Unveiling Unseen Places.

यात्राओं के अनुभव के सातवें दिन हम सोनगढ़ किले पर चढ़ाई करने निकल पड़े थे। अफ़सोस तो नहीं पर कुछ दुःख हुआ क्योंकि चाहकर भी अपने पैरों की तकलीफ के चलते मैं चढ़ाई नहीं कर सकी।अतः किले के नीचले भाग में कुछ दोस्तों के साथ बातचीत करने और पक्षियों तथा प्रकृति के नजारों का आनंद लिया। दोपहर के भोजन और बस की यात्रा का अनुभव हमेशा की तरह ही सुखद रहा। 

आठवें दिन हम पड़ोसी क्षेत्र ‘रांदेर’ घूमने निकले। कभी कभी दूर की यात्राओं के चक्कर में हम आस पास की जगहों को छोड़ देते हैं। ऐसा ही लगा इस यात्रा के बाद, सूरत में जिमखाना है- पता ही नहीं था मुझे। पुरानी इमारतें, मस्जिद और मंदिरों को देखना, हिन्दू- मुस्लिम का सहयोग के साथ एक साथ रहना थोड़ा-सा आश्चर्यजनक था। पहली बार खाऊसा का स्वाद भी लिया।

कुल मिलाकर देखी और अनदेखी जगहों की यात्रा, नए दोस्तों का साथ- उनकी मस्ती, सबकुछ सुखद रहा।

The exploration for unseen places near Surat, such as Songadh Fort and the Mosque at Rander, was a lifetime experience where I explored the incident vs. modern architectural technique.

A Journey Through Time: Exploring Songadh Fort & RanderSome trips leave lasting impressions, and my two-day visit to Songadh Fort and Rander was one of them—a perfect mix of adventure and history.

Day 7: Trekking to Songadh Fort:

Trekking up Songadh Fort was exhilarating. The crisp air, scenic trails, and the breathtaking panoramic view from the top made the climb worthwhile. Built by Peshwa Pilaji Rao Gaekwad, the fort’s strategic location and sturdy construction left me in awe—how did they achieve this without modern tools? Exploring the ruins, imagining past battles, and marveling at the craftsmanship made the experience unforgettable.

Day 8: Discovering Rander’s Legacy

Rander surprised me—it predates Surat! Walking through its old streets, I witnessed the harmonious coexistence of the Jain and Bohra communities and admired the intricate architecture of ancient mansions. Once a major port, Rander’s history of trade and cultural richness fascinated me.This journey was more than sightseeing; it was a glimpse into a rich past, filled with beauty, history, and harmony. A truly rewarding experience!

Overall trip of these 8 days really exciting and got to visit many places and most of them were unseen. Thank you so much for this opportunity it was a wonderful learning experience not just from places but the group we have. This group was superb. Thank you everyone for making these trips memorable. Thank you Manisha ma’am and Priti ma’am for organizing this.

Unveiling the Historic Charm – Life Class Days 7 & 8

Days 7 and 8 of our Life Class were a deep dive into history, uncovering the hidden treasures of our surroundings. Songadh Fort, a remarkable architectural marvel, transported us back in time, offering a glimpse into the craftsmanship and grandeur of the past. Walking through its ancient corridors, we felt history come alive.

Exploring the vibrant streets of Rander through a fresh lens was an enriching experience. It allowed us to rediscover a familiar part of our city, revealing layers of history we had never truly noticed before. Every alley, every structure, and every story added to our understanding of the rich cultural heritage embedded in our surroundings.

What made this journey even more special was the sense of togetherness. Sharing meals with our group felt like dining with family, fostering deeper connections and making the experience even more memorable. These two days weren’t just about exploring places—they were about immersing ourselves in history, bonding with our peers, and seeing our city in a whole new light.

हम अपने आप को ढूँढने की तलाश में निकले तब पता नहीं था की य़ह यात्रा हमें किस मुकाम पर ले जायेगी। Unveiling the Unseen Life class के दौरान हमें मौका मिला, जहाँ हम दो अलग-अलग जगह गए Songardh & Rander दोनों ही अपने आप में बेहतरीन थी। एकांत जगह पर क़िला जो इतिहास को बयान कर रहा था। Rander की अनसुनी कहानियां जो हमारे अतीत के साथ जोड़ने के लिए जरिया बनी।

इस यात्रा के सफर में हम एक दूसरे के साथ थे, एक दूसरों से सीख रहें थे। जो पहले से जानते थे उसे फिर से देखकर ऐसा महसूस हुआ कि खुद को तलाश करने की कोशिश सफ़ल रही। हम मनीषा जी एवं प्रीति जी के आभारी हैं। रोज़मर्रा के काम से फुर्सत के कुछ पल अपनों के साथ हमेशा यादगार रहेंगे।

Unseen સ્થળ ક્યારે યાદગાર seen થઈ ગયા,

મારા હ્રદય માં બહુ દ્રઢ થઈ ગયા.

નવા ચહેરા ઓ અમારા ખાસ Friends થઈ ગયા.

અગણિત અનુભવોના ફોટા મળી ગયા.

હ્ર્દય થઈ આભાર

Manisha Mam & Priti Mam

Exploring the Historic Treasures of Our City – Life Class Days 7 & 8

Days 7 and 8 of our Life Class were an incredible journey into the historic heart of our surroundings. Songadh Fort, a hidden architectural gem, offered us a glimpse into the grandeur of the past. Walking through its ancient walls, we could almost hear the echoes of history whispering their stories.

Exploring the streets of Rander with a fresh perspective was an eye-opening experience. It allowed us to connect with the rich heritage of an area we thought we knew but had never truly seen. Every corner, every building, and every alleyway spoke of a time gone by, deepening our appreciation for our own city’s history.

Beyond the exploration, the experience was enriched by the warmth of our group. Sharing meals together felt like dining with family, strengthening our bonds and making the journey even more memorable. These two days were not just about discovering places but also about forging deeper connections—with history, with the city, and with each other.

Today, I had an unforgettable visit to the Dholakia(Govind Laljibhai Dholakia) family home. The warm welcome we received was truly heartwarming. They served us a delicious breakfast of bhakhari, fafda chutney, patudi, sukhadi, mohanthal, and tea prepared on a traditional chula. We visited their goshala, played with cows, and saw the smallest cow in the world. Each cow responded to its name, showcasing their unique bond. We also enjoyed a ride in a POLO car.

Listening to their stories was fascinating and deeply impactful. We found that they still believe in and uphold their ancestors’ values and way of living. This visit reinforced the importance of connecting with our culture and understanding family values. It taught us that core family values can help achieve anything and reminded us of the importance of contributing to our heritage.