Educational Trip to Parliament, Rashtrapati Bhavan

Title of the event:  Educational Trip to Parliament, Rashtrapati Bhavan

Type of Event (Workshop/Seminar etc.):  Student Trip

Date: 23-24 August 2024

Venue: Parliament House

Name of Resource person (if any) with designation, address, email address & contact no. :   -

No. of Participants/Beneficiaries (Teaching/Non-teaching/Students to be mentioned separately):   Students of Dept of Political Science & International Relations

Name of the activity Coordinator:  Dr. Archana Gupta

Name of Collaborating Agency (if any) with address & contact no.:  NA

Objective of the workshop/seminar/activity:   Develop critical thinking skills by engaging with real-world examples of policy-making and government decision-making processes.

Summary/Description (max 500 words): 

On 23 August 2024, a group of enthusiastic students assembled at the college premises at 3:00 AM, ready for an exciting educational trip to Delhi. The purpose of this trip was to give students firsthand exposure to India's glorious historical and governmental landmarks, including Parliament, Rashtrapati Bhavan, and several other cultural and historical sites. The itinerary was packed with meaningful visits and experiences, providing both educational and recreational opportunities. Here’s a detailed account of the journey and the activities that unfolded

Assemble at College Premises – 3:00 AM

The day started early with students assembling at the college campus at 3:00 AM, full of energy and anticipation for the trip. After a quick briefing by the trip coordinators, everyone boarded the bus, and the journey to Delhi commenced. The long drive was filled with excitement, and the students were eager to witness the heart of India’s democratic and cultural heritage.

Arrival in Delhi and Visit to Parliament Building – 10:00 AM

At around 10:00 AM, the bus arrived in Delhi. The first stop was the Parliament Building, one of the most iconic structures in the country. The majestic building, known for its circular design, evokes the grandeur of India's democratic framework. Upon entering, students were taken on a guided tour, where they had the opportunity to witness both the Lok Sabha (House of the People) and Rajya Sabha (Council of States), also Parliament Library and Art Galleries.

Parliament Library and Art Galleries- The Indian Parliament Library is vital for lawmakers, offering vast resources on law, governance, history, and policy-making, which help in informed decision-making. It houses rare documents, books, and records essential for legislative research. Indian Parliament Library provide in-depth knowledge of literatures written on freedom fighters and national leaders. It has immense collection of more 9 million containing books, articles, journals and research papers. The art galleries in Parliament showcase India’s rich cultural and historical legacy through paintings, sculptures, and artifacts, reflecting significant events, leaders, and movements that shaped the nation. These galleries not only preserve heritage but also serve as a reminder of India's journey to independence and democracy, inspiring current and future generations of leaders to uphold the nation’s values. The students feel glorious to visit the art galleries and acquainted themselves with the historical past of India.

Lok Sabha-As the students entered the Lok Sabha chamber, they were immediately struck by the solemnity of the space where laws are debated and passed. The Lok Sabha chamber is adorned with green carpets, and its seating arrangement is semicircular, designed to facilitate democratic discussions. Students were briefed on the role of the Lok Sabha, where elected representatives deliberate on policies, pass laws, and hold the government accountable.

Rajya Sabha -The tour then proceeded to the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of Parliament. The maroon-colored décor contrasted the Lok Sabha’s green, symbolizing the more reflective and revising nature of this chamber. The students learned about how the Rajya Sabha plays a crucial role in balancing representation between the states and central authority. The grandeur of both houses left the students in awe of the importance of these institutions in maintaining India’s democracy.

Visit to Rashtrapati Bhavan – 2:00 PM-After an enriching visit to Parliament, the students traveled to the Rashtrapati Bhavan, the official residence of the President of India. The Rashtrapati Bhavan, with its majestic architecture, vast gardens, and historic significance, was one of the highlights of the trip. Built during British colonial rule, the grandeur of the building reflects the influence of both Indian and Western architectural styles.

As the students entered, they were greeted by the sprawling Mughal Gardens and the grand dome of the building, which stands as a symbol of India's sovereignty and power. Inside the building, the rich history and the symbolic importance of the President’s residence were palpable. The students learned about the day-to-day functioning of Rashtrapati Bhavan, where the President holds meetings with foreign dignitaries and other important officials.

India Gate Visit-Next, the students visited the India Gate, a memorial built to honor the soldiers who sacrificed their lives in World War I. Standing tall and majestic, the India Gate, with its eternal flame burning at its base, is a reminder of the valor and bravery of the Indian armed forces. The visit here allowed students to reflect on the sacrifices made for the nation and appreciate the significance of national pride and unity

Rest and Stay at Gurgaon Resort-After a long day filled with enlightening experiences, the group headed to a resort in Gurgaon for a much-needed rest. The resort, nestled away from the hustle and bustle of Delhi, provided the perfect ambiance for relaxation. Students enjoyed dinner and shared their experiences from the day, while teachers ensured everyone was well-prepared for the adventures planned for the next day.

Day 2: Visit to Qutub Minar and Lotus Temple-The second day of the trip started with a visit to the Qutub Minar, the tallest brick minaret in the world. The imposing structure, built in the 12th century, reflects the rich Islamic architectural tradition in India. Students were awestruck by its intricate carvings and the way it has stood the test of time. They learned about its historical significance and the contributions of various rulers in its construction.

Next on the itinerary was the Lotus Temple, a modern architectural marvel known for its unique lotus flower shape. The temple is a place of worship for people of all religions and promotes peace, unity, and meditation. The serene and tranquil environment of the temple provided students with a space for reflection and contemplation.

Final Stop: Refreshments at Ambience Mall-Before wrapping up the trip, students visited Ambience Mall, one of the most popular shopping and entertainment destinations in Gurgaon. Here, they had time to relax, enjoy some refreshments, and indulge in a bit of shopping. The visit to the mall provided a lighter, recreational experience after two days of cultural and historical exploration.

Conclusion-The two-day educational trip to Delhi was a resounding success, offering students a unique blend of knowledge, history, and entertainment. From the grandeur of Parliament and Rashtra Pati Bhavan to the historic Qutub Minar and the tranquil Lotus Temple, each visit provided a deeper understanding of India’s rich heritage and democratic values. The students returned home with lasting memories, a deeper appreciation for their country’s history, and a sense of pride in its democratic institutions.

LIST OF PARTICIPANTS