BENGALURU: The contingent of 700 female students from various universities and affiliated colleges of Jammu and Kashmir, currently on a two-week College on wheels journey to various parts of the country, today visited the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bangalore Campus, popularly known as the Tata Institute, ranked among the country's most prestigious institutions, established in 1909.

This unique experiential learning initiative, fully funded by the Government of Jammu and Kashmir UT, has set out to break the boundaries of conventional education, providing participants with real-world insights and hands-on experiences.

The visit to IISc Bangalore marks a significant chapter in this educational odyssey, offering an unparalleled opportunity for the contingent to engage with cutting-edge research, state-of-the-art facilities, and renowned academic experts.

In the heart of IISc, students went round various departments, laboratories, and research centres, immersing themselves in a dynamic environment that fuelled curiosity and collaboration. Interactions with leading researchers and scholars provided invaluable insights into diverse fields, sparking inspiration for the participants' future academic pursuits.

At IISc, a distinguished research university founded 114 years ago by visionaries Jansetji Tata and Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV, students seized the unique opportunity for a productive interaction with senior faculty members. These exchanges offered profound insights into various labs, significantly enhancing the contingent's understanding of cutting-edge research and academic advancements.

The students explored facilities dedicated to microscopy and microanalysis, experiencing firsthand the intricate world of advanced research techniques. Additionally, they engaged with the interdisciplinary Centre for Energy Research, delving into the forefront of energy studies. The visit extended to the Centre for Product Design and Manufacturing, providing insights into the convergence of creativity and technology and simultaneously fostering an environment of curiosity. Interactions with leading researchers and scholars further enriched the contingent's understanding of diverse fields, sparking inspiration for future academic pursuits.

Beyond the traditional classroom setting, the students were privileged to be taught by eminent minds at IISc Bangalore. The learning experience was enriched by the wisdom and expertise imparted by the distinguished faculty members, creating a dynamic environment that transcended theoretical boundaries.

During the visit, Prof. Umesh Rai Vice Chancellor, University of Jammu expressed gratitude to Director IISc for extending the facility for the contingent of College on Wheels to visit IISc to get the first hand experience of technological advancement and its optimum use in the learning process.

"The College on Wheels programme is designed to redefine education by taking it beyond the confines of traditional classrooms. The visit to IISc Bangalore exemplifies the commitment of Higher Education Council and University of Jammu to provide students with a holistic and immersive learning experience," said Prof. Umesh Rai, Vice Chancellor, while giving a detailed overview of the initiative to Director and Deans of various faculties at IISc Bangalore.

The College on Wheels initiative, conceived to break the shackles of traditional education, has resonated with overwhelming enthusiasm from both students and educators alike. The contingent's engagement at IISc vividly epitomizes the spirit of experiential learning and academic exploration, pushing participants beyond the confines of conventional classrooms.

As the College on Wheels journey continues to unfold, it leaves an indelible mark on the educational landscape, empowering students with real-world experiences and fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration.

Later in the day, the students also went around for sightseeing to various places and temples in the southern city.

The College on Wheels after visiting Bangalore shall flagged off at Bangalore Railway Station by T. Subramanya Ganesh, Scientist/ Engineer-G Deputy Director, NSA, ISTRAC Telemetry Tracking and Command Network ISRO in presence of B. Sankar Madaswamy, Scientist/ Engineer- SF Manager HRDD, ISRO and Prof. Umesh Rai, Vice Chancellor, University of Jammu for its onward journey to Wardha, Maharashtra.

Envisioned by Lieutenant Governor Mr Manoj Sinha, the College on Wheels, a special train exclusively earmarked for the two-week trip of girl students from Jammu and Kashmir to premiere institutions and places of the country, was flagged off from Mata Vaishno Devi University Railway Station Katra on November 19.

The Lieutenant Governor said the College on Wheels is inspired by the life of Mahatma Gandhi, where he undertook epic tour of the country by train, interacted with people from all walks of life and awakened the society with universal and eternal values Satya and Ahimsa, Truth and Non-Violence.

He exuded confidence that the journey will be a lifetime opportunity to discover diverse regions, culture of country and to explore new aspects of life and wisdom.

Meanwhile, Vice Chancellor Prof Umesh Rai, University of Jammu hailed the visiting students' yearning for learning and said that this is a life-time experience for the students who have been selected for this journey where they got an opportunity to visit some of the prestigious institutions of the country.

The contingent comprises 780 students along with their mentors and the administrative staff from the University of Jammu, University of Kashmir, Cluster University of Jammu, Cluster University of Kashmir, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University Katra, Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University Rajouri, Islamic University of Science and Technology, Kashmir, affiliated colleges of JU and KU and Cluster Innovation Centre (CIC), New Delhi.