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Giving students respite from the year long busy and tight Academic schedule 2013-14, a four days long educational tour of the children from Class VII to XII was organized last week to various historical and religious places such as Jaipur (Capital of Rajasthan), Agra (City of Taj), Fatehpur Sikri (Capital of Emperor Akbar) and Mathura (Birth place of Lord Krishna) so as to revitalize the students to gear up for the upcoming session 2014-15.
The main aim behind this tour was to enable the children to peep into the glorious past of the country and enjoy the scenic charm of different physical features.

The first spell of the tour was the visit of Jaipur (Pink City). The children after performing all the religious activities/ practices at Gurdwara Sahib in Jaipur, refreshed themselves with breakfast and set out to visit the “Rajgarh” and “Aamer Forts”; symbols of glory, bravery, pride and patriotism of Rajputs of Rajasthan. Situated atop the towering hills, ported by steep cliffs and mighty stone walls these two forts; specimen of mixture of Mughal and Hindu architecture; since AD1000; ruled by at least 27 generations of the same family clearly reflects majesty and magnificence as well as the splendor and grandeur of these palaces. Fort of Aamer reminds us the cordiality of relations developed between Mughals and Rajput by virtue of tieing the nuptial knots of Akbar and Jodha Bai.

City palace, Hawa Mahal and Birla Temple were the places visited by the students in the afternoon. Museums in the City palace presented the vivid description of armory , life styles of kings , Queens , princess as well as the events/incidents relating to the royal families Hawa Mahal a piece of Hindu architecture was liked and appreciated by the students. Birla temple, mouthpiece of modern technology beautifully stands at mechanically carved white marble pillars appears to be, bathing in the electric lights. Students did a lot of purchasing side by side viewing these pieces of art.

Next it was Bharatpur National Bird sanctuary. Though due to off season, children could not view many species of migratory birds yet they enjoyed the cycle ride in this “Pakshi Vihara.”

The school tour bus then steered towards the Fatehpur Sikri , stopping at road side Dhabas of soft drink points and allowing the students to refresh themselves with eatables.

The joy of the students knew no bounds the moment they saw the biggest gate “ Buland Darwaja. Its vast structure still reminds the prosperity of Mughal empire. Other attractions of this capital fort was Jodah Palace, Panch Mahal, Diwan-e-Aam and Diwan-e-Khas, Jodah kitchen and Jodah temples. Three different palaces of his Hindu, Christian and Turkish wives clearly reflects the liberal attitude of emperor Akbar towards other religions. Dargah of Sufi Saint Sheikh Mohammad Chishti was the most revered place in the palace. Akbar had to abandon this city due to lack of water.

The Taj Mahal and The Agra fort were the two most impressive and magnificent monuments; impressed the students the most Moti Masjid , Mumtaz Palace , Diwan-e-Aam and Diwan-e-Khas were the buildings worth seeing.

Taj mahal on the banks of river Yamuna was constructed at a huge cost of Rs. 4 Crore and substantial time, reflect the immortality of lone of Shahjahan & Mumtaj. In the evening the student recited Shabads at ‘Guru Ka Tal’ Gurdwara and saw the places where Guru Teg Bahadur ji stopped and was imprisoned by Mughals.

City of Temple- Mathura- Birth place of Lord Krishna was the last destination of this touring party. The whole area around the temple was reflecting the same look as if we stand amidst the atmosphere as it was during Lord Krishna’s time. Students interacted with a number of religious persons and sought the answers of their queries.

From Mathura a few hours were spent at Brindaban and saw the different temple late night the party after taking dinner left for the Academy.

All this tour arrangements could have not been possible without the efforts of Headmistress Smt. Pawan Sahni. It was her own vision that the students must know the past of the Country and should be able to become knowledgeable citizens of the Nation. She guided the touring party even from Academy and inspired the Children to gain maximum knowledge form this historical trip.

~ Deeksha Singh
~ New Delhi, 4th Jun ’14