Tour as Education

This article focuses on education tour benefits and experience shared by students  of Faculty of Agriculture, SKUAST-K after taking part in all India Education Tour 2024. The benefits of educational tours are explained below:

(i) Interactive Learning: Field trips help students to interact with what they are learning. The experience goes beyond reading about a concept; students are able to see it, manipulate it or participate in it physically. These tours provide the students with the opportunity of learning through travel, especially to places that they may not otherwise get to visit.

(ii) Entertainment: The learning trips also provide entertainment for students. They often act as a powerful motivator for students. Breaking away from the routine provides students refreshment that might make them more focused back in the studies. Learning and fun always make a great combination. Field trips are considered as a fun, but the students learn as well, whether they realize it or not.

(iii) Social Interaction: Getting away from the routine atmosphere of the college or school gives students an opportunity to spend time with each other in a new environment. They may be able to connect on more of a personal level without the structure of the normal School/College day. Students may be able to spend much of the educational trip day in small groups, observing, chatting and learning about each other. Having a trip in the early part of the term or semester is wise since it allows the students to know each other very well. Also, leaving the classroom for an educational tour places students in a different social environment.

(iv) New Experiences: Many students do not get to experience the typical trip locations with their families. Because of money constraints or lack of resources, not all parents are able to take their kids to zoos, museums and other field trip destinations. An educational trip gives the opportunity for students to experience new venues or places.  Moreover, when students and teachers are together going on a trip, new educational environments and experiences are possible.

(v) Better Exposure: Better exposure is yet another benefit of educational tours. Students get to visit new places and this is a great opportunity for students who do not get many opportunities to go on trips. Especially for curious students who have the constant urge for learning new things, these educational tours are a great way of putting their knowledge as well as experiences to test.

(vi) Passion for Travel: When students realize how much they enjoy travelling, it can open new doors for them. They might decide to study abroad to more thoroughly immerse themselves in different cultures. They may also be more likely to travel independently in the future, continuing to broaden their understanding of the world. (vii) Cultural Observation: Students experience a different culture through their eyes. Such experiences can help students develop more compassion for people from different styles of life. It can also help them to reflect on how these issues affect people near their home, inspiring them to work toward change.

(viii) Better Academic Performance: On an educational tour, students get to experience different styles of teaching and see a new side to their subject of study. When able to see, touch and smell the very things they have learned about in books, students return to the classroom with a deeper connection and greater motivation for their studies.

The All India Tour journey, organized by SKUAST-K Faculty of Agriculture, Wadura, was transformative for all participants. As part of the  4th-year education program, the 21-day tour provided valuable observation opportunities in various institutions and research works. Led by Dr. Bilal, the tour in-charge, comprising 52 students and 2 faculty members, the journey began on February 15, 2024.

We departed early morning on February 15, 2024 from the College of Agriculture, Wadura, and gathered at Sopore railway station, boarding a train to Banihal. After arriving Banihal, we continued journey towards Jammu, stopping at Peerah for a delicious lunch of Rajma Chawal. En route through the scenic landscapes of Jammu and Kashmir, we were captivated by the region's beauty. Following dinner, we spent the night in Jammu, marking the start of an unforgettable adventure filled with learning, exploration, and camaraderie.

On February 16, 2024, at 8:10 pm, we traveled from Jammu Tawi to Delhi aboard the Shalimar Malani train. Interacting with fellow passengers from diverse backgrounds added to the memorable adventure. After arriving in Delhi at 10:45 am, we enjoyed lunch and prepared for our next journey. Boarding the Kerala Express train at 8:10 pm on February 17, 2024, we embarked on a three-day journey from Delhi to Ernakulam Town, Kerala. This long train travel offered a fascinating and memorable train adventure. As we traversed diverse landscapes, interacting with fellow passengers and sharing stories enriched the experience.

After reaching Kerala, we refreshed ourselves following the lengthy train journey. The next day, we explored various agricultural institutions, including Kerala Agriculture University, where we received a warm welcome. Our time at the university involved engaging discussions with scientists and scholars, providing valuable insights into their research efforts. We also embarked on field visits, gaining firsthand exposure to ongoing agricultural studies and innovative methodologies.

Additionally, we explored popular tourist destinations such as Marari Beach and forts, indulging in the local culture and enjoying the serene beauty of Kerala. Overall, the trip was enlightening and enjoyable, deepening our understanding of agricultural research while allowing us to experience the rich cultural and natural heritage of Kerala.

Reluctantly leaving Kerala, we embarked on a one-day train journey from Ernakulam Town to Bangalore on February 22. Upon our arrival in Bangalore, we wasted no time in immersing ourselves in the local agricultural scene.

Visiting institutions like the College of Horticulture, we engaged in insightful discussions with scientists and scholars, gaining valuable insights into their ongoing research efforts.

On February 26, 2024, we embarked on the YNK KCG Express from Bangalore, arriving in Hyderabad the next day. Over the ensuing three days, our Hyderabad stay  was filled with excitement and exploration.

During our four-day stay in Delhi, we began with a visit to the prestigious ICAR institution, delving into agricultural research. Besides JNU visit, subsequent days were dedicated to exploring Delhi's iconic landmarks.

On March 6, 2024, we began our journey back towards Jammu and Kashmir from Delhi.  As we returned home safely, we cherished the memories and experiences of this transformative adventure in our hearts.

Professor (Dr). Bilal Ahmad,  Head, Div. of Agri.  Econ & Statistics, FoA, SKUAST-K