Sagar Firdous
Ganderbal,25 July (KNS): The Department of Geography and Institution Innovation Council (IIC) of GDC Surankote commenced a four-day field study tour cum experiential learning program under Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav in Kashmir Valley. Principal Prof (Dr) Rani Mughal inaugurated the event and sent off the enthusiastic group of 33 students, comprising seventeen boys and sixteen girls. Faculty escorting students on tour included Dr. Mohammad Ashfaq, HoD Geography & President of IIC, Dr. Khalil Rishi, HoD Urdu, Dr. Syed Ovais, HoD Chemistry and Mrs Shazia Parveen Teacher GGHS Draba. During the flag-off ceremony, Prof Rani Mughal addressed the students and accompanying staff, encouraged them to make the most of this opportunity to gain knowledge and exposure about tourism and other practical aspects to be at par with their urban counterparts.
Throughout the four-day program, the students actively engaged in various activities and had the opportunity to explore some of the most captivating tourist destinations in the region. Notably, they visited the picturesque Manasbal Lake and the serene Wular Lake, where they interacted with diverse tourists, gaining valuable insights into the needs and preferences of visitors. During these interactions, the students diligently observed and documented the facilities and amenities offered by Jammu and Kashmir tourism, as well as those provided by local communities to promote and bolster tourism in the area.
The main purpose of this tour was to fulfil the course requirement of a Skill Geography entitled Tourist Escort as per the prescribed syllabus of Jammu University. One crucial aspect emphasized during the tour was the concept of home stays, wherein the locals open up their homes to tourists as a unique accommodation option. Students were made aware of how this practice not only enriches the overall tourism experience for travelers but also helps in uplifting the local economy and fostering a sense of cultural exchange. Dr. Mohammad Ashfaq arranged a unique opportunity for them to fully immerse themselves in the local culture by staying in a home stay located in the ChountWaliwar village of district Ganderbal. He along with other faculty members facilitated various activities like campfire and interactions, encouraging the students to develop the same in their respective areas. The home stay and other facilities managed by Khaleefa Travel Pvt Ltd owned by Syed Nazakat Khaleefa and Ikhlaq-Ul-Islam was a very novel concept for students and the hospitality skills needed for the tourism industry were very effectively earned by the students through hand on experience.
As part of their experiential learning journey, the students had the unique opportunity to visit the camp office of the esteemed Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Srinagar. During this visit, they were able to engage in fruitful interactions with some distinguished faculty members, including Dr. Shahid Jibran, Dr. Azra Mufti, and Dr. Farah and provided with an opportunity to understand the importance and functioning of the incubation lab. At IIM Srinagar, the students enthusiastically shared their innovative ideas related to entrepreneurship with the knowledgeable faculty members. In response, they received invaluable guidance and mentorship to nurture and incubate these promising ideas. The visit to IIM Srinagar proved to be a transformative experience for the students. Not only did they get exposure to real-world entrepreneurship practices, but they also had the chance to network with like-minded individuals and seasoned professionals, fostering a spirit of collaboration and innovation.
Overall, the Four-Day Geographical Field Study Tour cum Experiential Learning program proved to be an exceptional educational endeavour, instilling in the students a deep appreciation for the diverse facets of tourism and the significance of maintaining a harmonious coexistence between travelers and the environment.
One student Samreen Afzal said that one of the most satisfying tour of my life. Each day of this trip of our field study tour from skill geography brought new rights and new adventures. The part make it best was our homestay facility provided by the Khaleefa Travel. Every facility including Meals,bathroom,toilets,beds and food are perfect. Every morning we were taken for the morning track in the Lavishing mountains of the district Ganderbal, everything was on time and a bonfire night camp with barbeque was also organized.
Another student Ashiq Khaleefa said that the main purpose of this tour was to fulfil the course requirement of a Skill Geography entitled Tourist Escort as per the prescribed syllabus. One crucial aspect emphasized during the tour was the concept of home stays, wherein the locals open up their homes to tourists as a unique accommodation option and we are thankful to GDC surankote College administration and also khaleefa Travel for providing us good environment for learning.(KNS)