Let the young minds flourish in the shade of nature where true knowledge lies: A Journey of Discovery in Sundarbans
Education is not limited to textbooks, classrooms, and exams. It is a journey of self-discovery that leads to holistic growth. And, what better way to explore and learn than in the lap of nature? This is precisely what the students of Rajghat Besant high school in Varanasi experienced during their 4-night, 5-day trip to the Sundarbans. The trip, organized by the school in association with Backpackers tour de Sundarbans, was not just an educational tour but also a fun-filled experience that offered numerous opportunities for knowledge exchange between the locals and the visitors.
The Sundarbans is a place of otherworldly beauty, where the emerald green mangroves meet the azure blue sky and the gentle ripples of the river dance along the edges of the forest. It is a place where the laws of nature reign supreme and the harmony of life are evident in every rustle of the leaves and every chirping bird. The Sundarbans is not just a place, it is an experience that changes the way we perceive the world around us. It is a vast delta region that spans across India and Bangladesh. It is home to the largest mangrove forest in the world, as well as a rich variety of flora and fauna. The region is also known for its unique culture and traditions, which have evolved over centuries of living in harmony with nature.
For the students of Rajghat Besant high school, this trip was an opportunity to immerse themselves in this rich ecosystem and learn about the challenges and opportunities it presents.
An Unforgettable Trip to Sundarbans
The trip began on March 11th, 2023, with 26 students and 5 faculty members from Rajghat Besant high school. The school was founded by the great thinker, philosopher, and writer, Jeddi Krishnamurthy, and is modelled after the prestigious Kala Bhavan at Visva-Bharati University in Shantiniketan, founded by Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore. The architecture of the school reflects the values of Krishnamurthy, who believed in the power of education to transform society. The journey began with a visit to an eco-village, where the students learned about sustainable living practices and participated in workshops on pottery, cyanotype printing, coin making process, and painting. The workshops were not just about learning new skills but also about connecting with the local community and understanding their way of life. The students were able to exchange ideas and learn from each other, thus broadening their horizons and developing a deeper understanding of the world around them.
The trip also included a visit to the local MC high school, where the students had a brainstorming session with the students of both institutions. This interaction was a great opportunity for the students to share their perspectives and ideas, and to learn from each other. It also gave them a glimpse into the challenges faced by students in other parts of the country and the world. One of the most memorable experiences of the trip was a meeting with a widow of a tiger victim. The students were able to have an up-close and personal interaction with her, and they were in awe of the perilous life of the Sundarban inhabitants. This experience was an eye-opener for the students, who realized the importance of conservation and the need to protect the fragile ecosystem of the Sundarbans.
One of the highlights of the trip was the interaction between the students of Rajghat Besant high school and the local MC high school. The students had the opportunity to share their ideas, learn from one another, and appreciate the diversity of their backgrounds. It was an eye-opening experience for the students to learn about the challenges and opportunities that exist in different parts of the world. Another memorable experience for the students was meeting with a widow who lost her husband to a tiger attack in the Sundarbans. The students were humbled by her courage and resilience in the face of such tragedy. This encounter brought home the reality of the challenges faced by the inhabitants of the Sundarbans, and the importance of preserving the fragile ecosystem that sustains them.
The Sundarban educational tour also included workshops on pottery, cyanotype printing, coin making, and painting. These hands-on experiences allowed the students to learn about different forms of art and craft, and develop their creativity and imagination. The students also had the opportunity to participate in a mangrove plantation drive, where they learned about the importance of mangroves in protecting the coastal ecosystem and mitigating the effects of climate change.
In addition to these activities, the students also went on a mangrove interpretation safari, a night safari, and a full-day jungle safari into the Sundarbans. These excursions allowed the students to witness the rich biodiversity of the region and the complex interplay between different species and their environment.
The success of the educational tour was due in large part to the tireless efforts of the team from Backpackers Tour de Sundarbans, the faculty of Rajghat Besant high school, and the friends who came along to support the students. Special thanks were extended to Itra, Anuprash, Argha Soumitree, Arpan da, Govardhan da, and Gaurav, without whom the tour would not have been possible.
Another interesting activity the students participated in was the night safari. Under the guidance of experienced forest guides, the students ventured into the heart of the Sundarbans after dark to observe the nocturnal behaviour of the forest inhabitants. The students were thrilled to witness the glowing eyes of wild animals in the darkness and listen to the haunting sounds of the jungle. This experience instilled in them a deeper appreciation for the importance of preserving the natural habitats of these creatures. Apart from these exhilarating activities, the students also had the opportunity to interact with the locals and learn about their way of life. They visited the local MC high school and had a brainstorming session with the students there. This exchange of ideas and perspectives proved to be a valuable learning experience for the students of both schools.
In addition, the students also had a chance to meet with a tiger victim widow and hear about the dangers faced by the inhabitants of Sundarbans. This encounter left a profound impact on the students and made them realize the importance of conservation efforts to protect the fragile ecosystem and the people living in it.
Rajghat Besant High School
The Rajghat Besant high school is a unique institution that is based on the same architectural structure as the Kala Bhavan, the prestigious art centre at Vishwa Bharati University in Shantiniketan, founded by Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore. The school was founded by the great thinker, philosopher, and writer Jeddi Krishnamurthy, and it upholds his values of intellectual inquiry, social responsibility, and environmental stewardship. This unique architecture and design help to create an atmosphere that is conducive to learning and creativity. The school’s values are rooted in the teachings of Krishnamurthy, who believed in holistic education that goes beyond academics and encompasses the development of the whole person. At Rajghat Besant High School, students are encouraged to be independent thinkers and problem-solvers who are capable of making a positive impact on society. The school strives to provide an environment that nurtures creativity, self-expression, and a sense of social responsibility.
By offering educational trips like the recent one to the Sundarbans, the school is giving its students a chance to learn and experience beyond the confines of the classroom. It is an excellent way to help students understand and appreciate the world around them and develop a sense of respect and responsibility towards nature. Krishnamurthy believed that true education is not just about acquiring knowledge, but about discovering oneself and one’s place in the world. He believed that the best way to do this was to immerse oneself in the natural world, experience its beauty and complexity, and learn from its lessons. The educational tour to the Sundarbans was a realization of this vision, as it provided the students with a unique opportunity to connect with nature and to learn from its wisdom.
