Departmental Excursion to Darjeeling

Name of the Activity: Departmental Excursion to Darjeeling
Organising Unit: Department of Journalism and Mass Communication
Date/ Duration: 22nd May 2025 – 27th May 2025
Time: Departure on 22nd May at 2:00 PM; Return on 27th May at 2:00 PM
No. of Participants: 25 (20 students and 5 faculty members)

Objective of the Activity: To develop team spirit and encourage collaborative learning among students, and to promote experiential learning through site visits to significant locations such as the All India Radio Station in Kurseong.

Brief Description of the Activity: The Department of Journalism and Mass Communication at The Bhawanipur Education Society College organized a six-day educational excursion to Darjeeling from 22nd to 27th May 2025. The group comprised 20 students from Semester 6 and 5 faculty members, aiming to gain hands-on learning experiences beyond the classroom. The journey began on 22nd May, with the team boarding a train at 2:00 PM and reaching New Jalpaiguri (NJP) station around 10:30 PM. They spent the night at a nearby hotel in Siliguri. On 23rd May, while travelling to Darjeeling, the group visited the All India Radio Station in Kurseong. There, students learned about radio transmission at high altitudes, program development, news sourcing, and the station’s political relevance. After the visit, they proceeded to their hotel in Darjeeling for rest. The next day began with visits to the Peace Pagoda and Ghoom Monastery, where students were introduced to the religious and cultural heritage of the local Buddhist community. The final stop was Batasia Loop, where they explored the unique spiral railway track and visited the Gorkha War Memorial to understand the historical significance of the Gorkha soldiers. On Day Four, at dawn, six students, accompanied by two teachers, visited Tiger Hill, witnessing breathtaking views of Kanchenjunga, Mount Everest, and the India–China border range. Later, the group visited the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, where they learned about wildlife and forest conservation in mountain ecosystems. They also explored the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, gaining insights into mountaineering equipment and training. The day concluded with a visit to a Darjeeling tea garden, where students observed tea cultivation practices firsthand. On the fifth day of the excursion, after checking out from their hotel, the group travelled back to Siliguri, stopping at Lepchajagat to explore its scenic pine forest. They also enjoyed sightseeing near the India–Nepal border. The group reached their lodge in Siliguri by 8:00 PM. On the final day, the team boarded a train from NJP at 5:00 AM and arrived at Howrah Station by 2:00 PM.

 

Outcome of the Activity: The excursion allowed students to bridge theoretical knowledge with real-world experiences, while also strengthening the bonds between students and faculty, making the journey both educational and memorable.