Varanasi— Students from the Department of Tourism Management, Faculty of Arts, Banaras Hindu University (BHU), recently embarked on a three-day academic excursion to some of India’s most renowned UNESCO World Heritage and Buddhist heritage sites in Bihar — Nalanda, Rajgir, and Bodh Gaya. The objective was to offer students an immersive learning experience and deepen their understanding of India’s ancient educational and spiritual traditions.
Guided by Experts
The educational tour was led by faculty members Dr. Anil Singh and Dr. Praveen Rana, who provided insightful commentary throughout the journey. The students engaged in field studies, examining the historical, cultural, and religious significance of the destinations.
Nalanda: Legacy of Ancient Learning
At the ruins of the ancient Nalanda University, students explored the remains of one of the world’s first residential universities. They learned how Nalanda stood as a beacon of knowledge in the ancient world before being lost to time and conflict. The students also visited the Nav Nalanda Mahavihara, where they had an interactive session with Vice-Chancellor Prof. Siddharth Singh, who spoke on efforts to revive India’s educational legacy.
Cultural Ties at Xuanzang Memorial Hall
At the Xuanzang Memorial Hall, students gained insight into the profound Indo-Chinese cultural ties through the life and travels of the famed Chinese monk Xuanzang, who studied at Nalanda. This stop underscored the shared Buddhist heritage and academic exchange between India and China.
Rajgir and Bodh Gaya: Spiritual and Environmental Insights
In Rajgir, students visited sacred sites including the Brahmakund (a Hindu pilgrimage site) and Griddhakuta Hill, significant in Buddhist lore. These visits highlighted India’s religious unity and ecological heritage.
At Bodh Gaya, students stood beneath the sacred Bodhi Tree, visited the Mahabodhi Temple, and engaged in a dialogue with Venerable Bhante Manoj, a senior Buddhist monk. They explored the core principles of Buddhism, such as the Eightfold Path, mindfulness, compassion, and non-violence, gaining profound insights into spiritual practices.
The tour also included visits to various international monasteries, giving students a first-hand view of Buddhism’s global influence. The journey proved to be both academically enriching and spiritually enlightening, and left a lasting impression on the students about India’s intangible cultural heritage.
