Category: Ahmedabad

In Ahmedabad, the architecture is clearly different from that of the capital🏘️🏚️. The shapes, the structures, and the way spaces are designed reflect a different way of living in a community🤲, more focused on the collective, a dimension we were able to explore today. 

But Ahmedabad is not just a built-up city, because even before discovering this facet, we first realized that it is also a place deeply connected to nature⛰️🌳. We felt this during our hike in the jungle, a natural area with dense vegetation. Climbing the steep paths, fatigue quickly faded in the face of the beauty of the landscape. At the very top, the air was of a rare purity, and the view offered a breath of freedom 🕊️. There was even a place where you could shout and hear the echo resonate in the hills. A simple, yet unforgettable, moment. 

Then, at the Centre for Environment Education (CEE), we discovered another form of connection with nature: that of learning, respect for the environment, and harmonious coexistence with living things. There, nature was not just a backdrop, but a true educational tool 📗✍️.

In the very heart 🫶🏽 of the city, right near the Atal Bridge, an emblematic structure, a peaceful garden, awaited us: the Riverfront Flower Park 🌼🌺.This place isn’t simply a green space for strolling; it’s an invitation to slow down and reconnect with what’s essential. What particularly struck me here was the way water is conceived: not as a mere decorative element, but as a resource intelligently integrated into the design ⛲. There’s a real sense of sustainability, an approach inspired by regenerative design, where each resource is used with care, with a deep respect for all living things. This garden is much more than a park: it’s a symbol of balance between nature and the city, between what we build and what we protect. 

And there, guided through the experience, we took a moment to simply listen. Listening to nature singing, the wind drifting through the leaves, the birds in the distance… It was an activity in itself, a suspended moment where nature spoke to us, gently, without words. A simple, yet deeply soothing exercise, which allowed us to reconnect with our surroundings, in silence..🕊️🌳

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This was first question everybody asked us when we reach to Gujarat. Gujarat was our second destination in the trip of India. People of Gujarat welcomed us in a very joyful gesture by playing dholaks and we were dancing. It was a joyful experience on the first day.

Day 1 of the trip Centre for Environmental Education (CEE) 

Cee was one of those places where I found that you can connect with nature and also see a university. I meet Madhu sir there and with him we went to visit the forest region, I see different trees, feel so connected with nature. Then we got Garret one of a very cheerful person I ever meet in my life in our session. After the session we did a quick reflection session about what we had learnt throughout the day. It is very helpful for me and for everyone to know about what I had learnt also to know about what other person had learnt. 

Day 2

Was full of knowledge gaining day in The Serenity trust and near Sabarmati riverfront 
At serenity I get to know that plants also do every possible things they can do for survival. In serenity  I saw different kinds of trees. Also I get to know about attract the insects for pollination. Then we all did a tree walk, we walk near a pond where I get to know about how dragonfly is important for our environment. They control the population of mosquito. Then I saw two big jackfruits hanging. After that we went to see Sabarmati riverfront and the bridge over there. 

Day 3 At Polo forest 

Was the most adventurous day till now of my life. We went on a hike on aravali region. First we went to a 600 years old Shiv temple which was still live and people come and worship lord Shiva. After that we started our hike. We visited to eco point, and scenarios from the up of the hills were to beautiful and eye catching. It was my first and great experience.

Day 4 Heritage walk of old ahemdabad.

Was about to know how people of old times us build their houses and live there. First we saw a just in front of the entry gate and I see how people use  ‘Chabutra’ which is a place that specifically for birds and everyone in the area contributes to feed them. Then by visiting streets to streets with narrow lanes we went to the tomb of Ahemad Shah. He was who named the city ‘Ahmedabad’. After that in the end of Heritage walk we went to jumma masjid or mosque. After the Heritage walk in old ahemdabad went to the house of that person who was and still now a inspiration of many, he was a fighter but never believe in a physical harm. He who fought with Britishers with full bravery. We went the Sabarmati Ashram or we can say Gandhi Sabarmati Ashram. Mahatma Gandhi used to live there for 12 years. We explore the room of Gandhi and his wife. We learn how and saw how to make khadi using charkha. Then we went to the Gandhi museum, where I saw the whole life journey of Gandhi ji. From his education and life in South Africa till the freedom of India, his contribution in all the acts, protests against the British rule with non violence. At night we had garba night, everyone hit the floor with the garba 

Day 5 (Went to a village and visited a village school)

After reaching the sides of the village we started our journey with a tractor ride and went to the ‘Gaushala’ it is a place we put cattle mostly cows and buffaloes. But at that put cattle which they rescue those who meet any accident or have any kind of disease. There they give treatment for free of cost. We see how they feed the cattle, use their dough to make organic fertilizers. After the visit of gaushala, we went to see the a village school and there we interact with the children, play games, try to learn their language. 

Day 6 

This was our last day in Gujarat which was full of interactions and fun activities but in night everyone give a surprise to us by organising a party. 

It was good I had lot of fun, I will really miss ahemdabad.

After our wonderful 7-day journey in Ahmedabad, we continued our Leadership Collective (LC) trip and reached Mumbai — the city of dreams. As soon as we arrived, Mumbai welcomed us in the most beautiful way — with cool, gentle rain that felt like a fresh start to a new chapter.

Our first stop in Mumbai was MuSo (Museum of Solutions), a space filled with fun, learning, and creativity. We did many interactive and team-based activities that helped us think in new ways. One of the most touching moments at MuSo was watching a short film about a tortoise’s life. It was an emotional story about losing and finding home, and it left many of us silent with deep thoughts.

A Night to Remember — Dinner with LC Pillars and Sponsors

That evening, we had a special dinner with the people who made the LC program possible — the sponsors, mentors, and supporters of 360Plus and Leadership Collective. It was the most memorable day of the entire trip for me.

I got the chance to meet and speak with many kind and inspiring people who openly shared their life journeys, challenges, and dreams. Everyone was so friendly and supportive, and I felt truly seen and heard.

One of the most inspiring people I met was Mr. Harish Mehta, the author of The Maverick Effect. He is a well-known entrepreneur and the founding member of NASSCOM — a key organization that helped shape the Indian IT industry. He spoke to us about taking bold steps, trusting your ideas, and never giving up, even when others don’t believe in you. His words were full of wisdom and motivation, and I felt lucky to meet someone who has contributed so much to India’s tech growth.

We ended the evening with fun games, laughter, and delicious food. It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime evening that I will always carry in my heart.

Exploring the Treasures of Mumbai

The next day, we visited the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, one of the best museums in India. This museum is full of ancient artifacts, sculptures, miniature paintings, and cultural items that show the rich history of India. Walking through the halls felt like travelling through time. I especially enjoyed seeing the traditional artwork and learning about India’s ancient kingdoms, wildlife, and cultural evolution.

Then, we visited the iconic Gateway of India. Just like our arrival, the Gateway welcomed us with soft rain, which made the moment even more special. Standing in front of this historic monument — where many leaders and historical events have taken place — gave me a feeling of pride and wonder. It was a perfect way to end our Mumbai experience.

Final Thoughts

My time in Mumbai gave me inspiration, connection, and unforgettable moments. From the fun at MuSo to the emotional movie, from the powerful meeting with Harish Mehta to exploring Mumbai’s history — every part of the trip taught me something new.

Mumbai reminded me that learning doesn’t only happen in classrooms. Sometimes, it happens in conversations, in museums, in the rain, and in the silent power of a dinner table shared with leaders.

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My Journey in Ahmedabad with 360: Nature, Culture & New Learnings

After our memorable days in Delhi, on 13th July, we started our journey to Ahmedabad early in the morning. We reached around 12 PM, and the 360 team from Ahmedabad was already there to receive us warmly. From that moment, I felt something special. We went to the hotel, and they welcomed us in the traditional Ahmedabad style with smiles, culture, and love. Honestly, it was one of the best welcomes I’ve ever received in my life.

Later, the 360 team introduced themselves and gave us an overview of Ahmedabad its culture, its people, and their work. We also did some fun activities together which helped us bond. In the evening, we visited the beautiful Sabarmati Riverfront. The view was peaceful, and we enjoyed walking and laughing together. I had a deep conversation with Cedric about India and the Sabarmati River, and we shared many thoughts and experiences.

Day 2: Connecting with Nature at CEE

On the second day, we visited the CEE (Centre for Environment Education). The place was full of greenery and peaceful vibes. One of my best moments was the meditation session in nature. While meditating, I heard many different bird sounds, and for the first time, I felt so close and connected to nature. It was calm, powerful, and refreshing. We also did some fun and learning activities at CEE with the team.

Day 3: Exploring Serenity at the Botanical Garden

Our third day in Ahmedabad was spent visiting the Serenity Botanical Garden. It was full of different types of plants, trees, and flowers. Walking through the garden felt like walking through nature’s museum. We saw many rare species of plants and learnt about their use in medicine and environment.

Day 4: Trekking and Temples at Polo Forest

The fourth day of our Ahmedabad trip was an adventurous one! We visited the Polo Forest for trekking. But before that, we stopped by an ancient Shiva temple near the forest. The guide told us that the temple was built in the 15th century, and the carvings and structure were so beautiful. After that, we started trekking into the forest  walking through hills, greenery, and fresh air.

We laughed, shouted, and played in the forest it was full of joy and freedom. I truly felt very close to nature and I’ll never forget this moment.

What learnt ?

*I learnt the value of a warm welcome and cultural connection from the 360 team.

*At Sabarmati Riverfront, I understood the importance of rivers in our history and identity.

* Meditation at CEE taught me how peaceful and healing nature can be.

*I learnt to listen to nature — especially the sounds of birds and trees.

*The Botanical Garden showed me the role of plants in health and the environment.

*Trekking in Polo Forest taught me to enjoy and respect nature closely.

*I realised that nature and history together can teach powerful life lessons

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13th July 2025 – Day 5: Arrival in Ahmedabad

We began our journey to Ahmedabad with a warm welcome from the flight captain as we boarded the plane. Upon arriving, we were greeted with a grand reception at our hotel, making us feel truly special.
The day kicked off with an orientation session where we were introduced to the week’s itinerary. The briefing was followed by engaging ice-breaker activities that helped set a lively tone for the week. In the evening, we took a serene walk along the Sabarmati Riverfront. We learned about the historical significance of the river, and the calm atmosphere made the experience both educational and enjoyable.

14th July: Visit to the Centre for Environment Education (CEE)

Today, we explored the Centre for Environment Education. The wide variety of plants and greenery was truly fascinating. The forest walk was especially peaceful, offering a quiet moment to reflect and connect with nature.
Later, we attended a session focused on the impacts of climate change. It was eye-opening to understand the challenges both our country and the world are facing. Despite the serious topic, the session was engaging and left us eager to learn more.

15th July: Serenity Forest and Sightseeing

Our visit to Serenity Forest was an absolute delight. Surrounded by lush greenery, we took a walk through the forest and discovered the significance of various plant species and trees.We had a thought-provoking discussion on water management challenges with Mr. Loki, who shared valuable insights. Later, we visited the iconic Atal Bridge and the picturesque Rose Garden, both of which added charm to our day.

16th July:

Adventure in Polo ForestToday’s highlight was our hike through the Polo Forest. It was our first experience trekking through such terrain, and it proved to be both exhilarating and a little intimidating. The forest’s raw beauty and the thrill of adventure made it a memorable day.

17th July: Exploring Heritage and Culture

We ended our trip with a heritage walk through the historic parts of Ahmedabad. It was fascinating to dive into India’s rich cultural past and explore the architectural brilliance of the old city.
One particularly interesting concept was that of the “Pol” a traditional housing cluster. Each Pol included five key elements:

1. A communal well
2. The name of the community
3. A chabutaro (bird feeder)
4. A fortified gate
5. A dome

This immersive experience gave us a deeper appreciation of traditional Indian community life. Our time in Ahmedabad was truly enriching and unforgettable.

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The 600 year old, UNESCO World Heritage city yet still alive, Diverse cultures, religions, colors, and infrastructure had the phrase of Mandir se Masjid tak Ka Rasta, to make the point of how diverse communities were back then,Growing up in my home with religious separation and separative religious practice, dealing with diversity led to conflict where communities congregated but cultural sharing was never ever allowed.

Today I found myself visiting a Jain temple and therefore prayed in a masjid for the first time where I was able to gather my thoughts a little by reflecting on how the community has a strong impact and the way they walked through reflective thoughts with nature, no tiny ecosystem involves large portions of space for something, but as small as a doom for birds made me think how collective their thoughts were towards conserving nature while building not only Pols but diverse communities.

Initiatives taken back then reflects their care towards environment so does todays Students are doing, visited a school on Nelson Mandela day having said the Students were excited talking about poems their dreams so high and the sense of interest in their favourite subject (pariyavarn) environmental studies made me hopeful how our future in taking the same path towards sustainability and more breathable planet.

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Our journey in Ahmedabad began with music and joy  as we arrived, we were warmly welcomed by the beats of a traditional band. It instantly made us feel special, like we were stepping into something memorable. After settling into our rooms and having a hearty lunch, the real fun began with icebreaker games and lively activities that helped all of us connect quickly, regardless of where we came from.

As the sun began to set, we visited the Sabarmati River  calm, peaceful, and quietly powerful. Standing by its banks, I couldn’t help but reflect on the history it holds and the stories it carries.

The next day took us to CEE (Centre for Environment Education), where we learned about the fascinating variety of plants and trees native to the region. We had sessions on climate change that opened our eyes to the urgency of the issue and our role in protecting the planet. Through interactive activities and discussions, we not only learned but also grew as individuals. We ended the day with heartfelt reflection sessions that brought out our thoughts and emotions beautifully.

Later that night, we experienced a slice of Gujarati tradition at a traditional hotel where the food was flavorful and the vibe was vibrant Dancing Garba together twirling, laughing, and simply enjoying the rhythm of the moment. It was a night I’ll never forget.

The following day was filled with adventure. We headed to the Polo Forest and hiked the Aravalli ranges, one of the oldest mountain ranges in India. The climb was a challenge, but the views from the top made every step worth it. Surrounded by nature, it felt like time slowed down. That evening’s reflection session was extra special  tired yet fulfilled, we shared stories and feelings that deepened our bonds.

we went on a heritage walk in Old Ahmedabad  a place that feels like a living museum. The narrow lanes, intricate architecture, colorful windows, and timeless temples whispered stories of a glorious past. Every corner seemed to have a soul, a piece of history waiting to be discovered. It was not just a walk; it was a journey through time.

We went to the Rural part of the Ahmedabad we went to the gowsha and we saw how the animals are taken care for free of cost that stuck too hard in my heart and then went to the rural government school and we spent some time with the kids there .

We come to the last day of Ahmedabad that made my heart feel so heavy. We had a lot of reflection sessions and in the night we had our last night party..

I felt so bad to leave people like Divy and Gaurang . Spending a very little time also made me so happy with them . It felt like as if I spend a year with them .

Ahmedabad gave us more than memories  it gave us lessons, laughter, culture, and connection. From learning about the climate to dancing under the stars, every moment here felt meaningful. I leave this city inspired, a little more rooted, and a lot more grateful.

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When we first flew into Ahmedabad, I noticed how there were a lot of rural areas in the state. But when we started driving around, I noticed that the city has a mix of both rural and modern elements. It was hard to believe that one side of town can look run down while another is nicely fixed up and modern. Something I appreciate about the state is its nature. I really enjoyed going to CEE and seeing the forest. It was very different compared to New Delhi, offering a scene where you can breathe in fresh air without all the sounds of traffic. When we were told to sit down and just close our eyes to listen to the nature and meditate, I felt a huge sense of relief wash over me. I was feeling pretty tense, and getting a chance to breathe in such a beautiful scenery made me feel peaceful and tranquil. I also learned a lot from the workshops that we did, specifically the one on planting at home. I learned new ways to conserve plants, which I can use in my daily life since my parents have big gardens at home. Instead of using unhealthy chemicals, we could use resources that are better for the environment and for the plants.

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After an amazing first week in Delhi, we flew to Ahmedabad on the 13th and checked into The President – A Boutique Hotel. That evening, we took a peaceful walk along the Sabarmati River, soaking in the calm vibes of the city. On the 14th, we visited the Centre for Environmental Education (CEE) and explored the unique Vechaar Utensils Museum. Later, we enjoyed a traditional Gujarati dinner at the beautiful Vishalla restaurant, which felt like dining in a cultural village. The next day, we explored the Serenity Trust Library and its lush Botanical Garden, followed by a visit to the modern Atal Bridge and the colorful Sabarmati Riverfront Flower Park. Dinner was at FoodInn Restaurant, where the local flavors were a treat.

On the 16th, we went for a refreshing trek in the Aravalli mountain range, a great escape into nature.The 17th was full of culture and history. We joined the Ahmedabad Heritage Walk through the old city, visited Gandhi Ashram and saw Gandhi’s home and museum. At night, we dressed in traditional Indian wear and joined a fun and energetic Garba dance event!

There’s still a few more days to explore in Ahmedabad!!!

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I was so excited to visit Ahmedabad, rich in heritage and where every corner has a different story.

13 July

We arrived Ahmedabad at 10:20Am and the welcome was the best part of the day . It was traditional way of welcoming in India , with Baja and tilak chandan’. We had our welcoming session and also visited the riverfront in the evening.

14 July

We went to a peaceful place i.e CEE (Centre for Environmental Education) . The day started with a nature walk which was so peaceful. We collected some things from the jungle. We played some games and also had a meaningful session on Climate change . We met with so many great people like Madhu sir and the team of CEE and learnt so many things from them. We had some group tasks. The dinner was really so amazing at Vishala, we had seen the traditional garba dance and the food was on lead plate which reminded me of my village.

15 July

In the morning we went to Serenity Trust where we have seen different types of plants and the importance of small insects. It was the place where I have seen Loki sir for the first time. We had tree meditation where we talked to trees silently and it was so calm and peaceful. Honestly my mind became so stable and I felt so connected with nature. Loki sir talked about all the climate problems and gave some solutions that can be used instead of harmful things like fertilizer and pesticides.In the evening we went to the Atal bridge and the view from the top was so beautiful. We played Mosquito-Mosquito in the park and it was the day when nobody was feeling tired because of the energy of nature.

16 July

It was one of the adventurous part because we went to Polo forest and climbed Eco hill and had lots of fun, the view of Aravali hills was so nice. The travelling part was hactkic, it was 4 hours away from our hotel.

17 July

We had visited old Ahmedabad city and learnt about the old style things, like why the building are connected everywhere, the traditional gates and wells also the Chabutra. The deep designs in the home was so beautiful. I was not feeling good that day, so I came back to the hotel to take rest. In the afternoon we went to Sabarmati Gandhi Ashram , I had seen a real charkha for the first time and learnt how to use it. In the library we had seen a lot of stories of history.we also brought post cards. In the night we had garba and enjoyed a lot. Everybody were wearing traditional and looking so pretty.

18 July

We had visited the rural part of of Ahmedabad where we had seen different types of snakes including python. The tractor ride was so interesting. The went to a goshala and seen how people were taking care of all the cattles. After that we visited a village school and interacted with kids. It was so hard to say goodbye to the pure souls.

19 July

It was the last day in Ahmedabad. We had some group tasks to make our dream island. I learnt so many new ideas from all the different groups. We had a workshop of making design on tote bags. We reflected our stories and experience at Ahmedabad . We played so many games and the dinner was kind of surprise. I loved it , the dance , music, food .

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