by Karan Badri
AHMEDNAGAR, JAN 21, 2015: The students of class XI of Don Bosco Senior Secondary School, Nerul visited several Don Bosco Institutions like Bosco Gramin Vikas Kendra (BGVK) on an educational trip to 
Ahmednagar from January 14-17.
Ahmednagar has seen an outburst of development owing to the support of Salesian organisations- like BGVK- that have successfully installed watershed management in several villages, helping them increase their water bank as well as the livelihood of farmers.
On reaching Ahmednagar, the day for the students began with an introductory talk by two social workers who have contributed immensely to the BGVK programmes. They stressed that without farmers, urban life would be severely affected, as we depend on them for our daily bread.
The students visited several villages during their trip. In Dongargarh village, the residents shared how BGVK has helped not only improve the water facilities but also educational facilities. The students even played a friendly football match with a team from a Don Bosco institution there. 
The youngsters learnt a lot about the life of farmers. They visited a farmer who was a part of the BGVK training program, following which he is now using modern techniques of irrigation and energy conservation. In his three acres of land he grows oranges, pomegranates, tomatoes and many more crops. He now uses gobar gas as fuel instead of the traditional chula.
The students also did some sight-seeing while in Ahmednagar. They visited the 'Tank Museum' which displays tanks from almost every era- World War I, World War II, Indo-Pak War and others. They also went to Chand Biwi ka mahal – the palace that houses the tombs of Chand Biwi and her husband.
It was a knowledgable experience coupled with lots of fun for the students of Don Bosco, Nerul.