‘Travel makes you realize that no matter how much you know, there’s always more to learn.’
49 M.Com and PGDFT students of the College went for a study tour to Gujarat organized by the Post Graduate Department of Commerce. The students were accompanied by 4 faculty members: Ms. Twinkle Fernandes, Ms. Valencia Baptista, Mr. Myron Pereira and Ms. Edrea Picardo and a tour guide, Mr. Amit Samant from Ashtavinayak Travels.
The journey to Gujarat commenced on 7th December via train from Margao to Ahmedabad. The tour group arrived at the Ahmedabad Railway Station on 8th December at 7:30 a.m. and thereafter, lodged at Hotel SK Lords Inn, Ahmedabad.
On Day 1, i.e. 8th December, the tour group visited the Vikram Sarabhai Space Exhibition Centre, Ahmedabad. It is the space centre of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) focusing on rocket and space vehicles for India’s satellite programme. A model of a satellite launcher at the entrance of the Centre fascinated all the students. A documentary on the process of launching of Space Crafts and the activities of astronauts in space ship was shown to the students. The mechanism of launching of satellites was also explained by their Resource Persons through LED screen.
Post lunch, the students were taken to Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple, Gandhinagar. This temple is a tribute to Swami Narayanan, a benign spirit and also to his teachings. The calm and serene atmosphere of the temple filled everyone with a renewed energy. Beautiful and well maintained park inside the premises are amazing and extremely spectacular. The artifacts are well designed and beautiful, especially the golden statue and the paintings depicting the life of Swaminarayan.
Thereafter, the tour group was directed by the tour guide towards the laser show. The laser show depicted the story of Nachiketa who triumphs against death. The show beautifully depicted Nachiketa’s viewpoints and conversations with his father and his encounters with Yamraj, the God of Death. The students enjoyed the spectacular laser show with multi effects of water, fire, lights, drama and sounds. Thereafter, the group proceeded towards the Hotel for dinner and Night Halt.
On Day 2 i.e. 9th December, after breakfast at the hotel, the tour group reached the first spot of the day i.e. Sun Temple, Modhera at 12.15 pm. The guide at sun temple enriched the students with lot of information about the significance of the temple, its wall carvings depicting the stories of Ramayana and the Step well in the Temple’s Premises, which had carved sculptures of 108 Gods.
The next visit was at Rani ki Vav at Patan, which was constructed by Queen Udayamati in the memory of her late husband King Bhima I. The tour guide there gave lot of information about the historic monument. Rani ki Vav has been declared a Monument of National Importance and has been listed as one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Since July 2018, the Rs.100 Banknote of Mahatma Gandhi New Series features Rani Ki Vav on the reverse. Thereafter, the group headed for lunch at a restaurant. Post lunch and after a long journey, the group reached the hotel at 7.30 pm. Post dinner, the group went for shopping on the streets of Ahmedabad and subsequently, halted at the hotel for night.
On Day 3, i.e. 10th December, the group checked out at the Hotel and visited the first destination of the day, Hutheesing Jain Temple, Ahmedabad. It was a calm and peaceful place with beautiful architecture. The Priests were conducting their morning rituals and devotees were seeking blessings of Bhagwan Mahavir.
The next destination was Sabarmati Ashram, Ahmedabad. This was one of the many residences of Mahatma Gandhi, where he lived for twelve years with his wife Kasturba Gandhi and followers. The ashram has a museum depicting the rich history of Gandhi’s naming practices. The 3D Painting of Dandi March or the Salt Satyagraha, Charkha and table used by Gandhiji to spin khadi, three wise monkeys of Gandhiji and Statue of Gandhiji in the garden were some of the features of the Museum.
Post lunch, the group visited Amul Milk Factory, Anand at 2.00 pm. The Person Incharge of Production unit explained the production processing and packaging of Amul Butter through live processes using various machines and assembly lines in the premises of the Factory Unit.
Thereafter, the students were taken to Amul Chocolate factory in Mogar at 4.00 pm. The students had an enriching experience of understanding the process of producing different flavours and forms of chocolates using various high tech modern machines. The students purchased Amul goodies in the premises of Amul Chocolate factory for themselves, family and friends. Later, the group proceeded towards check-in at Hotel Suba Elite, Vadodara for dinner and night halt.
Day 4, i.e. 11th December started with Breakfast at the Hotel. The students explored the nearby streets of Vadodara for shopping. Thereafter, the students left the hotel at 11.30 am to visit Statue of Unity in Kevadia. The statue is situated on the banks of Narmada River with a breathtaking scenic view. In the SOU Campus, the students explored the Sardar Sarovar Dam and also witnessed Laser light show for some time. Thereafter, the group proceeded for dinner at a nearby restaurant and headed towards the hotel for check-out. Subsequently, the group left for Vadodara Railway Station at 12.30 am on 12th December 2022. The tour group reached Margao Railway station on 12th December at 8.00 pm.
The tour was really a great experience and concluded with sweet memories. The tour was educative as the students learnt about space, satellites and systems; production process of factories; architecture; historical and cultural significances of destinations.
