Revisiting Memories: A Heartwarming Journey Back to Honnavar and SDM College

My visit to Honnavar on 26 December 2023, holds a special place in my heart; it's where I secured a permanent position at SDM College, experienced the warmth of its community, and received heartfelt invitations from the locals. The college's management was exceptional, making any opportunity to return there one I would eagerly embrace.

A month back, Sudha, a former student from my 1987 batch at Honnavar's SDM College, reached out. She invited me to a reception at Shri Jnaneshwari Sabha Bhavan on December 26th. Many of her classmates planned to attend, and I was delighted to accept her invitation.

On the 26th, I began my journey to Honnavar. After receiving a refund for my research chair at Madagaon Express that morning, I only paid Rs. 60 for my ticket from Udupi Railway Station to Honnavar. While waiting at the station, I had an engaging conversation with Sri Lakshminarayana Hegde, a businessman from Sirisi now residing in Udupi, about topics like the Konkan Railway and pharmaceutical distribution challenges.

My train, number 06602, was delayed, departing Udupi at 8:30 am instead of 7:32 am due to various reasons, including the trial run of the Vande Bharath train. It made numerous stops before finally reaching Honnavar at 11:30 am. I arrived at the function hall near Daivajna Temple by noon, surprised to find only a few people there. The stage was beautifully adorned with flowers, and the names of the bride and groom were elegantly displayed. 

Click the following You Tube Video:

Sudha and her husband, busy with the event, warmly welcomed me. She introduced me to her relatives and quickly called our former students who were at Rajeev's house. Soon after, my old students - Rajeev, Kaleel, Muketesar, Shukoor, Arundhathi, Panduranga Sanu, Lalitha, and her husband - arrived, evoking fond memories of 1987 at SDM College.

We reminisced about various events, memorable days, and tours. I also had the opportunity to take photos with the newlyweds. Expressing a desire to revisit SDM College, I accompanied them there, met with the Principal, Alware, other faculty members, and enjoyed a tea session.

Later, Shukurr kindly dropped me off at Bhatkal Bus Stand, from where I returned home by bus. That day rejuvenated me, surrounded by my former students. It reminded me of Chitra Padiyar's words, a former student at MGM, "A teacher never grows old in the memory of a student."

ಮಹಾತ್ಮ ಗಾಂಧಿ ಮೆಮೋರಿಯಲ್‌ ಕಾಲೇಜಿನಲ್ಲಿ ಅಮೃತ ಸಂಗಮ

ಇದು ಬಹುಷ ಎಂ. ಜಿ. ಎಮ್‌ ಕಾಲೇಜಿನ ಚರಿತ್ರೆಯಲ್ಲಿಯೇ ಒಂದು ಚಿರಸ್ಥಾಯಿಯಾಗಿ ನೆನಪಿನಲ್ಲಿರುವಂತಹ ಅನುಭವ. ನಮ್ಮ ಸುರೇಂದ್ರನಾಥ ಶೆಟ್ಟರು, ಕಾಲೇಜಿನ ಪ್ರಾಂಶುಪಾಲರಾಗಿ ಎಲ್ಲರ ಮೆಚ್ಚಿಗೆಗೆ ಪಾತ್ರರಾದ ಎಂ. ಎಲ್‌ ಸಾಮಗರು, ಹಾಗೇ, ಪ್ರೊ. ಶ್ರೀಶ ಆಚಾರ್ಯ ಹಾಗೂ ಈಗಿನ ಪ್ರಾಂಶುಪಾಲರಾಗಿರುವ ಕಾರಂತರು, ಕಾಲೇಜಿನ ಹಳೆ ವಿದ್ಯಾರ್ಥಿ ಹಾಗೂ ಅಕಡೆಮಿಯ ಕಾರ್ಯದರ್ಶಿಯಾಗಿರುವ ಸಿ. ಎ. ವರದರಾಯ ಪೈ ಹಾಗೂ ದೀಪಾಲಿ ಮೇಡಮ್‌ ಹಾಗೂ ಇತರರ ಅವಿರತ ಪ್ರಯತ್ನದಿಂದ ಇದು ಸಾಧ್ಯವಾಗಿದೆ. ಒಂದೆರಡು ಸಾವಿರಕ್ಕಿಂತಲೂ ಹೆಚ್ಚು ಹಳೆವಿದ್ಯಾರ್ಥಿಗಳು ಬಂದು ಸೇರುವುದೆಂದರೆ, ಇದು ಸಣ್ಣ ವಿಷಯವಲ್ಲ. ಇವರೆಲ್ಲರ ಪ್ರಯತ್ನ ಸುಮಾರು ಐದು ಸಾವಿರ ವಿದ್ಯಾರ್ಥಿಗಳಿಗಿಂತಲೂ ಹೆಚ್ಚು ಮಂದಿ ವಿದ್ಯಾರ್ಥಿಗಳಿಗೆ ತಲಪಿದೆ.

 ಕಾಲೇಜಿನಲ್ಲಿ ಸೇವೆ ಸಲ್ಲಿಸಿ ನಿವೃತ್ತಿ ಹೊಂದಿದ, ಅಲ್ಲದೆ ನಿವೃತ್ತಿ ಹೊಂದಿದ ಅದ್ಯಾಪಕರು ಅಥವಾ ಅವರು ಈಗ ಇಲ್ಲದಿದ್ದರೆ, ಅವರ ಕುಟುಂಬದ  ನೂರಾರು ಅದ್ಯಾಪಕರಿಗೆ ಈ ಅಮಂತ್ರಣ ತಲಪಿದೆ. ಕಾಲೇಜಿನ ವಿಶ್ಚಸ್ಥ ಮಂಡಳಿಯ ಶ್ರೀ ಸತೀಶ್‌ ಪೈ ಅವರ ನಾಯಕತ್ವ ಈ ಕಾರ್ಯಕ್ರಮದ ಯಶಸ್ಸಿಗೆ ಮುಖ್ಯ ಕಾರಣ. ಅಕಡೆಮಿ ಹಾಗೂ ಎಂ.‌ ಜಿ. ಎಂ ಕಾಲೇಜು ಹಲವಾರು ನೂತನ ಅವಿಷ್ಕಾರಗಳಿಗೆ ನಾಂದಿ ಹಾಡಿದೆ. ಕಾಲೇಜಿನಲ್ಲಿ  ಸೇವೆ ಸಲ್ಲಿಸುತ್ತಿರುವ ವಿಶ್ವನಾಥ ಪೈ ಈ ಎಲ್ಲಾ ಕಾರ್ಯಕ್ರಮಗಳನ್ನು ಸಂಯೋಜಿಸುವಲ್ಲಿ ಮುತುವರ್ಜಿ ವಹಿಸಿದ್ದರು.

ಈ ಕೆಳಗೆ ಅಂದು ಬೆಳಿಗ್ಗೆ ಜರಗಿದ ಕಾರ್ಯಕ್ರಮಗಳ ಪಕ್ಷಿನೋಟ ವೀಕ್ಷಿಸಬಹುದು.

ಈ ಕಾರ್ಯಕ್ರಮವು ತಾರೀಕು 23-12-2023ರಂದು ಕಾಲೇಜಿನಲ್ಲಿ ಜರಗಿತು. ಕಾರ್ಯಕ್ರಗಳು ಬೆಳಿಗ್ಗೆ 8.30ಕ್ಕೆ ಕಾಲೇಜಿನ ಆವರಣ ಹಾಗೂ ಮುದ್ದಣ್ಣ ಮಂಟಪದಲ್ಲಿ ಆರಂಭಗೊಂಡು ಮುಂದುವರಿಯಿತು. ಅಂದು ಬೆಳಗ್ಗೆ 9.30 ಗಂಟೆಗೆ ಸರಿಯಾಗಿ ಕಾಲೇಜಿನ ಆಡಳಿತ ಸೌಧದಲ್ಲಿರುವ ಮಾಧವ ರಕ್ಷಾದಲ್ಲಿರುವ ಡಾ. ಟಿ. ಎಂ. ಎ. ಪೈ ಅವರ ಪುತ್ತಳಿಗೆ ಗೌರವಾರ್ಪಣೆ ಮಾಡುವುದರೊಂದಿಗೆ ಆರಂಭವಾಗಿ, ಅತಿಥಿ ಅಭ್ಯಾಗತರನ್ನು ಮೆರವಣಿಗೆ ಮುಖಾಂತರ ಗೀತಾಂಜಲಿ ಸಭಾ ಭವನಕ್ಕೆ ಸಾಗಿ, ಅಲ್ಲಿ ಬೆಳಿಗ್ಗೆ ಗಂಟೆ 9.45ಕ್ಕೆ ಸರಿಯಾಗಿ ಹಳೆ ವಿದ್ಯಾರ್ಥಿಗಳ ಕಾಲೇಜಿನ ಬದುಕನ್ನು ನೆನಪಿಸುವ ಪೋಟೋ  ಪ್ರದರ್ಶನ ಉದ್ಘಟನಾ ಕಾರ್ಯಕ್ರಮ ಜರಗಿತು. ಅಂದು ಬೆಳಿಗ್ಗೆ ಮಾಧವ ರಕ್ಷಾ ಆಡಳಿತ ಸೌಧದ ಮುಂಭಾಗದಲ್ಲಿರುವ ಡಾ. ಟಿ. ಎಂ. ಎ. ಪೈ ಅವರ ಪುತ್ತಳಿಗೆ ನಿವೃತ್ತ ಪ್ರಾಂಶುಪಾಲ ಪ್ರೊ. ಶ್ರೀಶ ಆಚಾರ್ಯ ಪುಷ್ಪಾರ್ಚಜೆ ಮಾಡುವ ಮೂಲಕ ಶನಿವಾರ ಬೆಳಿಗ್ಗೆ ಚಾಲನೆ ನೀಡಿದರು. ಬಳಿಕ ಗೀತಾಂಜಲಿ ಸಭಾಭವನದಲ್ಲಿ ಆಯೋಜಿಸಿದ್ದ ಹಳೆಯ ವಿದ್ಯಾರ್ಥಿಗಳ ಶೈಕ್ಷಣಿಕ ಸಂದರ್ಭ ನೆನಪಿಸುವ ಪೋಟೋ ಗ್ಯಾಲರಿ ಪ್ರದರ್ಶನ ಉದ್ಘಾಟಿಸಲಾಯಿತು. 

ಅಮೃತ ಸಂಗಮದಲ್ಲಿ ಮುದ್ದಣ ವೇದಿಕೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಬೆಳಗ್ಗಿನ ಪಾವನಾ ಆಚಾರ್ಯ ವೀಣಾ ವಾದನ ಎಷ್ಟು ಸೊಗಸಾಗಿ ಮೂಡಿ ಬಂದಿದೆ ಅಂದರೆ ಇಡಿ ಕಾರ್ಯಕ್ರಮಕ್ಕೆ ಉತ್ತಮ ಚಾಲನೆ ನೀಡಿದೆ ಮಾತ್ರವಲ್ಲ ನಮ್ಮ ಉಡುಪಿ ವಾಹಿನಿ ನೇರ ಪ್ರಸಾರದಲ್ಲಿ ಕೂಡಾ ಹೊಸ ಮೆರುಗು ನೀಡಿದೆ..ಅದೆಷ್ಟೋ ವೀಕ್ಷಕರು ಇದನ್ನು ಕೇಳಿ ನೇೂಡಿ ಪ್ರಶಂಶಿಸಿದ್ದಾರೆ. ಇದನ್ನು  ಎಲ್ಲಾ ಪತ್ರಿಕೆ ಮಾಧ್ಯಮದವರು ಗುರುತಿಸಿ ಪ್ರಶಂಸಿದ್ದಾರೆ.

ನಂತರ 10 ಗಂಟೆಗೆ ಮುದ್ದಣ ಮಂಟಪದಲ್ಲಿ ಹಳೆ ವಿದ್ಯಾರ್ಥಿಗಳ "ಅಮೃತ ಸಂಗಮ" ಕಾರ್ಯಕ್ರಮಗಳ ಉದ್ಘಾಟನಾ ಕಾರ್ಯಕ್ರಮ ಜ್ಞಾನ ದೀಪ ಪ್ರಜ್ವಲನೆ ಕಾರ್ಯಕ್ರಮದ ಮುಖಾಂತರ ಜರಗಿತು. ಇದನ್ನು ಎಂ. ಜಿ. ಎಂ ಕಾಲೇಜಿನ ವಿವೃತ್ತ ಪ್ರಾಚಾರ್ಯರು ಹಾಗೂ ಕಾಲೇಜಿನ ಪ್ರಥಮ ತಂಡದ ವಿದ್ಯಾರ್ಥಿಗಳು ನಡೆಸಿ ಕೊಟ್ಟರು. 

ಬೆಳಿಗ್ಗೆ 10 ಗಂಟೆಗೆ ಕಾಲೇಜಿನ ಆವರಣದಲ್ಲಿ ಹಳೆ ವಿದ್ಯಾರ್ಥಿಗಳ ಸಾಂಸ್ಕೃತಿಕ ಮತ್ತು ಅಟೋಟಗಳ ಪ್ರತಿಭಾ ವೈಭವಗಳ ಅನಾವರಣ ಜರಗಿತು. ಈ ಕಾರ್ಯಕ್ರಮ ರವೀಂದ್ರ ಮಂಟಪ ಹಾಗೂ ಕಾಲೇಜಿನ ಆವರಣದಲ್ಲಿ ಜರಗಿತು. 

ಈ ಕೆಳಗೆ ಅಂದು  ಮದ್ಯಾಹ್ನದ ನಂತರ ಜರಗಿದ ಕಾರ್ಯಕ್ರಮಗಳ ಪಕ್ಷಿನೋಟ ವೀಕ್ಷಿಸಬಹುದು.

ಬೆಳಿಗ್ಗೆ 8.30ಕ್ಕೆ ಆರಂಭವಾದ ಉಪಹಾರ ಸುಮಾರು 10 ಗಂಟೆಯ ವರೆಗೆ ಮುಂದುವರಿಯಿತು. ನಂತರ ವಿಶೇಷ ಭೋಜನ 1 ಗಂಟೆಯಿಂದ 3 ಗಂಟೆಯ ವರೆಗೆ ಮುಂದುವರಿಯಿತು. ಅಲ್ಲದೆ 2.30 ಗಂಟೆಗೆ ಅಮೃತ ಸಂಗಮ ಕಾಲೇಜಿನ ಮುದ್ದಣ ಮಂಟಪದಲ್ಲಿ ಪ್ರಾರಂಭವಾಯಿತು. ಕಾರ್ಯಕ್ರಮದ ಸಂಯೋಜಕರಾದ ಪ್ರೊ. ಎಂ. ಎಲ್‌ ಸಾಮಗರು ಕಾರ್ಯಕ್ರಮದ ಸಮಗ್ರ ಚಿತ್ರಣ ನೀಡುವುದರ ಜತೆಗೆ ವೇದಿಕೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಇದ್ದವರಿಗೆ ಹಾಗೂ ನೆರೆದ ಎಲ್ಲಾಅದ್ಯಾಪಕ, ಅದ್ಯಾಪಕೇತರ ಬಂಧುಗಳಿಗೆ ಸ್ವಾಗತ ಕೋರಿದರು. ಕಾರ್ಯಕ್ರಮದಲ್ಲಿ ಕಾಲೇಜಿನ ಹಳೆ ವಿದ್ಯಾರ್ಥಿ ಸಂಘದ ಸ್ಥಾಪಕಾಧ್ಯಕ್ಷರಾದ ಪ್ರೊ.  ಶ್ರೀಶ ಆಚಾರ್ಯ, ಕಾಲೇಜಿನ ವಿಶ್ವಸ್ಥ ಮಂಡಲಿಯ ಅದ್ಯಕ್ಷರಾದ ಶ್ರೀ ಟಿ. ಸತೀಶ್‌ ಪೈ, ಮಣಿಪಾಲ ಅಕಾಡೆಮಿ ಆಪ್‌ ಜನರಲ್‌ ಎಜುಕೇಶನ್‌ ಇದರ ಕಾರ್ಯದರ್ಶಿ ಹಾಗೂ ಕಾಲೇಜಿನ ಹಳೆ ವಿದ್ಯಾರ್ಥಿಯಾಗಿರುವ ಸಿ. ಎ ವರದರಾಯ ಪ್ಯೆ,  ಉಚ್ಛ ನ್ಯಾಯಾಲಯದ ಹಿರಿಯ ನ್ಯಾಯಾದೀಶರಾಗಿರುವ ಹಾಗೂ ಕಾಲೇಜಿನ ಹೆಮ್ಮೆಯ ಹಳೆ ವಿದ್ಯಾರ್ಥಿಯಾಗಿರುವು ಶ್ರೀ ಸಂಜಯ ಹೆಗ್ಡೆ, ಕಾಲೇಜಿನ ಹಳೆ ವಿದ್ಯಾರ್ಥಿ ಹಾಗೂ ಮಾಹೆ, ಮಣಿಪಾಲ್ ಚೀಪ್‌ ಒಪರೇಟಿಂಗ ಆಪೀಸರ್‌ ಆಗಿರುವ ಡಾ. ಆನಂದ ವೇಣುಗೋಪಾಲ್‌, ಕಾಲೇಜಿನ ಬಿ.ಕಮ್‌ ತರಗತಿಯ ಹೆಮ್ಮೆಯ ವಿದ್ಯಾರ್ಥಯಾದ, ಪ್ರಕೃತ ಜಮ್ಮು ಹಾಗೂ ಕಾಶ್ಮೀರದ ಪವರ್‌ ಡಿಪಾರ್ಟಮೆಂಟಿನ ಮುಖ್ಯ ಕಾರ್ಯದರ್ಶಿಯಾಗಿರುವ ಎಚ್.‌ ರಾಜೇಶ್‌ ಪ್ರಸಾದ್‌, ಮಾಹೆ, ಮಣಿಪಾಲ ಇದರ ಉಪಕುಲಪತಿಯಾಗಿರುವ ಲೆ. ಜ ಎಮ್‌ ಡಿ ವೆಂಕಟೇಶ್‌,ಕಾಲೇಜಿನ ಪ್ರಾಂಶುಪಾಲರಾಗಿರುವ. ಲಕ್ಷ್ಮಿನಾರಾಯಣ ಕಾರಂತ, ಪಿ ಯು. ಕಾಲೇಜಿನ ಪ್ರಾಂಶುಪಾಲರಾಗಿರುವ ಶ್ರೀಮತಿ ಮಾಲತಿ ದೇವಿ, ಸಂಧ್ಯಾಕಾಲೇಜಿನ ಪ್ರಾಂಶುಪಾಲರಾಗಿರು ಡಾ ದೇವಿದಾಸ ನಾಯಕ್‌ ಸಭೆಯನ್ನುದ್ದೇಶಿಸಿ ಔಚಿತ್ಯಪೂರ್ಣವಾಗಿ ಮಾತನಾಡಿದರು. ಎಂ. ಜಿ. ಎಂ ಹಳೆ ವಿದ್ಯಾರ್ಥಿ ಸಂಘದ ಕಾರ್ಯದರ್ಶಿಯಾದ ಡಾ ವಿಶ್ವನಾಥ ಪೈ, ಖಜಾಂಚಿ ದೀಪಾಲಿ, ಎಂ. ಜಿ. ಎಂ ಹಳೆ ವಿದ್ಯಾರ್ಥಿ ಸಂಘದ  ಅಧ್ಯಕ್ಷರಾದ ಪ್ರೊ. ಸುರೇಂದ್ರನಾಥ ಶೆಟ್ಟಿ ಹಾಗೂ ಕಾಲೇಜಿನಲ್ಲಿ ಸೇವೆ ಸಲ್ಲಿಸಿ ನಿವೃತ್ತಿಹೊಂದಿದ ಪ್ರಾಂಶುಪಾಲರು ವೇದಿಕೆಯನ್ನು ಅಲಂಕರಿಸಿದ್ಹರು.  ಕಾಲೇಜಿನ ಹಳೆ ವಿದ್ಯಾರ್ಥಿಯಾಗಿರುವ ಡಾ. ವಿಜಯೇಂದ್ರ ಕಾರ್ಯಕ್ರಮವನ್ನು ಅಚ್ಚುಕಟ್ಟಾಗಿ ನಡೆಸಿ ಕೊಟ್ಟರು. 

ಕಾಲೇಜು ಯಾವತ್ತು ಮೌಲ್ಲಗಳಿಗೆ ಒತ್ತುಕೊಡುತ್ತಾ ಬಂದಿದೆ. ಕಾಲೇಜಿನಲ್ಲಿ ಇದುವರೆಗೆ ಸೇವೆ ಸಲ್ಲಿಸಿ ನಿವೃತ್ತರಾದ ಎಲ್ಲಾ ಪ್ರಾಂಶುಪಾಲರು, ಅದ್ಯಾಪಕರು, ಅದ್ಯಾಪಕೇತರ ಬಂಧುಗಳು, ನಿವೃತ್ತಿ ಹೊಂದಿದ ಅದ್ಯಾಪಕರು ಇಲ್ಲದಿದಲ್ಲಿ ಅವರ ಕುಟುಂಬ ಸದಸ್ಯರಿಗೆ - ಹೀಗೆ ಸಂಭಂಧಿಸಿದ ಎಲ್ಲಾ ವ್ಯಕ್ತಿಗಳಿಗೆ ವೇದಿಕೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಫಲ ಪುಷ್ಪ, ಶಾಲು ಹಾಗೂ ನೆನಪಿನ ಕಾಣಿಕೆ ನೀಡಿ ಗೌರವಿಸಲಾಯಿತು.  ನಂತರ ಮನರಂಜನಾ ಕಾರ್ಯಕ್ರಮ ಜರಗಿತು.  

Udayavani Report

 

 

A Memorable Housewarming Celebration at BR Meadows in Udupi

On December 20, 2023, I had the pleasure of attending the housewarming ceremony for a flat bought by my co-brother, Sri Giridharkrishna Bhat, at BR Meadows, located near the Shree Sai Super Market at Ambalpady Cross in Udupi. The event was a cozy gathering of about 25 to 30 people. Following the ceremonial rituals, we all enjoyed a delightful dinner together.

Embarking on a Memorable Journey: The 74th All India Commerce Conference

My journey began on December 11, heading to Delhi to attend the much-anticipated 74th All India Commerce Conference, scheduled at Delhi University and OP Jindal Global University from December 13-15, 2023. My journey aboard the Ambala-bound Samparka Kranti Train, due to arrive at Udupi at 9:35 PM, witnessed a slight delay, arriving instead at 10:10 PM. Despite a minor hiccup where someone had mistakenly occupied my 2AC berth, I promptly reclaimed my reserved lower berth, booked two months in advance.

The train journey was a quiet affair, with my fellow passengers inclined towards solitude. I respected their privacy and refrained from initiating conversation. Fortuitously, my wife had thoughtfully arranged for Arun to deliver a forgotten packet of food at Udupi station just before the train's departure. This thoughtful gesture ensured I had ample provisions for the entirety of my journey on December 12th.

The Samparka Kranti was commendable in its punctuality. On several occasions, it reached stations ahead of schedule, patiently waiting for the designated departure time. One minor inconvenience was the infrequent coffee service, overshadowed by the more frequent tea offerings. I realized the benefits of traveling in two-tier AC, particularly appreciating the limited number of passengers in each compartment and the absence of ticketless or unreserved travelers.

Upon arriving in New Delhi at the scheduled time of 6:10 AM, I encountered a brief confusion at the station, as the Delhi University helpdesk was not immediately visible at either Platform No 1 or 16. A quick call to the designated helpdesk led me to the gathering point near the Bank of Baroda balloon, in front of the Delhi University Railway Station. Here, I joined a group of early arrivals and took a memorable photograph. The organizers had us wait briefly before the bus departed from New Delhi Railway Station at 8 AM, arriving at Jindal Global University by 9:25 AM. The registration process was seamless, thanks to the well-organized system. Separate tents were set up according to alphabetical order, facilitating an efficient registration process – a commendable practice for future organizers to emulate.

Breakfast at Jindal University exceeded expectations with its contemporary setting and an array of menu options spread across various counters and floors, ensuring a crowd-free experience. The collaboration between the Delhi School of Economics and OP Jindal Global University significantly contributed to the conference's success. The essentials for a successful conference – good organization, comfortable accommodation, and enriching academic sessions – were all present, making it a memorable event in the annals of successful conferences. The commitment to providing accommodation for over 2,000 members was no small feat.

After breakfast, I received a phone call from my group, with whom I had previously attended the conference in Aurangabad. My participation in the inaugural program was slightly delayed due to the commute from OP Jindal University. Upon my arrival, the program had already begun, but I quickly joined in, enjoying coffee and receiving complimentary items like bags and books. I had the pleasure of reuniting with former colleagues from MGM, Mamatha Madam and Mallika Madam, and shared lunch with them. The rest of the day was spent with a vibrant and enthusiastic team of research scholars from Jayaprakash University of Bihar, led by Santhosh and Ragoni. Our group, including the particularly camera-friendly Rahul, explored various landmarks like Purana Qila, the Archaeological Museum, Pragathi Maidan, and Chandini Chowk.

The Archaeological Museum, located within the historic Purana Qila, was established in 1973 CE. Its primary purpose is to exhibit a collection of artifacts unearthed during the extensive excavations carried out at Purana Qila from 1969 to 1973 CE. These excavations were aimed at uncovering the ancient history and archaeological remnants of the site.

Conveniently situated to the right of the Purana Qila's main entrance gate (Western Darwaja), the museum presents a unique window into the past. The artifacts displayed here suggest that Purana Qila was a flourishing settlement from the Mauryan period right through to the Early Mughal Period, spanning from the 3rd Century BCE to the 16th Century CE.

One of the notable findings at Purana Qila is the evidence of a settlement belonging to the Painted Grey Ware culture, dating back to around 1000 BCE. This discovery, based on the unstratified levels of excavation, adds a significant chapter to the site's history. Purana Qila is also historically recognized as Indraprastha, famously mentioned in the Epic Mahabharata as the capital of the Pandavas.In addition to the treasures unearthed from Purana Qila, the museum also showcases a range of important artifacts found in various parts of Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR). These pieces collectively offer insights into the rich cultural and historical tapestry of the region.

Visitors to the museum are thus presented with a fascinating journey through time, witnessing the evolution and historical significance of one of India's ancient cities.

Heeding the advice of my laughing club members, I purchased a sufficient quantity of Reweri Gazzak, a specialty made from jaggery to distribute our ABC Laughing Club Members.

Our return journey to the Delhi University Sports Council via the Metro was punctual, and we caught the bus back to OP Jindal Global University in time for dinner. This conference not only offered valuable academic insights but also provided a rich tapestry of cultural experiences and camaraderie, making it a truly unforgettable experience.

On the final day of the conference at Jindal Global University, I took the opportunity to explore the campus. I also met Prof. Sumathi of Bharathiyar University, helped her to get some photos of thier family, I took those photos in front of Jindal Global University. My tour included visits to faculty offices, sports facilities, faculty housing, the administrative building, the gardens, and various classroom facilities. Given the university's distance from New Delhi, I chose not to venture into the city or other sites. Anticipating potential traffic delays that could disrupt my journey to the railway station, I decided to start my return trip immediately after lunch in Sonipat. I managed to board a bus to New Delhi amidst the increased traffic caused by the Haryana Governor's visit to the university on the 15th.

The journey to New Delhi took about two hours, and I arrived there at 5 pm. From the New Delhi bus stop, I walked to the Delhi Metro Station, bought a ticket to INA, and transferred at INA for the Shiv Vihar line, disembarking at Nizamuddin Metro Station. The entrance through Gate Number 2 at Hazrat Nizamuddin station was congested, and the bag scanning process was cumbersome. I reached Platform Number 5 at 6 pm, facing a long wait for my 10:15 pm train. The chilly 16-degree temperature at the station was a bit uncomfortable.

When the Trivandrum-bound Hazrat Nizamuddin Train No. 22634 arrived, I boarded and kindly agreed to switch from coach A1 to A2 at the request of an elderly couple. They helped move my luggage and promised to return it to A1 at Vadodara, their destination. During a stop at Surat, I enjoyed a Maharaja Punjabi Thali from Harikrishna Restaurant for Rs. 260. The meal, both delicious and ample, included three ghee chapatis, Paneer Veg, Mix Veg, Dal Fry, Jeera Rice, Papadam, Sweet Pickle, a dessert, Buttermilk, Farsan, and more.

Engaging in Innovative Educational Practices: Pre-Conference Online Workshop Experience

Today, on the 7th of December, 2023, I had the privilege of participating in a Pre-Conference Online Workshop led by CA Peter Richard. The workshop, titled “Applying Simulated Learning & Interactive Learning Technology in Education: A New Paradigm,” was an enlightening session that took place from 5:00 to 6:00 PM.

CA Peter Richard delved into the intricacies of GST Filing, Journal Entry, Income Tax Filing, and Bank Reconciliation, utilizing the Nergy Portal to demonstrate these concepts effectively. The workshop was not only informative but also highly interactive, making complex topics more accessible and engaging.

The session commenced with a warm welcome from Prof. Ajay Kumar Singh, the Conference Secretary and a Senior Professor. His introduction set a positive tone for the upcoming National Conference, scheduled to take place from December 13 to 15 in New Delhi.

For those interested in exploring these innovative educational approaches further, a link to the webinar is provided below. This workshop was a fantastic precursor to the National Conference, promising more insightful discussions and learning opportunities.

Exciting Learning Opportunity at the Pre-Conference Workshop for the 74th All India Commerce Conference

I am thrilled to share my recent experience participating in a valuable Pre-Conference Online Workshop organized by the Department of Commerce at the Delhi School of Economics, University of Delhi. This workshop was a precursor to the much-anticipated 74th All India Commerce Conference, which is set to take place from December 13-15, 2023.

The workshop, held on December 4, 2023, was aptly titled “How to Improve Article Acceptance Rate and Publish Quicker: A Publisher’s Perspective.” It offered an insightful look into the world of academic publishing, directly from the viewpoint of those who shape it. I had the privilege of being a participant in this enlightening session.

The workshop was expertly conducted by Ms. Sangeetha Menon, the Regional Publishing Manager at Emerald Publishing. Her session was not only informative but also engaging, providing practical tips and strategies for aspiring and established academics alike. Her expertise in the field shone through, making it a highly beneficial experience for everyone involved.

For those who couldn't attend the workshop or wish to revisit the insightful session, I have great news! The session by Ms. Sangeetha Menon is available online, and you can watch it here.

This is an opportunity not to be missed for anyone looking to enhance their understanding of academic publishing.

Stay tuned for more updates as I embark on the journey to the 74th All India Commerce Conference!