Soon, chug off and learn on a DU train

In what may just be a first by any Indian varsity, Delhi University (DU) on Wednesday said it was mulling options of buying a train to facilitate out-of-classroom learning.

In what may just be a first by any Indian varsity, Delhi University (DU) on Wednesday said it was mulling options of buying a train to facilitate out-of-classroom learning.

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Speaking as the chief guest at the varsity's 91st Foundation Day on Wednesday, Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit promised her support to the university in commissioning a project called 'College on Wheels', which would take students around the country on educational tours.

DU Vice Chancellor Dinesh Singh explained that there were plans to purchase a train from the Indian Railways as a way for university students to travel to different cities across the country and learn on these journeys through projects, study tours and interactions with locals.

"It is a new experiment in education. We will run it like a college, with the train running all year and students taking turns to board it for a month or two. The idea comes from the fact that train journeys have been highly illuminating and educative for many great people like Mahatma Gandhi. It will also be a great way for students to learn about the country," Singh said.

DU has already tried a similar experiment called Gyanodaya Express last year, when it took around 1,000 female students of the NSS and NCC on an educational train journey to scientific and historical landmarks across the country such as Indian Space Research Organization and maritime museum INS Vikrant, among others.