SENDINGProud Rkkians with the membership flag of AFS-India entered the threshold of Sunbeam School,Varuna in Varanasi for an inter-regional, inter-cultural exchange program from 26th November to 2nd December 2018.
Ever-smiling and courteous Sunbeam students welcomed the RKKians in the city of spiritual capital of education.Formal interaction with Sunbeam Principal and slideshow on Varanasi added to the curiosity of the students to know more about this city of holy rivers.
Very same day,in the evening the RKK team was taken to Dashashwmedh ghat to witness the mesmerizing Ganga Arti. The synchronised and well co-ordinated rituals for almost an hour was enough to gain inner peace.
From next day started a tour to the city of historical temples and the team visited Bharat Mata Mandir, Kund and Guru Dham temple. Visit to Bharat Kala Bhawan of Banaras Hindu University and Kabir Math were the highlights of that particular day.
Next day, early morning the team was taken to Assi Ghat to witness Subh-e-Banaras-A morning of Varanasi full of life, light and spiritual essence perpetuating the eternal beauty of nature along with Vedic Chanting, Music and Yoga. A mystic blend of nature’s grandeur and human existence, Rising Sun, Golden Ganges and glittering Ghats inspired every one to enchant and sing. Live with joy forever, start the day with new hopes, aspirations and internal strength, inspired by Vedic enchanting of mantras, enthralling Ganges, Ghats and vibrant soulful Indian music was enough for introspection.
The boat ride and a walking tour of the southern part of the old city to explore the cultural diversity of Varanasi along with the oldest alive site in the whole Varanasi, visit to Bismillah Khan Sahib’s residence and Bhartendu Harishchandra Bhawan, Visit to Chunar fort,Ramgarh fort of Kashi Naresh and Sarnath city gave an opportunity to explore all the exhibits. Privileged Darshan in the oldest Kashi Vishwa Nath temple in the morning rekindled the devotional spirits of the RKKians.
Varanasi is a city where food and faith come together. Almost all mouth-watering chats and variety of flavours of lassi were tried and tasted. Food, as a rule was rich and lip-smackingly good in Banaras and was best washed-down with a tulsi Kulhad Chai or desi style of Lemon Tea.
Excursion to Banarsi Weavers’ Palace and Carpet Factory Bhadoi gave a full insight of the tedious process involved in the making of Banarsi Sarees, Shawls, Carpets.
Inspite of the hectic daily schedule the team still managed to attend classes in Sunbeam School and had a friendly Basket-Ball match followed by a gala cultural evening.
It was learnt that the city illumines truth and reveals reality.It does not bring new wonders into the scope of vision,but enables one to see what lies in the city of HAR HAR MAHADEV.
Words can neither qualify nor quantify for all the tireless efforts Sunbeamians had been putting in to make RKKians explore our very own rich culture. Memories of this visit will be cherished forever.
A RECIPROCAL EXCHANGE PROGRAM WAS CONDUCTED ON THE SAME DATES BETWEEN RKK & SUNBEAM SCHOOL.
HOSTINGRKK dreams it, believes it, achieves it…
Unity in diversity-these are not just merely words but something that are highly applicable to a country like India, which is incredibly rich in culture and heritage. The warmth in the relations and euphoria in celebrations make the country stand out distinctively in the global fraternity.
And to make us aware of this diversity, RKK in collaboration with AFS-India hosted the inter cultural inter regional exchange program with Sunbeam School, Varuna, Varanasi from 26th November to 3rd December 2018.
During their stay at RKK they were exposed to the vibrant, colourful and architectural beauty of Jodhpur. It included visit to sand dunes of Osian, Mandore garden, Mehrangarh fort and Umaid Palace. The shopping spree and local food was also much enjoyed by them. They attended various art and craft activities had friendly matches, barazza sessions and played traditional games.
RKKians stood apt on the Marwari phrase “????? ?????? ???” – as the hospitality and care by RKK was much appreciated by them. Cultural night followed by Principal’s Dinner made them believe that they have landed in a truly lively and delightful campus.