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A Whirlwind Week of Conferences and Exploration – Delhi to Bhubaneswar and Beyond
A Whirlwind Week of Conferences and Exploration – Delhi to Bhubaneswar and Beyond
Being a Ph.D. candidate, we all spend most of our time in Laboratories. Every day remains the same until a conference paper leads us to get out and travel through the earth. This time I got a chance to present my paper in SEFET-2023. The conference was held in Orissa (A Green Land).
9th August 2023: Delhi's Early Morning Farewell
9th August 2023: Delhi's Early Morning Farewell
As dawn broke over Delhi, the anticipation was palpable. My husband dropped me and my colleague Bibaswan Bose to IGI airport, and Vistara took off by 7:30 AM. Ahead lay a week of insightful knowledge-sharing at the SEFET 2023 conference, followed by a journey of discovery through Bhubaneswar's historical and natural wonders and beyond. As we landed at BBI Airport, the sand art at arrival was the first scenic view. Then we headed for the conference at SOA (deemed a university).
10th to 11th August 2023: Delving into SEFET 2023
10th to 11th August 2023: Delving into SEFET 2023
The first two and a half days were dedicated to the conference. Held in Bhubaneswar, SEFET 2023 blended enlightening sessions, networking, and late-night discussions. The academic energy was invigorating, providing both professional and personal growth. I got the chance to meet researchers from various other IITs, NITs, and national universities. I am thankful to IEEE IAS Representative Dr. Akshay Kumar Rathore for providing such a platform where fruitful interactions between professors and students can happen.
11th August 2023, Afternoon: Beginning of the Cultural Expedition
11th August 2023, Afternoon: Beginning of the Cultural Expedition
I presented my paper in the first half and had a question-answer session. Post-conference, our journey of exploration commenced with a visit to the iconic Lingaraj Temple. The serenity and architectural splendor of this 11th-century marvel offered the perfect counter to the busy conference days. The evening saw us winding down at Dhauli Stupa, resonating with stories of Emperor Ashoka's transformation. The peaceful pagoda against the setting sun provided a serene backdrop for introspection. Finally, we made our way back to the SOA University hostel. The night was filled with laughter, plans for the upcoming days, and peaceful rest.
12th August 2023: Family Reunion and Puri's Mystique
12th August 2023: Family Reunion and Puri's Mystique
An exciting day began at Bhubaneswar's BBN Airport, where we eagerly awaited the arrival of my daughter, mother, and husband. Their landing signaled the start of our family adventure. Our first stop was the divine town of Puri. The imposing Jagannath Temple was a sight, teeming with spirituality and fervor. As dusk approached, we ventured towards Golden Beach: the pristine shoreline, the playful waves, and the company of loved ones made for unforgettable memories.
13th August 2023: From the Sun Temple to Lingaraj
13th August 2023: From the Sun Temple to Lingaraj
Starting our day at Konark, we marveled at the Sun Temple's grandeur. With colossal chariot wheels and intricate tales of the sun god Surya, the temple's history and artistry were captivating. Then we bought goodies for our family members and lots of non-polished cashew nuts. Later in the day, our journey retraced steps back to Bhubaneswar, revisiting Dhauli Stupa and soaking in its tranquility. We concluded our day with another visit to the Lingaraj Temple, allowing its calm to settle over us.
14th August 2023: Local Markets and an Unexpected Pause, Night: Homeward Bound
14th August 2023: Local Markets and an Unexpected Pause, Night: Homeward Bound
Our final day began with a trip to Unit 1 Market in Bhubaneswar, buzzing with local vendors, aromatic spices, and colorful handicrafts. The vibrant market was a testament to the city's lively culture. Although the sarees were costly as compared to Delhi's Khadi Bhandar. Though we had planned to visit Nandankanan, a quick check reminded us that it was a Monday – the zoo's weekly off. Though disappointed, we took this as a sign to slow down and absorb all we had experienced.
We boarded our flight back to Delhi with a heart full of memories. The trip was a beautiful medley of professional commitments, cultural immersion, and quality family time. From academic pursuits to spiritual insights and the joys of family, the week was a rich tapestry of experiences that will be cherished forever.
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