By Ms Mayorin Shaiza
The NEP 2020 envisages for holistic development of individuals and stop rote learning and give way to critical thinking. Did anyone of us ever thought what will happen if sun goes on holiday; why moon walks with us where as trees and car passes by rapidly? India is on verge of becoming Vishwa Guru, by 2047, the land of opportunities. To become global economic powerhouse we need to further ignite our scientific temperament. In order to ignite young minds, Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, University of Ladakh, Prof. S.K. Mehta took a momentous decision to encourage students to go on Educational Exposure Tour during winter vacations. Under his visionary leadership and guidance, Dr. Riyaz M.K Khan, the HoD of Dept of Geology and Dean School of Earth Sciences in consultation with Dr. Sonam Joldan, Dean Academic Affairs very meticulously planned for Exposure Tour to Hyderabad for the students of Geology and Chemistry. Dr. Riyaz M.K Khan made exceptional efforts in supervising the practical arrangements for the expedition, offering invaluable guidance and moral support. It is very likely that this tour has fuelled the passion of students to increase their intelligence quotient by acquiring higher level of skill set to become Enlightened Citizen, in true sense a part of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.
The Winter Vacation Exposure Tour organized by the University of Ladakh (UoL) highlights the institution’s unwavering dedication to fostering skill-based training and comprehensive education. This educational exploration tour commenced from December 21st 2023 and concluded on February 7th 2024. Embarking on this 45-day educational journey in Hyderabad proved profoundly enriching and insightful for the UoL team, thirteen students from the Geology and Chemistry departments, hailing from both the Leh and Kargil campuses, along with two In-charges, and four Research Scholars embarked on an educational journey to Hyderabad. Similarly, students from Dept. of Forensic Sciences went to Exposure Tour to NFSU, Gandhinagar. These expeditions aimed not only to broaden their academic horizons but also to cultivate a deep appreciation for the multifaceted nature of learning, aligning seamlessly with UoL’s vision of promoting multidisciplinary excellence. These expeditions represents a significant milestone in the university’s commitment to fostering skill-based training and holistic education. Despite being a relatively new institution, the University of Ladakh has rapidly emerged as a pillar of learning and a platform for both students and research scholars as it provided a unique opportunity to delve into diverse scientific frontiers through immersive lab visits and interactive sessions.
The itinerary of the team visiting Hyderabad included visits to prominent research institutions such as the CSIR-National Geophysical Research Institute (CSIR-NGRI), International Advanced Research Centre for Powder Metallurgy and New Materials (ARCI), CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR-IICT), and Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) located in Kothagudem, Bhadradri Kothagudem District, Telangana State, approximately 187 km away from Hyderabad. Each visit offered valuable insights and hands-on experiences, enabling students to broaden their understanding of various scientific disciplines. Among the highlights were explorations into Paleomagnetic Research, Electric Geophysics, Hydrogeochemistry, Seismic Analysis, and Computational Geomagnetism. Additionally, students were treated to demonstrations of Ground-Penetrating Radar (GPR) technology. The UoL team visited IICT with the intention to learn different types of analytical instrument analysis in Analytical & Structural Chemistry, which include the Centre for Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, Centre for Mass Spectrometry, Centre for X-ray crystallography, Elemental & separation sciences. In ARCI, the UoL team experienced the research and development process, providing a glimpse into the industrial world. And had the opportunity to witness operations at the GDK 7LEP Singareni underground coal mine and open-cast mine. The tour also included visits to essential infrastructural facilities such as the Singareni Thermal Power Plant (STPP) and Coal Analytical Laboratory, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the coal mining and energy sectors.
The site visit provided invaluable hands-on experiences, allowing students to directly observe the intricacies of processes and instrumentation utilized in laboratory settings. At the heart of the program lay a core emphasis on the multifaceted nature of interdisciplinary subjects like chemistry, geology, geophysics and hydrology, alongside their diverse applications across various sectors. Through a combination of lectures, discussions, and interactive sessions with experts, the aim was to enrich the students’ knowledge base, nurturing a deeper understanding of these subjects and their real-world implications. Through these diverse experiences, students not only gained practical knowledge but also developed essential skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration and teamwork abilities. Moreover, the tour encouraged cultural exchange and solidarity among students from diverse regions of India, enhancing their overall learning experience.
Reflecting on the trip, Ms. Hakima Tabassum, a 2nd semester Geology student, remarks on the significance of the exposure for geology students. She emphasizes how the trip expanded their horizons by allowing them to explore geology in different contexts, unveiling new avenues for research and job opportunities. Ms. Mehroon Nissa and her friend, both 4th semester students from geology department, express their satisfaction with the exposure trip, highlighting the opportunity to conduct sample analyses at CSIR-NGRI and engage in meaningful interactions with scientists at the institute. They eagerly anticipate further research based on their experiences at CSIR-NGRI, emphasizing the trip’s impact on their academic pursuits. Mr. Mohammad Hussain, a 4th semester student from the Chemistry Department, shares how the exposure tour fueled his passion for research and academic studies. Inspired by the experience, he now harbors ambitions of pursuing his dissertation and eventually obtaining a Ph.D. from a prestigious institution like CSIR-IICT, Hyderabad. Adding to the discourse, Ms. Fiza Banoo a 4th semester student from the Chemistry Department highlight the interdisciplinary nature of modern education. She emphasizes how the exposure trip not only enhanced their understanding of chemistry but also shed light on its pivotal role in fields such as geology and thereby making it evident that at top all the disciplines merges. This realization, she notes, the importance of being well-versed in various subjects in today’s era. Ms. Stanzin Angmo, a Research Scholar in the MRDP Project, advocates for the inclusion of such exposure tours across all departments at the UoL. She describes the tour as a real eye-opener, urging for its incorporation as a mandatory component of the university’s curriculum.
The main goal of such program as envisaged was to encourage students to explore beyond their usual subjects and spark their interest in different areas of study. In today’s world, where new ideas often come from combining different fields, the tour successfully helped students develop the skills they need to succeed in a rapidly changing job market. In essence, the Exposure Tour organized by UoL during winter vacation, emerged as a transformative experience for students, providing them with invaluable insights, interdisciplinary learning, and igniting aspirations for future academic and professional endeavours. As testimonials affirm, such initiatives not only enrich students’ educational journeys but also equip them with the skills and inspiration needed to excel in their chosen fields. It also served as a catalyst for academic and personal growth, empowering students to become future leaders and innovators in their respective fields. As the university continues to expand and evolve, such initiatives reaffirm its commitment to excellence in education and research. I personally feel and request Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, UoL, Prof. S.K. Mehta to include it as part of PG curriculum as per NEP 2020 guidelines for all the students irrespective of their departmental affiliations. Since UT of Ladakh is located at extreme northern part of India, this type of mandatory tour will provide a Pan-India outlook for students of UoL. The seeds planted in young minds through this initiative will undoubtedly sprout into empowered citizens poised to contribute meaningfully to society.
The students extend their deepest gratitude to the Honorable Vice Chancellor, Prof. S.K. Mehta as his guidance has not only been unwavering but also a beacon of hope, encouraging students to transcend their limits and embrace a culture of relentless exploration and boundless growth. His mentorship has been nothing short of transformative, sculpting this experience into an irreplaceable and profoundly enriching journey for each participant. Furthermore, they offer special thanks to Dr. Riyaz M.K Khan, the esteemed Head of the Department of Geology and Dean of the School of Earth Sciences, for his indispensable role in orchestrating this journey. Dr. Khan’s tireless efforts ensured that not only was the stay a profound learning experience, but it was also filled with moments of joy and fulfillment. His commitment significantly contributed to the success and enjoyment of this Education Exposure Trip.
The UoL team didn’t merely acquire interdisciplinary knowledge and its real-world applications; they also learned to apply it practically and understand its significance in various industries and research settings. Beyond academic and scientific exploration, this journey tested the UoL team resilience and adaptability. From the thrill of first flights to the challenges of long train journeys, many experiencing such adventures for the first time, every moment was filled with excitement and opportunities to forge new friendships and build trust within the group. In essence, the 45-day expedition to Hyderabad was more than just an educational pursuit; it was a transformative journey that transcended boundaries, broadened horizons, and left indelible memories for all involved.
(The Author is a Project Associate-I, DST-PURSE Leh Campus, University of Ladakh, Taru Thang, Leh, Ladakh UT.)
