JAMMU / BARNALA, Oct 27: Students of Government Senior Secondary School, Badbar, in Punjab’s Barnala district, embarked on an educational tour to Jodhpur and Udaipur in Rajasthan to gain firsthand knowledge of Indian history, heritage, architecture and cultural traditions.
The tour was organised with financial support from the students, Dhun Anand Foundation India and school staff, under the guidance of District Education Officer (Secondary Education) Sunitinder Singh and Principal Nida Altaf. The tour was led by School Head Sachdeep Kaur, along with senior teacher Rishi Kumar and other accompanying teachers.
The initiative aimed to promote students’ educational development in line with the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP). It focused on providing practical learning experiences beyond the classroom, familiarising students with India’s historical heritage and broadening their understanding through experiential and non-formal education.
The first leg of the tour took students to Jodhpur, popularly known as the Blue City and Sun City. The students visited Singh Sabha Gurdwara, Jodhpur, and explored several renowned historical and cultural attractions, including Mehrangarh Fort, Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jaswant Thada, Clock Tower, Sardar Bazaar, Mandore Garden, Toorji Ka Jhalra, Kaylana Lake and Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park.
During their visit, the students learned about the region’s historical significance, architectural heritage, traditions and the importance of preserving its natural environment. The tour provided them with an opportunity to connect classroom learning with real-life experiences.
The next destination was Udaipur, where the students visited Gurdwara Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji in Pratap Nagar and explored the city’s famous landmarks. These included City Palace, Lake Pichola, Fateh Sagar Lake, Saheliyon Ki Bari, Jagdish Temple, Bagore Ki Haveli, Moti Magri and Shilpgram.
The visits offered students valuable insights into Rajasthan’s royal history, traditional arts, crafts, architecture and cultural diversity. They also experienced the distinctive character of Udaipur, widely known as the City of Lakes.
Apart from historical and cultural learning, the educational tour helped students develop practical life skills, including self-management, self-discipline, teamwork and cooperation. They also learned the importance of planning and organising educational trips within a limited budget.
The accompanying teachers emphasised the value of educational tours in making learning more engaging, meaningful and memorable. Such initiatives encourage curiosity, broaden students’ perspectives and help them develop a deeper appreciation of India’s diverse heritage.
The final leg of the tour concluded at Salasar Balaji Dham, bringing the educational journey to an end.
The tour proved to be a valuable learning experience, combining historical exploration, cultural exposure and personal development while strengthening students’ understanding of India’s rich heritage.