LEARNING BEYOND THE CLASSROOMS: A STUDY TOUR TO RAJASTHAN

Department of Mass Communication, Sikkim University

 

With great excitement and appreciation, third-semester students from the Department of Mass Communication at Sikkim University returned from a rewarding 10-day study tour in Rajasthan, which took place from September 26 to October 6, 2024. This study tour was an essential part of the NEP curriculum, aimed at giving students a deep understanding of cultural diversity and the media industry. Accompanied by faculty member Dr. Pooja Basnett, the students travelled to Jodhpur and Jaipur, with a day trip to Osian. This experience allowed them to connect classroom learning with real-life situations and develop a wider understanding of cultural and media practices.

The tour featured a visit to the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication at Rajasthan University for a cultural exchange, along with a trip to Dainik Bhaskar's printing plant, one of India's largest Hindi newspaper facilities. Here, students learned about the newspaper production process and had engaging discussions with industry professionals. They also explored historic sites like Mehrangarh Fort, Umaid Bhawan Palace, and Amer Fort, and enjoyed a desert trip in Osian, where they experienced local customs through camel rides and folk music performances. The mix of cultural experiences and industry insights greatly enriched their education in Mass Communication.

Upon returning to campus, the students were eager to meet Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Jyoti Prakash Tamang. They shared the valuable lessons and wonderful memories they collected during the trip. Excited to share their journey, they gave the Vice-Chancellor meaningful souvenirs, thanking him for his support in making this educational tour happen. His encouragement added to their enthusiasm, inspiring them to further pursue their learning in Mass Communication.