06 Nov Field Trips 2013
“See and Believe” – It was indeed necessary for our growing minds to have a practical touch of what we were working for. It was like a ‘make believe’ trip to Pilikula Heritage Centre on November 6 in order to give the students of Class VI, a firsthand experience of the tribal life and culture.
In a modern ape like this where everything practically undergoes a change every day, it is hard to carve the roots of tradition. Living in Mangalore, which is located on the coastal belt of the Indian West Coast makes it even more difficult to believe that there are people called as tribals, still living a primitive life in some remote corners of the world.
Approximately about 10 kilometeres to the North from Mount Carmel Central School, on the outskirts of Mangalore City is the exact location of this Amusement Park called ‘Pilikula. It is not a strange place to the locals here as a number of them visit here often to rest and relax. There are a number of things like the zoo, museum, park, botanical garden etc to keep one occupied. In addition to this, for those interested in tradition there are things to see and shop. This place in particular is called as” The Heritage Village”.
One can choose to drive all the way through the amusement park to reach their destination or go on foot to enjoy the lush-full green trees grown wildly at certain places on either side of the road.
As we reached our destination we were eager to find this place, where in we could see the roots of our culture. From a distance we could see a small hamlet. It was a small village where the houses were particularly designed in the traditional Mangalorean style. The thatched roof is a disappearing art in the recent times. We took note of the different materials used in the making of these houses.
It was enriching to see some traditional wooden furniture and kitchen items made of wood. There was also a person working with cane, preparing baskets, furniture etc.
We bought a number of traditional clay items and toys made of wood. We enquired about the things we were curious to learn. Thus it was not just a learning experience for us but also an exciting experience, as we keep recalling what we have seen and experienced there. – By students of Class VI
: As we have all heard, learning comes from experience, every school takes classes out on study tours. These trips are a part of ‘life skills’. Life skills are basically activities through which students, learn through an experience. For the same, the students of class IX along with their class teacher and two science teachers were taken to Oddoor farms, Vamanjoor on November 7, 2013 to learn more about animal husbandry.
The Biology chapter ‘Improvement in Food Resources’ teaches us about things from the agricultural fields to the animals used for such purposes. Animal Husbandry is one such topic. The first stop at Oddoor Farms was cattle raring. We saw cattle both Indigenous and Exotic of different breeds such as Red Sindhi, Jersey and Cross breeds. Each cow has a unique number pinned to their ear. Cow dung’s are not wasted but used for biogas, and then it is further converted into electricity for domestic purposes. Dry cow dung is used as fertilizers for plants. The modern milk taking method is used for milking and is stored in large containers. The fodder cutting machine cuts the fodder which makes it easier for the cows to chew on. Large amounts of cabbage waste and vegetable waste is fed to the cows. Very good maintenance is taken of the sheds. They’re cleaned every day.
As we went forward, we saw an Emu bird within a fence. We were made aware of the facts on the same and were told that the Emu meat is expensive. We also came across a reservoir which was used for irrigation purpose. There was a wonderful view of the farms on either side.
By noon, we stopped at a shady backyard for lunch. The greenery there relaxed everyone. After lunch, we were up for a game of hide and seek. The teachers enjoyed as well. To sum up the day, all of us sat together for a few good snaps and then headed back to the bus bidding farewell to the exceptionally beautiful place. As a whole, this part of life skills was a fun-filled educational tour!
The pupils of Class VIII filled with excitement and charter to go for a fieldtrip to PILIKULA BIOLOGICAL PARK, November 8, 2013. 64 students and 4 teachers, wed viewed a wide range of animals including turtles, alligators, crocodiles, lions, tigers, sloth bears and black bucks. We were enthralled to spot a large number of birds which included the Mascovy Duck, Gunea fowl chicks and the golden Pheasant. We gingerly watched the movements of all the animals. It was a receptive idea to go there as it was enjoyable and informative visit and we experienced peace and serenity in the arms of nature. The trip has increased our affection towards nature and love towards the animals. The experience made us feel pacific. The trip was very informative and the joy we felt was in explicable. It was indeed a most memorable day.
Class X and XI students were taken for an educational trip and outing to Kannur Fort and Sadhoo Merry Kingdom amusement park on November, 2013.
The students were all excited and ready for the trip. We along with our teachers started our day early morning at 6.45am by gathering at the Central Railway Station, Mangalore and headed towards Kannur by the 7.20 am train. We reached Kannur fort by 10am. It was a huge ancient fort built by the Portuguese. We walked through the fort appreciating its beauty and architecture. Then we travelled to Sadhoo Merry amusement park. It had dry rides and water games. We were all set to relax and enjoy. We were enthralled as the water rides were far beyond everyone’s expectations. It was indeed a beneficial day out for all of us, students and teachers as we relaxed and spent the day fruitfully, forgetting our books and other daily chores.
