Rono Hills, Apr 7: A group of 28 students from the IV semester Master’s in Social Work program at Rajiv Gandhi University (RGU) here, successfully completed a week-long experiential study tour to Sikkim and Darjeeling from March 30 to April 5 last.
Conducted under the framework of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the tour was guided by the theme “Culture, Nature & Sustainability: Learning Imperatives from the Himalayan Foothills – Sikkim and Darjeeling.”
The academic journey was coordinated by Dr Ravi Ranjan Kumar and Urvashi Gaurav, faculty members from the department.
The tour offered students a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the cultural diversity, ecological richness, and sustainable development practices of the Himalayan region.
By visiting locations such as the organic state of Sikkim, the culturally vibrant Darjeeling, and the border village of Pashupatinagar in Ilam, Nepal, students explored how traditional knowledge, community resilience, and grassroots initiatives contribute to sustainable models of living.
As part of the tour, students visited several important sites including Nathula Pass at the India-China border, the government fruit preservation factory in Sikkim, Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, and the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute.
They also witnessed the majestic Kanchenjunga from Tiger Hill and explored the renowned tea gardens of Darjeeling.
The visits offered students firsthand insights into the practical applications of social work in diverse settings, including environmental conservation, climate resilience, and inclusive development.
Throughout the tour, students engaged with local communities and observed how collective efforts and traditional practices are effectively addressing contemporary challenges such as climate vulnerabilities and livelihood sustainability.
The serene landscapes and rich heritage of the Himalayan foothills served as a living classroom, reinforcing the importance of ethical engagement, ecological awareness, and culturally sensitive social work practices.
The experiential journey not only broadened the academic understanding of students but also emphasised the significance of a holistic and grounded approach to social work, one that is informed by the lived realities of people residing in ecologically fragile and culturally significant regions like the Himalayas.
