Report on an Academic Tour to CSIR-National Metallurgical Laboratory (CSIR-NML), Jamshedpur

Name of the Activity: An Academic Tour to CSIR-NML, Jamshedpur

Category of the Activity: Educational Tour

Organizing Unit: Departments of Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Electronics

Duration of the Activity: 27th to 30th November 2024

No. of Participants: 27

Teachers: 9

Students: 18

Objective of the Activity: To provide students and faculty with experiential learning opportunities that combine academic enrichment, practical exposure to industrial research, and ecological exploration, thereby enhancing their understanding of scientific concepts and environmental conservation.

Brief Description of the Activity: The Departments of Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Electronics organized an academic tour to Jamshedpur from 27th to 30th November 2024, involving 9 teachers and 18 students. The tour commenced on the afternoon of 27th November, with participants meeting at Howrah Station at 1:30 PM and boarding the Vande Bharat Express at 2:35 PM, arriving at Tatanagar Junction by 5:45 PM. The first day included settling into accommodations and an evening meal at 8:30 PM.

On the second day, after breakfast, the group visited the CSIR-National Metallurgical Laboratory (NML), a premier research institution. Here, participants engaged in guided tours of state-of-the-art laboratories, interactive sessions with scientists, and demonstrations of advanced metallurgical technologies. Lunch was provided at NML, followed by visits to Jubilee Park and Domahani. At Jubilee Park, participants observed sustainable landscaping and urban ecology practices, while Domahani offered a study of riverine ecosystems at the confluence of two rivers.

The third day featured an excursion to Dolma Forest after breakfast, where students and teachers explored the forest’s biodiversity and discussed sustainable conservation practices. Lunch was served on-site, and the evening was spent relaxing at the hotel.

The final day was dedicated to local sightseeing to Dimna Lake. Dimna Lake provided insights into water conservation and local biodiversity. Lunch was provided during the sightseeing journey. In the afternoon, participants departed for Tatanagar Junction to board the return Vande Bharat Express at 4:10 PM, arriving back at Howrah Station by 7:40 PM, concluding the tour.

Outcome of the Activity: The academic tour to Jamshedpur was highly successful, achieving its objectives of blending academic learning with practical and ecological experiences. The visit to NML deepened participants’ understanding of materials science and metallurgical processes, linking theoretical studies with real-world industrial applications. The excursions to Dolma Forest, Jubilee Park, Dimna Lake, and Domahani fostered a greater appreciation for environmental conservation and ecological systems. Additionally, the tour promoted teamwork, critical thinking, and interdisciplinary collaboration among students and faculty. The positive feedback from participants highlighted the tour’s impact on their academic growth and personal development, inspiring them to pursue further studies and careers in science and technology. Overall, the tour was a transformative experience that significantly enriched the educational journey of all attendees.