VISIT 1
VENUE – Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Institute of Asian Studies
DATE – 2nd July, 2024
The INSTITUTE conducted a field visit to Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Institute of Asian Studies (MAKAIAS) on 2nd July, 2024 as part of their summer internship programme with undergraduate students of the Research and Postgraduate Department of Political Science at Xavier’s College (Autonomous) Kolkata. The students were oriented on the working of the institute by Dr. Sarup Prasad Ghosh, Hon’ble Director and Member Secretary, MAKAIAS. They proceeded to explore the general library followed by the research archives enriched with academic resources. The staff members at MAKAIAS also escorted the students to their Research fellow office and guest house. Finally, the students got an opportunity to engage in a candid discourse with Dr. Radharaman Chakrabarti, Hon’ble Chairman, MAKAIAS as well as Dr. Sarup Prasad Ghosh, Director, MAKAIAS on “India and South Asia-Politics and Policies”. It was an interactive session with the students receiving valuable insights on foreign policy, diplomacy and international politics with respect to India and South Asia.
By Megha Das Gupta

VISIT 2
VENUE – Sri Aurobindo Bhawan
DATE – 9th July, 2024

“Life is Life—whether in a cat, a dog, or man. There is no difference there

between a cat or a man. The idea of difference is a human conception for man’s own advantage”. – SRI AUROBINDO GHOSH.

As part of our summer internship program, we visited Sri Aurobindo Bhawan on July 9^th,2024, which was organized by the INSTITUTE. The much anticipated visit, commenced with a tour around Aurobindo Hall, where Crucial incidents and major milestones of his life were on display, such as how he assisted in the struggle for independence and about Mirra Alfassa, also referred to as “THE MOTHER”. The senior director, Shri.Ujjal Bose, an advocate by profession, spoke to us and briefly discussed about Sri Aurobindo and his life journey.

Aurobindo originally attended King’s College to study for the Indian civil services, but after returning home, he got actively involved in the freedom movement, and was arrested in the aftermath of a number of bombings linked to his organization. During his stay in the jail, he had mystical and spiritual experiences, after which he left politics for spiritual work and went on to share his spiritual knowledge to the world including the concept of integral yoga. We proceeded to tour the children’s library, the general library, and the meditation ground (where Sri Aurobindo’s relics were kept). The entire setting exuded peace and tranquility.

And finally, to capture a memory of this beautiful experience we took a group photo in front of Sri Aurobindo’s statue. We were also given a book, on “LIFE FOR STUDENTS” from the organization and made our way home, filled with a wealth of memories, good experiences, and moral principles. This enlightening visit, evoked, in us a sense of dedication towards our nation and to our ultimate goals.

By Adrina Biswas

VISIT 3
VENUE – Indian Council of Cultural Relations (ICCR)
DATE – 10th July, 2024

On 10th July, 2024 the summer internship batch of 2024 at the INSTITUTE consisting of UG students of Political Science from St. Xavier’s College (Autonomous) Kolkata had the opportunity to be part of an enriching interactive session with Dr. Kajari Biswas, Director, Policy planning and Research, MEA, GOI. The topic of discussion was on “Public Policy and Governance” and the exchange was held at  the Indian Council of Cultural Relations (ICCR). Various scholars, academicians and journalists graced the event which was also covered by DD news network. Dr. Biswas shared her experience of working as a bureaucrat along with details about how state diplomacy is conducted by the MEA. This was followed by the students asking relevant questions pertaining to foreign affairs, challenges to Indian diplomacy, Indian policy vis a vis China, Pakistan, USA, Russia and so on. Dr. Biswas emphasized on India’s neighborhood first policy, balancing key interests with the West, holding our ground against Chinese aggression and maintaining a global image of India as a power to reckon with. The interns gathered new perspectives and learned a lot about governance and foreign affairs alike. The event concluded with the INSTITUTE and ICCR jointly thanking Dr. Kajari Biswas for her precious time and sharing about her area of expertise.

By Megha Das Gupta

VISIT 3
VENUE – Passport Seva Kendra
DATE – 12th July, 2024

The tour of the Passport Seva Kendra under the supervision of Konkona Ma’am and guidance of the Customer Service Manager of PSK, Mr. Gagan Sharma was indeed a insightful and thoughtful endeavor. We were exposed to and briefed about the sequential approach and method of getting passports renewed/made, the crowd controlling and management inside the PSK and the tasks of the 3 main sections inside the PSK. We also had the felicitous opportunity to meet the reputed Assistant Passport Officer, Ms. Nivedita Rao, who with her affable nature and encouraging words wished us luck and shared some insights of her profession. All in all, we had an enriching experience of witnessing the quintessential model of Public-Private Partnership inside the PSK where GoI in collaboration with Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) ensures smoothness and efficiency in rendering Passport Services to the citizens.

By Maanvi Pathak