Dean Geography Club visits India
The Dean Geography Club and Adventure Society, under the auspices of Department of Geography arranged a trip to India from 4 to 11 February 2013. It was the first international leisure trip by the club.
A group of 21 students and 4 faculty members, Sohail Ahmed Umer (Geography) Muhammed Razaq (Geography) Dr Shabnum Malik (Maths) and Aneela Maqbool (English) were part of this memorable trip.
The Club took this group to five cities of India; Amritsar, Chandigarh, Shimla, Agra and New Delhi. The students visited historical places and monuments like the Golden Temple, Taj Mehal, Agra Fort, Red Fort, Jamia Mosque, Qutab Minar, Tomb of Nizamudin Aulea, Tomb of Mirza Ghalib and Tomb of Amir Khushroo, Delhi Haat and Ministers and President House. Not only this, students also shopped frantically in Chandni Choak and Sakit Mall, Delhi. Not to forget the oldest, and the most popular and delicious Haldiram Sweets, for which everyone went crazy.
Paneer curry, Mushroom Mutter, Butter Paratha, Vara Pao, Chicken Biryani, Jeera Rice, Noodles, Doda and Kaju Barfi and aromatic small-cup Masala Tea and Black Tea was worth trying. They also went to one of the New Delhi cinemas and watched Bollywood movie ‘Race 2’. Above all, nobody can forget Shimla snowfall. It was absolutely unforgettable experience.
The Dean Geography Club also visited the Academy of International Studies, Pakistan Study Center, Jamia Millia Islamia, Delhi, where FCC students gave a 15-minute presentation on the education system, the culture and values of Pakistan. They also introduced FCC and its four-year baccalaureate program and the role it plays in the education system of Pakistan which was covered by various media groups. It was a great learning experience for the students and faculty to visit an international university.
The Formanites also met with the Alumni of the Chandigarh Chapter hosted by the President of the chapter General (Rtd) Kuldeep Singh Bajwa, along with Mr Sodhi (Vice President). It was an honor to meet Gen Bajwa, his family and hear him share his stories about FCC. He also presented his autographed book as a souvenir to everyone and gifted his three books as a gift for the FCC Library. The kind of protocol we received at his home, in India and especially at the border due to Gen Bajwa is worth mentioning. It was great in the real sense of the word. He plans to visit FCC and revive his memories and meet Formanites in Lahore.
As a whole, it was a wonderful learning experience. The students were well-received, well-hosted and well-treated in India. We would like to thank Sir Sohail Ahmed and Sir Razaq for the great fun, laughter and company. We would also like to extend our gratitude to Dr Shabnam Malik and Ms Aneela Maqbool for being part of the trip and adding colors to it. Also thanks to all the students for waiting impatiently for visa and holding on to the adventure. In short, it was an unforgettable adventurous trip! Lots of memories to cherish for long!
