Second batch of TUM students experience an IGP Winter School

In December 2023, the second Indo-German Partnership (IGP) Winter School occurred in Mumbai and Alibagh. For ten days, 16 students each from TUM and the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IITB) worked together on the topic of "Localizing climate action: water, energy, and climate policies in India." The IGP Winter School, led by Prof. N.C. Narayanan from IITB and Prof. Miranda Schreurs from TUM aimed to promote intercultural learning and prepare the participants to deal with the challenges in the areas of climate, water, and sanitation.

The IGP Winter School participants met with TUM Mumbai Liaison Officer Mohaa Vyas. Image: Sarath K

The IGP Winter School 2023 at IIT Bombay kicked off on December 13 with lectures on water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), energy, and climate challenges in India. The events were primarily intended to create a better understanding of the problems in India. In the subsequent workshops, the participants from TUM and IITB worked closely together to find solutions to some of the challenges.

The students spent their evenings socializing, taking nature walks, and hiking on and around the IITB campus.

Field research in Alibagh

Between December 15 and 20, the students were in the coastal town of Alibagh, south of Mumbai, for research purposes. Their surveys aimed to understand the social and economic conditions and the concerns of the inhabitants of Alibagh regarding WASH and energy supply. On the last day, the students presented their findings and discussed them with the course leaders, Prof. Schreurs and Prof. Narayanan, as well as with local government representatives and community members. The participants then took a ferry across the Arabian Sea back to Mumbai.

Inauguration session of the IGP Winter School 2023 at IIT Bombay. Image: Praval Sharma / TUM

TUM and IITB Winter School Participants on the tidal mudflats in the Arabian Sea at Alibagh. Image: Ayushi Jain / IITB

Conducting field surveys in Alibagh. Image: Udip Das / IITB

The students conducting surveys in the colorful streets of Alibagh. Image: Udip Das / IITB

Evening get-togethers. Image: Goldee Thoidingjam / TUM

Post-survey discussion sessions at Alibagh beach. Image: Udip Das / IITB

The group on a sightseeing tour in Mumbai. Image: Sarath K

The winter school participants had the unique opportunity of birdwatching early in the morning in the megacity Mumbai. Image: Sarath K

Exploring Mumbai and the surrounding area

On December 21 and 22, the group went on a Mumbai city tour. The students explored the megacity's vibrant atmosphere and got an idea of the complexity associated with the parallel implementation of development and sustainability goals. They also got to see Mumbai's impressive mangrove forests and the breathtaking variety of birds and animals. In the evenings, the students attended concerts and events organized as part of IITB's Mood Indigo cultural festival.

At the end of the IGP Winter School, the participants bid farewell to India with many unforgettable impressions. The trip broadened their academic horizons and created lasting bonds between the students of TUM and IITB. It shows that learning not only takes place in the classroom but also transcends geographical borders.

We are very grateful for the generous financial support of this Winter School by DAAD.

More about the Indo-German Partnership project Exploration
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