ICSK Khaitan Students Complete ‘Proud to be an Indian’ Trip

Those six days changed me, my attitude towards the world, perspective of India and so much more. In a trip that lasted too short, we got glimpses of the poorest and most suffering sections of the society and also the India‘s rich heritage, splendour and the formidable might of our defence forces. Our stay in Delhi was at The Ashoka, the historic hotel which is one of the most renowned ones in Delhi. On Sunday, the 25^th of Jan. on the day of our arrival, we visited the Qutub Minar, the legacy that Qutbuddin Aibakand Iltutmish had left in Delhi. The ruins of Quwwat Al Islam mosque was inside the complex as was the 3000 year old Iron Pillar of Delhi which is yet to rust. It was followed by a cultural show organized for us at the house of MP Kodikunnil Suresh. On 26^th, The Republic Day, it started early. We witnessed some of the best regiments in the world march before us including the only all women regiment in the world. The parade reflected the theme of the year; women empowerment. It filled our hearts with pride to see the indigenously developed Pinaca Missile and the Sukhoi-30 Light Combat Aircraft that delighted the crowd with a Vertical Charlie during the Fly Past. After lunch, we left for Jaipur. The six hour long bus journey was made lively by the mini competitions and bouts of singing that ensued. On the morning of 27^th, we left from Radisson Blu Jaipur for Ajmer, again a three hour long journey. Ajmer was a mixture of piety and suffering; it had a set of indigenous people who had ingeniously found ways to live doing all kinds of small trading and business. People of all faiths, Hindus and Muslims in particular flocked in thousands to this holy place. The suffering we saw on the roads brought tears to our eyes; some scenes were too heart-breaking to be described by words. What we saw there made me realize how lucky we were and helped me move closer to God. The same evening, we visited the ChokiDhani, a small complex in Jaipur constructed to resemble a traditional Rajasthani village. Elephant rides and camel rides were the attractions and beady Jhumkasand likes were sold to visitors. A Rajasthani Thali was served with all the traditional food items of the state, one after the other served by male servers whose love and cheeriness added taste to the meal. On the morning of 28^th, we visited the Institute for Gandhian Studies at the Jaipur University. Retired IAS officer and renowned social worker Mr. D. R. Mehta, founder of the Mahavir Viklang Samiti invited us to his Hospital where all amputated people were given suitable limbs for free. He gave an inspiring account of his socially committed life. We left for Delhi the same day after lunch. On the morning on 29^th , the team visited the Red fort, the place from where India was once administrated. After the brief visit, we went for the Beating Retreat Ceremony that brought a culmination to the Republic Day Celebrations. The hour long show comprised the bands of the bands of all three forces perform before a large audience including the President of India, Vice President of India, Prime Minister , Defence Minister and other prominent personalities like the ex-PM  Dr. Manmohan Singh. From the venue, the Sansad or Parliament House was visible. As the night approached, the bulbs on all buildings in Raisina Hill were switched on to give a magical glow to the atmosphere presenting a feast for the eyes. We had the farewell meeting on 29^th night where we shared our experiences and got our certificates. We were asked opinions on how this could be improved. On the 30^th, Martyrs Day, we left for the Rajghat for the Prayer for the father of our nation. The President, Vice president, Prime Minister, Defence Minister, Commanders of all defence forces, Dr. Manmohan Singh, Mrs. Sonia Gandhi etc. came within five metres from us to pay their respects to Bapu. After the Gun salute, we were also allowed to pay our respects to the Mahatma. After this, we left for the Vigyan Bhavan, which houses the HRD ministry. An exclusive two hours long interaction with Smt. Smriti Irani transpired during which we deliberated about the challenges that NRI students face in education and about the problems of India in general. After this, we returned to our hotel and had an emotional ‘Last Supper’ which was to be our last before we left for our respective foster lands. After the late lunch buses started departing to the airport for flights which departed at various times. And as our bus approached, the tour officially came to an end. We said melancholy goodbyes to our new friends and the loving, friendly crew and organizers. Thus ended our journey, before what we had seen had actually sunk in our minds. We felt really proud to Indians as chosen by Asianet News for this Privileged visit.

Master Mohammad Mishal and Master Basil Mohammed Habeeb

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