Tura, July 2: Thirty students of Nivedita Girls U.P. School, Tura, travelled to Assam’s Manas National Park and Bhutan’s Samdrup Jongkhar on an educational exposure trip aimed at giving them first-hand lessons in biodiversity, conservation and cultural diversity.
The students from Classes VIII, X and XII undertook the excursion under the sponsorship of the West Garo Hills district administration and were accompanied by their teachers.

The group left Tura on June 30 and visited Manas National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its rich biodiversity and unique ecosystem along the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas. During the visit, the students observed wildlife and learned about conservation and the importance of protecting natural habitats.

On July 1, the students travelled to Samdrup Jongkhar, Bhutan’s oldest town and the largest urban centre in eastern Bhutan, where they experienced its vibrant commercial activities and witnessed the blend of Assamese and Bhutanese cultures.
Students also observed the town’s cleanliness and its model of sustainable urban development while preserving its cultural heritage.

“We learned about the rich biodiversity and wildlife at Manas and also witnessed the commercial activities and cultural diversity in Samdrup Jongkhar,” said Tanmay Roy, a Class X student.

Another student, Eline Weora of Class XII, described the visit to Bhutan as an eye-opening experience.

“The town is so clean and well-maintained. The visit inspired us to understand the importance of cleanliness and civic responsibility,” she said.

Headmistress Pallabi Saha said such educational tours help bridge the gap between classroom learning and practical experience while fostering stronger bonds between teachers and students.

“During these trips, we all become learners together. Such experiences encourage curiosity, broaden perspectives and develop critical thinking among young minds,” she said.

The excursion concluded with the students returning home with a deeper understanding of biodiversity, conservation, cultural diversity and sustainable development, reinforcing the idea that some of life’s most valuable lessons are learned beyond the classroom.