By : Hanafi Rashid
TAMIL NADU (INDIA) – Undergraduates should remain
sensitive to current developments taking place within and outside the country,
in tandem with the progress made in this borderless world and in their pursuits
to gauge their level of marketability.
Towards this, some 16 students of Universiti Putra Malaysia
(UPM) took part in ‘Program Kembara Seni India’ from January 13 to
January 27, with the aim of exploring architectural and cultural attractions in
India.
This programme saw undergraduates from Kolej Sepuluh forging
educational ties with students from two universities in India - Bharathidasan
University, Government College Engineering and Cochin College.
Programme Advisor, Ahmad Qadry said they were given a
rousing welcome at both institutions of higher learning as this was the first
time the latter were receiving visitors from a university in Malaysia.
The bonding between UPM students and their counterparts at
both institutions was reinforced with a football match which ended in a draw
(1-1).
The visits which lasted for 14 days took place in two
states, Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Seven districts that they visited were Chennai
Thanjavaur, Trichy, Madurai, Kodaikanal, Munnar and Kochi.
During the visits, they were involved in activities which
also saw the participation of villagers in Sengipatti, Thanjavaur, during the
Pongal Festival. The Director of the programme, Ravendran, said it was such a
memorable experience when they were served with Pongal rice, a traditional food
in India.
They were also entertained to a show entitled ‘Daksha Yaga’
at the Katahakali Centre which revolved around the history of India.
Students of Engineering and Industrial Designs also took part in the visits
where they toured a temple in India to witness its architectural greatness.
Participant, Danial Hakim was impressed with an
architectural structure built 3,000 years ago but still stands imposing in
India.
In pursuing the beauty of architecture in India, UPM
students also took the opportunity to carry out social service activities for
the people in India. Among others, they gave away free food to street beggars,
did a laundry service and helped cultivated gingers.
“I was truly delighted that I was able to help those needy
and poor people there and I am really thankful to Allah for the comfort we are
blessed with living in Malaysia,†he said.
Like Malaysia, India is also proud of its beautiful nature
in Kodaikanal and Munnnar. The abundance of greenery there with fresh air at a
temperature of 16 ° C promises an exciting experience.
“I was excited to witness and experience those beautiful nature. It just gave me that sense of calmness throughout the duration of my visit there,†he said. – UPM.
