 1970, National Youth Hostel Trust was created through a Resolution passed by the National Council of YHAI, a day earlier. As a result, a 120-bed Youth Hostel complex in Chanakyapuri, New Delhi , inaugurated by the former President of India, Shri Neelam Sanjeeva Reddy. A Training Centre equipped with audiovisual aids and a Recreation Centre with indoor games and library facilities was inaugurated in 1992, by Shree John Bourke, the first Vice President- IYHF. Since then, the Training Centre has been approved by IYHF for training of the international participants.
The Plan for constructing youth hostels by YHAI was taken up and the first Youth Hostel built with its own resources on a donated piece of land, was a small 35-bed youth hostel at Jagjit Nagar near Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh, India. An international camp of volunteers helped to construct its foundation. Gopalpur-on-Sea, Ganjam, Orissa was the next Youth Hostel, built by YHAI in 1961.
YHAI initiated conducting the adventure activity programs on the National Level in 1970, with the Solang Nallah Trek in Manali, Himachal Pradesh.
The Organisation
The Youth Hostels Association of India is an ISO 9000-2008 Certified Organization.
A non-profit making social body registered under the Societies Registration Act (1860) as a non-Govt. Organization (NGO). The objective of the Association is to help young people of limited means to acquire greater knowledge and care of the country side, by providing hostels on their travel and thus, promoting their health and education. YHAI also serves on several policy making bodies of the Government of India.
YHAI, focuses at:
Ø Promoting Tourism, Social & Cultural understanding
Ø Youth Hostelling
Ø Adventure Programmes
Ø Peace & International Understanding
Ø Human Development & Youth Leadership
Ø Promoting clean environment
On the occasion of the Golden Jubilee Year Celebration of YHAI, in 1998, the government of India released a commemorative postage stamp, depicting an environment friendly Youth Hostel. HMT brought out a special Yuva watch, with YHAI insignia on its dial. The 42nd IYHF Conference was also hosted in India that year.
The Youth Hostels Association of India has a widespread network in more than 20 states in India with more than 70 Youth Hostels being governed. By this, we provide one of the most convenient, comfortable, healthy and hygienic stay to our members, at very nominal cost. These hostels are located in some the most pristine locations of the country.
Today, YHAI operates in 23 State Branches in India, with more than 300 units. Moreover, it has crossed 100,000 lifetime members.
Dr. Harish K. Saxena is serving the highest responsibility in YHAI, as the President of the association. He had also been the Hostelling International President for a continuous period of 8 years till 2008. This is the highest recognition to any person for his contribution to the International Youth Hostelling Movement.
In the 44th IYHF Conference, Budapest, Hungary-2002, he initiated the promotion of the philosophy of spreading Peace & International Understanding. Following this, IYHF signed an MoU with the UNESCO for the execution of mutual social programmes. Since then, the philosophy became the joint mission. Recently, he has successfully completed his 80 days backpack trip to 20 countries in Eurasia & Central Europe, to promote Peace & International Understanding.
IMPLEMENTING THE YHAI ENVIRONMENTAL
CHARTER
INTRODUCTION
For decades, environmentalists have been speaking about the consequences of depleting our natural resources and polluting the earth. More recently, governments and international agencies are publicly recognizing the fundamental importance of issues such as global warming, over population, deforestation, desertification and biodiversity.
The goal of saving the environment is a high priority for most, but people lack a practical understanding of what they can do on a personal level. There is a genuine need to provide examples of proper environmental household management, and opportunities for individuals personally to participate in conservation practices.
IYHF developed and formally adopted an Environmental Charter at its 1992 biennial Conference.
THE CHARTER
The YHAI seeks to encourage environmental awareness and good practice amongst its member Associations, so enabling the Youth Hostel movement to play its part in environmental conservation. In order to enable execution of this objective, the YHAI addressed seven basic areas which constitute the foundation of its environmental policy.
Ø CONSUMPTION
Management and purchasing policies to avoid and minimize waste, facilitate recycling and minimize the use of materials harmful to the environment will be adopted. Water consumption will be reduced through measures to minimize water waste.
Ø RECYCLING
Associations will commit themselves to use recycled or partially recycled products wherever feasible. They will also commit to recycling as many resources as possible, such as paper, glass, metal, plastic and organic materials, and develop the necessary changes in operations to implement comprehensive recycling practices. Where there are no available recycling facilities, emphasis will be placed on avoiding and minimizing waste.
Ø POLLUTION
As the largest single source of pollution from the operation of hostels is disposal of waste, pollution will be minimized through the use of efficient and environmentally acceptable methods of waste reduction and disposal.
Ø ENERGY CONSERVATION
Associations will monitor energy consumption and seek to minimize energy usage in its hostels and operations. IYHF will seek to encourage use of renewable energy resources and promote projects to this end where possible.
Ø TRANSPORT
Associations will encourage use of available public transport and supply full information on public transport at all Youth Hostels. Alternatively, car sharing will be encouraged and hostellers using cars will be encouraged to discover surrounding areas by public transport, bicycle, or on foot.
Ø NATURE
Environmental concerns will be taken into consideration when caring for hostel grounds. For hostels located in or near a specially designated nature area, Associations will encourage support and protection of those areas.
Ø ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION
Activities and displays promoting the importance of adopting environmental practices, changing personal habits, and emphasising the individual's ability to influence change positively will be a featured part of the hostel experience. Associations will consider making suitable Youth Hostels into special environmental study centres where possible.
Our Network
YHAI has a global reach encompassing some of the highest peaks in the world, to the sparkling islands of the deep oceans.
YHAI is an associate member and part of the world’s largest youth accommodation network- Hostelling International, U. K. since 1952, which has a boundless network in 90 countries, and more than 4500 youth hostels spanning the planet. The members of YHAI are eligible to stay in any youth hostel, in any of the associate country.
In India, YHAI has a network of more than 70 Youth Hostels, starting from Leh Laddakh, to the Andaman and Nicobar islands. It includes both, partnered accommodations under the Licensee Youth Hostels scheme, and hostels under the direct administration of YHAI. A property/ hotel can enter to an agreement with YHAI and can become a Licensee Youth Hostel (LYH), after meeting the basic hygiene and safety standards mentioned by YHAI including price, as this is an organization focused to provide budgeted and convenient accommodation to the travelers with limited means.
YHAI regularly monitors and reviews the performance of all its hostels to maintain their standards and confirm viability. The hostels majorly provide rooms and dormitories that suit individual, group and family stay.
The National Office is the headquarters of the association and is located in the National Capital- Delhi.
It also has 23 State Branches, and more than 300 District Units to provide appropriate and convenient services to all the members, who belong to different regions and part of the country. This also ensures smooth operation of the association.
There are various adventure activities, camps and events in a calendar year that include activities organized by the National Office and the State Branches. The information regarding the programs can be accessed by the website well in advance.
MEMBER NETWORK
YHAI has a member network of more than 2, 00, 000 people in the country and has exceeded 1, 00, 000 Lifetime members. The membership is classified in the following categories:
· Lifetime Membership
· Senior Membership – for 1 year or Two years
· Junior Membership- for 1 year
· Institutional Membership- for 1 year & 5years
The members are eligible to participate in any program organized by YHAI in the country. Also, the members are the only people who take care of the organization’s operations at different level, as it is an association of volunteers who support the global Hostelling Movement.
Ø LIMCA BOOK OF RECORDS- 2013 National Mountain Biking Expedition (for Girls) organized by YHAI in 2011 has got entry in Limca Book of Records 2013 Edition. The Biking Expedition (for Girls) from Kullu (H.P.) to Khardungla (18,380 ft, highest motor able road in the world) was organized from 16th Aug to 3rd Sep 2011. Total 103 Girls reported at Kullu for the Expedition. It was immense pleasure when 86 Girls successfully completed the expedition as per schedule. It is a largest contingent of Girls cyclist that reached Khardung La (18,380 ft), the highest motorable road in the world crossing high mountain passes i.e. Rohtang Pass (13051 ft), Bara Lacha Pass (16050 ft), Lachungla Pass (16600 ft), Tanglang La Pass (17469 ft).
Ø LIMCA BOOK OF RECORDS- 2011 YHAI got registered under the ADVENTURE section of the Limca Book of Records, on the successful completion of the National Motorbike Expedition-2009. The expedition took 120 participants from all parts of the country and started off from Delhi, tracing the world’s highest motorable road in Khardung La- Leh (18, 380 ft.), and returned back to Delhi, covering a distance of 2500km (approx.).
Ø TRAVEL & TOURISM FAIR- 2012 YHAI received the Best Value Leisure Product in the Travel and Tourism Fair-2012, held in Kolkata. YHAI also participated in TTF, held in five other cities this year- Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad, Surat and Hyderabad.
Ø TRAVEL & TOURISM FAIR 2013- Chennai: Following the legacy, YHAI received the Award for Excellence as the 'Best Value Leisure Product' in TTF' 13- Chennai.
Ø TRAVEL & TOURISM FAIR 2013- Delhi: YHAI again grabbed the Award for Excellence as the ‘Best Value Leisure Product’ in OTM-TTF’13- Delhi.
Ø YHAI PRESIDENT’S 80 DAYS BACKPACK TRIP-2012 Dr. Harish K. Saxena- President YHAI successfully completed his 80 days backpack trip to countries in Eurasia and Central Europe, to promote Peace and International Understanding
Ø YHAI RCONSTRUCTED SCHOOL IN LEH-2012 Due to the Flash Floods of August 2010 many parts of the Leh District and its adjoining areas were greatly damaged. YHAI, under the Chairmanship of Dr. Harish K. Saxena took the charge of reconstructing a Tashi Govt. Primary and Middle School at Gatsal, Choglamsar, along with the Deputy Commissioner of Leh (a Life Member of YHAI), and the Zonal Education Oficer of Leh. A relief fund of Rs. 5, 13, 111/- was raised by YHAI for this. The Deputy Commissioner, Leh constituted a Committee of Shri Sonam Angchuk, Zonal Education Officer and Shri Moses (Life Member of YHAI) for construction work. The school reconstruction has been completed and is currently operational.
Ø YHAI POSTAGE STAMP RELEASED- 1998 On the occasion of the Golden Jubilee Year Celebration of YHAI, the Government of India released a commemorative Postage Stamp, depicting an environment friendly youth hostel. On the same occasion, HMT introduced a special YUVA Watch, with YHAI insignia on its dial.
Ø DR. HARISH K. SAXENA ELECTED PRESIDENT IYHF, 2000 Dr. Harish K. Saxena, got elected as the President-International Youth Hostel Federation, after he was elected as the Vice President IYHF, in the 43rd IYHF Conference at Strasbourg. Moreover, he held this position OF President- IYHF for 8 consecutive years, marking one of the greatest achievements in the organization.
Ø YOUTH HOSTEL LEADER EXCHANGE PROGRAMME-2004 Under the leadership of Dr. Harish K. Saxena (then National Chairman-YHAI), a delegation of 28 members visited Pakistan in the month of April’04. Mr. Anwar H. Siddiqui (then Vice President- Pakistan Youth Hostel Association), reciprocated the move by taking a 32 member delegation to India, in November’ 04.
Ø MoU WITH THE UNESCO, 2003 Under the successful President ship of Dr. Harish K. Saxena, IYHF signed an MoU with the UNESCO, of Youth Hostelling for Peace and International Understanding.
CSR
YHAI has always aimed at developing mutual understanding amongst people of different regions, cultures, caste and religion and bringing them together for social upliftment; to educate and inculcate in them belongingness, care, respect and responsibility towards the environment and its inhabitants. Though there is much to achieve and establish in this row, below are some excerpts that describe our efforts:
1. School Reconstruction at Leh-2010: The flash floods in August 2010 caused much damage in major areas of Leh- Laddakh and many parts of Jammu & Kashmir. To help the victims, YHAI recognized and decided to reconstruct a Tashi Government Primary & Middle School, near Choglamsar, which was highly affected, with the co operation of then Deputy Commissioner of Leh and the Zonal Education Officer, both being YHAI’s Life Members. Meanwhile, 60 school children were relocated to tents and to an adjoining school. President YHAI, Dr. Harish K. Saxena (then National Chairman), took responsibility and visited Leh from 6th-8th October’ 12. He, along with the volunteer members of the State Branches and Units, from all across India, contributed to the YHAI Relief Fund, for this purpose.
2. National Integration: YHAI organizes several activities and expeditions in which, people from various regions, religions, nationality, groups and territories come together and participate, thus developing in them mutual understanding and respect. The Youth Hostel movement has welded the youthful elements in the country into an unbreakable fraternity. The movement, no doubt, is a training ground in all those qualities of body, mind and spirit, which tend to make good citizens. It teaches not only self-discipline, self-restraint but it also inculcates the love for humanity.
3. Peace and International Understanding:
· Youth Leader’s Exchange Program- 2004: Under the leadership of Dr. Harish K. Saxena, President YHAI (then National Chairman), a 28 member delegation visited Pakistan under the Youth Leader’s Exchange Program in 2004, to promote Peace & International Understanding. In response to this, Mr. Anwar H. Siddiqui (Vice President- PYHA), along with 32 members, visited India the same year in the month of November. An interaction like this enhances mutual understanding and respect amongst various groups, religions and countries. The friendship thus established makes a significant contribution to peace and international understanding as, people are able to understand and appreciate different cultures and practices, thus building a healthy environment reduce intolerance.
· Colors of Asia: International Youth Hostel Federation had organized Youth Festival for Peace in cooperation with the UNESCO, Korean Youth Hostels Association and other partners in Seoul, Korea, from 15th to 19th July’ 2004. YHAI sponsored 5 participants to represent India in the program- Ms. Swati Parijat- Haryana, Ms. Poonam Kakodkar and Ms. Remediana Rodrigues -Goa, Mr. Mud Dasir Latifi Tasir from- J&K, and Ms. Zeenat Manta- Himachal Pradesh. Mrs. Nishi Rawat, was the Chef-De-Mission of the group. The performance of all the candidates was greatly appreciated by the participating countries, making the program a great success.
4. Environment Awareness: Environment care and protection has always been a priority for YHAI. The organization has a separate Environment Protection Committee (EPC), formed by its members, that ensures the environment friendly operation and activities of the association. It also organizes several environment protection and awareness activities at regular intervals.
The EPC also regulates an Environment Charter, which is issued to the members and the participants. The charter contains the guidelines that are inclined with Environment protection, and also, makes it mandatory to all to follow them. The charter is circulated to all the State Branches, Units, Members and participants, and the guidelines are strictly adhered to.
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