J&K students visit Mumbai Naval Base, Dockyard; witness maritime wonders

Contingent visits historic Gateway of India

STATE TIMES NEWS

MUMBAI: In a pioneering move, the Government of Jammu and Kashmir under the leadership of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has launched the “College on Wheels” initiative, an extraordinary educational odyssey aimed at uplifting and empowering young minds hailing from various parts of the Union Territory. This innovative program, inspired by the transformative spirit of Mahatma Gandhi, has garnered praise for its commitment to fostering holistic education and experiential learning.
A contingent of enthusiastic students from the Varsities and Colleges of Jammu and Kashmir, on Day 5 of their College on Wheels odyssey on Thursday visited the Mumbai Naval Base and Naval Dockyard and got a briefing on India’s naval prowess.
The expedition provided the enthusiastic students an extraordinary opportunity to delve into the maritime world, with highlights including a visit to the heritage hall and up-close encounters with INS Vikrant, INS Deepak, and INS Visakhapatnam.
The students were privileged to receive detailed briefings about the intricacies of the naval vessels, gaining insight into the cutting-edge technology and historical significance that these ships embody. The immersive experience extended to exploring a submarine, adding an extra layer of fascination to the educational sojourn.
One of the standout moments was the contingents visit to the heritage hall, where they absorbed the rich naval history and its glorious ethos. The Naval Base and Dockyard, usually off-limits to the public, opened their gates to the aspiring minds, allowing them to witness firsthand the operations and infrastructure that safeguard the country’s maritime interests.
The hallmark of the day was the first hand encounter with cutting-edge technology as the contingent toured a submarine. This experience left an indelible mark on the participants, fostering a deeper appreciation for the significance of the nation’s naval forces.
Following this enriching experience, the contingent transitioned to the historic Gateway of India in the heart of Mumbai. Against the backdrop of this architectural marvel, students had the chance to absorb the city’s cultural and historical significance, further enhancing their holistic learning experience.
The Vice Chancellor, University of Jammu Prof Umesh Rai, who is constantly monitoring the journey of students from Jammu, conveyed in a message, “I am sure that this trip was truly an amazing experience for our students to step into the usually restricted domains of the naval forces.
The insights gained and memories created during this visit will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on their academic and personal journeys.”
The contingent that visited the Naval Base, Naval Dockyard and Gateway of India comprised 780 students along with their mentors and the administrative staff from the University of Jammu, University of Kashmir, Cluster University of Jammu, Cluster University of Kashmir, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University Katra, Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University Rajouri, Islamic University of Science and Technology, Kashmir, affiliated colleges of JU and KU and Cluster Innovation Centre (CIC), New Delhi. The trip to Naval Base and Naval Dockyard was organized under the supervision of Guneet Sudan, Nodal Officer III. The College on Wheels initiative aims to broaden the horizons of students by providing unique and hands-on learning experiences beyond the confines of traditional classrooms. This visit to the Naval Base and Dockyard exemplifies the program’s commitment to fostering a curiosity-driven approach to education.
Jammu and Kashmir, Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha flagged off “Gyanodaya Express- College on Wheels”, the first-of-its-kind mobile educational endeavor, from Vaishno Devi Railway Station, Katra on November 19. The train will travel through different states, and it will be an educational pilgrimage for the students.
This first-of-its-kind mobile educational endeavor is specifically designed to empower approximately 700 girl students, breaking down traditional boundaries of classrooms and streams. The journey, spanning various states, is crafted to provide immersive, collaborative, and project-based learning experiences, reflecting the government’s commitment to a progressive and inclusive education system.
Drawing inspiration from Mahatma Gandhi’s historic train journey across the country, the “College on Wheels” initiative seeks to instill universal values such as Satya (Truth) and Ahimsa (Non-Violence). This endeavor is not just about academic exploration but also a journey of self-discovery for the students, offering them a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to immerse themselves in diverse cultures and gain profound insights into different aspects of life and wisdom.
In a world where transformative educational initiatives are the need of the hour, the “College on Wheels” program stands out as a shining example of the government’s dedication to fostering a culture of learning and innovation. As the Gyanodaya Express continues its journey, it is expected to leave an indelible mark on the educational landscape of Jammu and Kashmir, shaping the future of young minds and inspiring similar initiatives nationwide. The government’s visionary approach to education is setting a precedent for positive change and progress.