College on a Picnic: A place which has remained virgin and unexplored
The outing proves a learning experience besides getting us to know our environs
Dr Jahangeer Ahmad Bhat
A day out with the students proves to be a wonderful experience to break the ice and maintain good and healthy relations. A well-organized picnic with all the activities properly planned could help in achieving the goal of not only relaxing but exploring the unknown regions and areas that surround us.
It was a pleasant and benumbed day our Rajouri College went for picnic. In the beginning I was in quandary what could be a view, how should we approach the way that is completely unknown? And many more questions stuck in our mind. Although, it was hilly ride but what we were enthralled with through was illustrious!
We started our journey towards a certain destination that was already fixed. Everyone knows that after tight schedule of study, students needed leisure time to get relieved from anxiety. And what could be better than a day out to some historical place, Park, Museum, Pond or any other attractive destination.
Amusingly, our Principal Dr Javid Qazi had decided to visit a place that hardly could have been trodden by the real lovers of nature. Yes, we shortlisted Phalni, a place located in our state which is 33 KM towards East from District headquarters Rajouri, 7 km from Budhal and 95 KM from State capital Srinagar.
I am thrilled to pen down this write up in order to spread a valuable message of responsibility and simultaneously call up on the administration to foresee the developmental process of a place which is heavenly modified by nature. The place is none other than Phalni, Budhal.
Phalni is surrounded by Mahore Tehsil towards east, Darhal Tehsil towards west, Kalakote Tehsil towards north and Arnas Tehsil towards south.
Moreover, we realised its beauty, charm, fascination, and a real taste of nature when we approached Phalni. The nature ramrodded to inspire us in many ways. In fact we got caught up in a dilemma as if we were in Peri-Mahal (Fairy Mahal in Kashmir).
Fertile land surrounded with Pir-Panjal ranges, thriving river seems to be murmuring with nature. Besides, a beautiful hatchery with parallel small streams running across where one could have a look on different fish breeds.
Nevertheless, people of the village are heard to be living in very peaceful manner. It is having a very proud history. Agriculture is the main profession of the village. Since, we came all the way from Rajouri almost 50 kms, so we took a local educated person along.
We asked our local guide to help us get some food stuffs. He elatedly spoke that we would have to take a breath as we had to climb up. During a short journey we had a conversation over the development of Phalni and Budhal.
He surprisingly highlighted some important shortcomings of the administration. He added that the village is waiting for Industrial development. Education, Drinking water, Road and Electricity are the main concern of this village. Young generation is more attracted towards mobile, laptops and computer technology these days.
If banks and financial institutions proved loan and other financial support to the villagers, this village will see the real development. Medical and health services seem to be more challenge as the people have to travel 50kms to reach district hospital for treatment.
Since we were on a day out with the students, therefore as a teacher we ought to be time caring and also when a lot of responsibility was lying over our shoulders. So, about to rush back, Principal circulated a feedback form to the students and recorded the responses of the students and noted all the needed improvements for future planning’s. In fact, Feedback from the student satisfaction and happiness was very important for us.
Meanwhile, the sky was over cast and no sooner it rained. I could still feel and recapitulate the round big droplets of rain like pearls with too blustery to bear. So, our college decided to move back to our college where students could assemble and made an easy way to get back their respective homes.
Our way back to college was marvelous. Students were sharing their experiences and I heard many girls whispering about their respective entertainment activities. Besides, shared snap shots of what they shot using the college DSLR high mega pixel camera and a group of students sang melodious native songs.
(The writer is a faculty member at Govt. P.G.CollegeRajouri)
KV Correspondent
