I first came to know about this from my close friend just prior two days before the selection date. I searched about it and got myself selected in the lucky fifteen students(YIPPEE) chosen for this trip from our college. On 11th march, we were flagged off by hon'ble vice chancellor Dr. Dinesh Singh from the safdarjung station. We were told that the theme of the project is "Urbanization- Now and Then". We are to visit five cities, which once used to be small, but today managed to be one of the best urban models of the country because of their various attributes. We chose our project topic as 'Temple, Trade and Urbanization', as the cities we are to visit possess these aspects.
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| Ganga bank in Kanpur |
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| Landfill, to be processed |
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| IIT Kanpur |
Our first stop was Kanpur-The Leather City. After visiting a bank of Ganga, which was so polluted by the human and animal waste (GROSS!!!), we visited what seemed to be the mountain of waste. It was a Waste treatment plant, which daily process 900 tonnes (GASP!!) of waste and recycle it for further purposes. This was an impact of the rapid urbanization of the city, as these numbers are increasing month by month. Later, we were shown a presentation in the auditorium of IIT-Kanpur (YEAH!!) about how one classroom grew to be one of the premier institute of technology of India. There many industrialists also made us familiar with the various industries connected with this development. That was for Kanpur.
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| Banaras Hindu University |
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| Sarnath Temple, Varanasi |
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| Bhainsasur Ghat, Varanasi |
Next stop was the spiritual city of Varanasi. After visiting the BHU, Sarnath temple and Ganga Ghats and various museums showcasing the ancient treasure of the city which promoted so much tourism, as tourism is important for urbanization and growth, we came to know few things. First, that the city is of national importance because of the Ashoka Pillar, secondly the buddhist monks though appreciative of the culture, still wants the city to be further developed. And lastly, that the city is itself a portal, through which you can look on the past, and have a glimpse of future. You should visit this city once. (I should left out the great BEE-ATTACK, which gave us a bitter memory, and also taught us that we should not interfere with nature)
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| Bhoj Lake |
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| Sanchi Stupa |
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| Bhimbetka Cave Paintings,Bhopal |
Bhimbetka Caves of bhopal have brought the whole early men era right in front of you. These caves have paintings on wall, of cows, sheeps and horses, made by early men. These caves were on mountains, and such construction at that time at this height left us amazed. Sanchi Stupa was the best place according to me, as the serenity of the place penetrated right through my heart and needless to say, others' too. Bhojtaal, which was believed to be build by the King Bhoj, in 'OM' shape, though distorted now, was something to observe that how well has the city authorities maintained it. There was not a single waste product in the water, and again TOURISM!!!
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| Lothal Desert, Once a port, Gujarat |
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| Lothal Signboard |
Then we entered the Gujarat. The Ad in which BIG B always say,'Kuchh din to gujariye Gujarat mein', flashed. Oh and that was the HOLI day, and yeah that how the day went, you can guess. Full of fun, joy and dance. I realized that my team-mates, as well as of other colleges', we became more than just friends in this trip. We were FAMILIES, and when you are with family, you are right at home. This trip taught us that no matter where you came from, and what may have been the conditions of one's birth, it's irrevelant. What we do as a part of community, that what matters in the end.
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| Diamond Industry, Surat |
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| Sabarmati Ashram |
Well Surat's diamond industry really sparkled our eyes. The process of diamond making from rough ore to the final product was truelly amazing. I am sure you all now wanted to experience it too. Well, better luck next time. (HAHAHAHAHAHA)
The last visit was one of our prominent freedom fighter's house; the Sabarmati Ashram. Yes, you guessed it correct, Mahatama Gandhi. Whole premises of Ashram was decorated with artifacts of Gandhi. Whether it was his spectacles, his staff, or his charkha. River Sabarmati, one of the cleanest rivers in India, was constantly chanting the great words; Satya, Ahimsa, aur Tyaag. With these teachings of Gandhi, we wrapped up our bags, it was time to make the return journey.
Jokes apart, what I really want to say that the return back journey from the Gujarat to Delhi was something which really taught me something. When I was sitting besides window, and gazing at the vast emptiness of the desert, the scarce settlements and when I turned my head and saw my friends having enjoying themselves, the one who hardly knew each other despite being in the same college for months, I realized that this is what life is about. It is like a journey, on which you meet new people, and complete tasks with them. And at the end of the day, you sit back relaxed and looked across the window over the mountains and think that these all was WORTH IT....!!!!!! I can only end this by my favourite author's few lines.
"I was sad yesterday. I may be sad tomorrow. But today I know that I am happy. And this one lifetime, however long, cannot satisfy me." - RUSKIN BOND
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