In the aftermath of the cyclone that hit on December 5, 2023, our guest house became a refuge but also a challenge. The torrential rainwater flooded the premises, rising to a daunting 2 meters. With power cut off from the evening of the first day, we found ourselves steamed under the relentless heat, our usual comforts stripped away. In these challenging times, Mr. Shankar, the caretaker of the guest house, and the dedicated cooks worked tirelessly to serve us meals, offering a glimmer of solace for which we were profoundly grateful.
The second day dawned, but the water showed no signs of receding. Undeterred, we continued our survival routine, finding strength in unity and the generosity of those around us. As the day unfolded, we remained resilient, grappling with uncertainty. The unwavering commitment of Mr. Shankar and the kitchen staff played a pivotal role in keeping our spirits high amid the challenging conditions.
By the third day, the water level stubbornly persisted. However, a glimmer of hope emerged in the evening when the NITTTR team, equipped with an excavator, came to our rescue. Negotiating the clogged water, we were safely transported out of the guest house and temporarily relocated to a hotel for the night. This unexpected turn of events disrupted our original plan to travel to Mysore by train the following day.
As fate would have it, our train tickets were canceled at the last minute, requiring swift improvisation from the program coordinator. Undeterred, the coordinator managed to secure three vehicles for the 28 of us hailing from 16 different countries. Embarking on a day-long journey, we traversed the distance to Mysore, where we were to attend the "One-Day International Workshop on Quality Assurance through Accreditation in Higher Education for Developing Countries" at JSS Science and Technology University.
Despite the weariness from our prolonged journey, we reached the JSS guest house around 9:30 PM. The next day, on December 8th, the program commenced at the CS/IS Seminar hall, running from 10:30 AM to 4:30 PM. The inaugural function set the tone for the day, with Dr. A.N Santosh Kumar, Vice Chancellor of JSS STU, presenting a comprehensive overview of "Higher Education in India."
Subsequent sessions delved into critical topics, with Dr. N. Haraprasad, Dean of Quality Assurance and Accreditation at JSS STU, enlightening us on "NAAC Accreditation." In the afternoon, Dr. S. Srinath, Head of the Department of CS & E at JSS STU, presented insights into "NBA Accreditation." An engaging feedback session from participants, including the representatives from NITTTR Chennai, highlighted their contentment and key takeaways from the program.
The pinnacle of the event was the valedictory function, which marked the formal conclusion of the one-day international workshop. In the midst of these intellectually enriching sessions, we were also treated to a campus tour, providing us with a holistic understanding of JSS Science and Technology University.
As the day concluded, there was a shared sense of accomplishment and fulfillment. The unexpected challenges at the guest house were a stark contrast to the intellectual stimulation and camaraderie experienced during the workshop. Despite the initial setbacks, the journey to Mysore and the subsequent workshop not only met but exceeded our expectations, leaving us with lasting memories and a renewed appreciation for resilience in the face of adversity.
No comments:
Post a Comment