An Unforgettable Journey
100-member Bangladesh youth delegation visits India
Maria G Gomes
It all began from before starting off the journey, the skittish feeling made me assume that not a soul is familiar and that making acquaintances will be a challenge. But, it became a blessing in disguise.
The day always began with an early breakfast, followed by hectic routines. Changing flights and assimilating jetlag was intense. My roommate, who was a dance performer, told me something which we laugh about all the time now: No other option, we seem to be stuck with each other!
Firstly, landing in Delhi we paid visit to the National Museum of India which was established in 1949. Right opposite to it was the Ministry of Finance, where we made a subsequent stop. Later on, the war memorial India Gate. Before the days activities were called off, the experience of the Delhi Metro Rail was perfect.
As second day knocked, we prepared to stopover at Raj Ghat, Mahatma Gandhis memorial, followed by the Lal Qila or the Red Fort, the residence of the Mughal emperors. On the same day, acquaintance with the Jama Masjid was made. Delhis significant event for me and others was meeting with the president of India, Pranab Mukherjee, in the Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Agra in Uttar Pradesh was next. When we talk about Agra, the first contrivance that emerges is Taj Mahal. Setting foot on it, I was instantly carried away by the effort put in order to construct the beauty that stood in front of me. A visit to Pravasi Bharatiya Kendra was soothing.
Bidding goodbye to Delhi was tough, but Gandhikuti has captured my heart entirely. Ahmedabad, Gujrat was introduced through Sabarmati Ashram where we learnt about Mahatma Gandhi. I remember we all left the LC College of Gujrat with joyous faces. The Adalaj Stepwell, a well built by Mahmud Begada for his queen Rudabai as a reservoir for water, was spectacular.
Kolkata was sweet. Starting from the Victoria Memorial, Eden Gardens, Vidyasagar Setu, a glimpse of Howrah Bridge, a peaceful and calming visit to the river ghat of Ganges was worth it all.
It was an experience of a lifetime. A hundred strangers returned as family. The entire journey has transformed me immensely. I can amplify that the level of cultural exchange, meeting new people, experiencing new cuisines, socialising out of the box has all been of quite success and more than an achievement. India is more than Bollywood and serials; it is all about the rich cultural heritages, love for people and the colourful nation had a lot to teach us.
