PM SHRI Exposure Visit: ZPHS Quilashapur Students Explore Telangana's Heritage
Quilashapur, February 15, 2025: The students and teachers of Zilla Parishad High School, Quilashapur, embarked on an enriching educational tour as part of the PM SHRI Exposure Visit. The tour, headed by Headmaster Dr. Bharatha Ravinder, covered prominent historical and ecological sites, including the Ramappa Temple, the Zoological Park in Hanamkonda, and Warangal Fort.
The journey commenced at 7:00 AM from the school premises. Excitement filled the air as students eagerly boarded the buses, ready to explore Telangana’s rich cultural heritage.
Exploring the Marvels of Ramappa Temple
The first stop was the magnificent Ramappa Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its exquisite Kakatiya-era architecture. Upon arrival, students and teachers had their tiffin at the temple parking area, ensuring they were energized for the exploration.
Guided by teachers, students marveled at the intricacy of the temple's sculptures, the life-like carvings on the pillars, and the famous Nagini statues. The floating bricks, an engineering marvel used in the temple’s construction, fascinated everyone. The grandeur of Nandi's statue, standing majestically in front of the temple, captured the students’ admiration, and they eagerly posed for group photographs.
Unable to Visit the Laknavaram Lake
Following the temple visit, the group proceeded toward Laknavaram Lake, expecting to witness its picturesque surroundings and wanting to experience boating. However, they were met with disappointment as the site was closed due to an overwhelming influx of visitors for the Sammakka-Saralamma Mini Jathara. Despite this setback, students remained enthusiastic, cherishing the experience thus far.
A well-organized midday meal was arranged at Jangalapally village, where students relished their food before setting off for the next adventure.
Zoological Park Visit: A Fascinating Encounter with Wildlife
On the proposal of Dr. K. Srinivas Reddy, the itinerary was extended to include a visit to the Zoological Park in Hanamkonda. Students were captivated by the vast array of wildlife, including cheetahs, lions, antelopes, spotted deer, peacocks, crocodiles, vibrant parrots, and an assortment of lizards.
A highlight for many was the Children’s Park within the zoo, where students reveled in activities such as swings, slides, merry-go-rounds, see-saws, jungle gyms, and rotating play structures. However, time constraints required them to vacate the play area earlier than they wished, much to their disappointment. Several students pleaded for additional playtime, expressing their joy and excitement.
Journey to Warangal Fort: Reliving History
Post the zoo visit, the students and staff resumed their journey, traveling in two buses—one allocated for girls and younger boys (6th & 7th classes) and the other for older boys. The journey was lively, filled with music and dancing, allowing students to unwind and enjoy the ride.
By 5:30 PM, the group reached Warangal Fort, an iconic site of Kakatiya history. As they explored the fort’s ruins, students were intrigued by the majestic Kakatiya Kalathoranam (archway), a symbol of Telangana’s glorious past. Teachers narrated stories about the fort’s construction and its subsequent destruction by Alauddin Khilji’s general, Malik Kafur, in the 14th century. Students were saddened by the historical devastation and expressed their grief over the destruction of the magnificent sculptures.
After capturing memorable photographs, the group faced another time constraint, as the fort was set to close by 6:30 PM. This meant a rushed exploration, but the experience left a lasting impression.
The Sound and Light Show: An Abrupt Conclusion
A sound and light show was scheduled for 7:00 PM, offering an audiovisual narration of Kakatiya history. While initially difficult to comprehend, students gradually grasped the historical significance. However, technical shortcomings, including a blurred and unclear screen, reduced the show’s effectiveness. Furthermore, due to time limitations, the Headmaster instructed an early evacuation, leaving students somewhat dissatisfied.
A Delightful End to a Memorable Journey
Before heading home, students were provided with snacks and bananas, prepared in advance with assistance from lady teachers. Special thanks were extended to M. Srinivas Reddy sir and Sarabu Srinivas sir for distributing the refreshments.
The return journey to Quilashapur was filled with conversations and reflections on the day’s experiences. The buses arrived back at 9:30 PM, where waiting parents warmly welcomed their children. The trip, despite minor disappointments, was hailed as a grand success, offering students an invaluable opportunity to witness Telangana’s heritage firsthand.
Acknowledgment
Headmaster Dr. Bharatha Ravinder congratulated the teaching staff for their efforts in organizing and managing the trip effectively. Their dedication ensured that students not only enjoyed themselves but also gained a deeper appreciation of history, architecture, and wildlife.
The PM SHRI Exposure Visit was undoubtedly an enriching educational experience, leaving students with cherished memories and a newfound love for their cultural heritage.
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