Back to Mangalore University: A Special Day of Judging a PhD

On the 30th of September, 2023,  I went on a very special journey that took me down memory lane. Guess what? I was invited to Mangalore University as an external examiner for a Ph.D. student! Yes, the same university where I did my M.Com, M.Phil, and Ph.D.!

I started my journey comfortably in my Tata Nexon EV, and on the way, I stopped at the Institute of Management and Commerce, Srinivas University, City Campus, Pandeshwar. I spent around 30 minutes there, refreshing old memories, and then continued my journey to Mangalore University. I reached there at around 9:50 in the morning.

And guess whom I met first? My old friend, Dr. Parameshwar, who is now the Chairman of the Department! We both worked together before in the B.Com Vocational Course (Taxation) at Mangalore University. He has always been a calm and helpful person, and it was really nice meeting him after such a long time.

I also met other amazing people there like Dr. Tolpady, Dr. Subhashini Srivatsa, who was the Guide, and the Ph.D. candidate, Dr. Sriraj. Then I got to meet other big names of the Department - Dr. Eshwara, Dr. Vedava, and Dr. Yatish.

A big thanks to Dr. Parameshwara and Dr. Subhashini who gave me this great opportunity to judge the candidate. It was quite an experience! Many researchers from the Department came to attend the public viva of the candidate, and it was a lively session.

It felt really good to be back in the university, meeting all these amazing people, and also being part of a student’s Ph.D. viva. What a day it was!

In our life’s journey, we move ahead, but the places like our University, where we learn so much, always have a special place in our hearts, hai na? 

I thought to share this special day with you all. Keep visiting my blog for more stories from my life and journey! I remembered my stay at Mangalore University. 

A Serene Sojourn to Golden Island Buka Korba, Chhattisgarh

As the morning sun cast its gentle light across the horizon, our journey from Ambikapur to Raipur commenced on 27 September 2023, unfolding an unexpected adventure at the roadside, without any additional expenditure,  towards the Golden Island Buka Korba - a hidden gem nestled within Chhattisgarh.

Positioned as a fragment of the Bango Dam, Buka Jalvihar Korba (or simply Buka Water Park) envelops itself within the tranquil arms of the Chorani River. It’s an evergreen lake, not only offering a peaceful retreat but also beckoning visitors from afar to plunge into its water activities and bask in its picturesque vistas.

Intending a brief 15-minute stopover, my companion, Prof. Bashir Ahmad from Kashmir, our faculty guide Mr. Divyaditya Sinha, and I found ourselves entrapped in the enchanting embrace of the locale. The sun raising beneath the serene waters cast a golden hue across the landscape, prompting us to linger and absorb the mesmerizing sunset.

Buka is not merely a nature spot but also a bustling hub of activities. Visitors frequently navigate towards it for camping, horse riding, and boating, enveloped by the tranquillity and untouched beauty of the small islands scattered across the area. Thus, it has affectionately earned the name 'Buka Island.' Gradually making a mark as a burgeoning picnic spot, this is where nature and fun converge, offering an escape from the routine.

The charm doesn’t end with natural beauty alone. Remarkably affordable, Buka Lake welcomes visitors to partake in boating, horse riding, and other water tours without burning a hole in their pockets. Adjacent to these adventures, a meticulously cultivated garden beckons, offering a visual feast of florals and greenery, thereby amplifying its appeal as a must-visit destination during festive occasions like New Year and leisurely holiday periods.

Despite its budding popularity, the journey towards Buka remains as serene as the destination itself. Our departure point, Ambikapur, stands 100 km away from Buka Lake, whilst our ultimate destination, Raipur, awaits at a distance of 230 km. The peaceful roads, interspersed with lush greenery, offer a therapeutic drive, making the journey not just about the destination, but an experience.

The bucolic beauty and vibrant activities make Buka Jalvihar a burgeoning destination, not just for the local populace but also for explorers seeking a blend of peace and adventure. An effortless amalgamation of nature and festivity, Buka offers more than just a break during a journey; it presents an experience that lingers in your memories, softly beckoning for another visit.

And so, as we resumed our journey towards Raipur, our hearts lingered back in Buka, silently promising a return to its serene embrace. Our brief visit was not merely a pause but became a cherished chapter in our travel tales, binding us in its gentle, yet enchanting allure.

At Shri Ram Mandir, Raipur

After a peaceful time at Urja Park, walking through the busy roads of Raipur, my feet took me to a very special place - Shri Ram Mandir, which is on VIP Road.

Shri Ram Mandir is not old, it was built in 2017, but it has quickly become a heart of both prayers and simple joys for people coming here. Not only is it a place to pray and find peace with beautiful gardens and soothing fountain sounds but it's also a spot where you can find a minute to just breathe and be happy.

The temple area is really nice and clean, with detailed designs all over and green lawns surrounding it. Inside the main part of the temple, you find Lord Rama & Sita, while Hanumanji's space is on the opposite side. The whole place, made of clean marble and well-crafted designs, is peaceful and you can really see the hard work put into making it.

In the evening, the temple lights up, spreading a soft light all around and creating a beautiful sight against the night sky. It’s a lovely time for visitors to see and feel the beauty of the place.

Outside the temple gates, there's a lively scene with vendors selling different kinds of chaat and snacks. So, after a visit to the temple, people can enjoy some tasty local bites.

A sweet thing about Shri Ram Mandir is that it offers meals at a very low price of Rs 20 during lunch and dinner, a nice effort by the temple committee, making it easy for visitors to have a meal without spending too much.

My visit was around 11 am, and I found the temple calm and quiet, with soft prayers in the air. But it's also known for tasty food available at nearby stalls. So, the temple gives a mix of peaceful and fun experiences, making Shri Ram Mandir a must-visit spot in Raipur.

If you ever find yourself in the lively city of Raipur, make sure to spend some time at Shri Ram Mandir - a place that brings together faith, peace, and tasty delights, giving a full and satisfying experience to everyone who comes here.