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.