Two IIT-M students had the opportunity to visit and explore Zanzibar as part of an initiative to train students for the screening test. During the course of their stay, they also got the chance to take a peep into the new IIT Madras Zanzibar campus
Vuppanapalli Chaitanya
Our adventure to the enchanting island of Zanzibar, Tanzania, began right from the bustling Chennai Airport, where an unusual question at the checkin counter puzzled us. The airline staff asked us whether we would need one window seat or two, as if the seat could be shared. That was the beginning of the many surprises that awaited me and Arvind Ragghav V.
Our next stop was the Oman Airport, where we were greeted by an amusing mix of people. Passengers around us were in a frenzy, worried about missing their flights. They kept waking us up at odd intervals causing confusion. It turned out that our flight was scheduled for the next day, a humorous start to our Zanzibar adventure.
Later, all our anxieties were eased when we received a message from Mr. Shabu K George, Consul of India in Zanzibar, immediately upon landing. Knowing that someone was there looking out for us, this gesture gave us confidence in a foreign land.
As we reached our accommodation – Africa House Hotel – we were pleasantly surprised to discover that it was managed by an Indian named Mr. Manas. Little did we know that he would soon become a cherished friend, a guiding figure throughout our stay.
The reason Arvind and I were in Zanzibar was to conduct coaching classes for the screening test at the Karume Institute of Science and Technology. Dr Mahmoud Abdulwahab Alawi and Dr Zuhura Juma welcomed us with open arms, ensuring that our classrooms were equipped with all the necessary requirements. Their support was invaluable, setting the stage for our teaching journey. In fact, Dr Zuhura Juma ran from pillar to post, assisting us with the monumental task of printing out stacks of question papers. In the classroom, we met with students who were eager to learn and were deeply passionate about sports.
To make our lessons more engaging, we drew parallels between scientific concepts and the world of sports, connecting two seemingly disparate realms. The students’ enthusiasm made teaching an absolute delight.
Our journey would not have been complete without experiencing the vibrant Indian community in Zanzibar. We were honoured to be invited by the Consulate General of India to celebrate the Indian Independence Day, where we had the opportunity to interact with fellow Indians and gain insight into their lives in this distant corner of the world.
Days turned into weeks as we were immersed in work, visiting the institute every morning with packed lunches lovingly prepared by Manas. We would return to the hotel in the evening. Weekends in Zanzibar were a treasure trove of exploration. A visit to Prison Island introduced us to the gentle giants of the sea – 100-year-old tortoises. The pristine beaches with their picturesque beauty felt like they were scenes plucked from a postcard.
Journey to the East
We were curious about the new IIT Madras campus in Zanzibar, which was still under construction. The well-engineered structure hinted at a promising future for education on this enchanting island.
Another unforgettable memory was a day at the Zanzibar Zoo, where we interacted with ostriches, zebras, camels and observed many other wildlife species up close. It was a remarkable opportunity to connect with nature in a way we had never imagined. In between our regular classes, we took out a student, Saleh, shopping. His connections in the market came in handy and helped us purchase things we needed, fostering a cultural exchange that enriched our understanding of local life.
As our coaching classes drew to a close, our students surprised us with heartfelt gifts, showing their gratitude and appreciation in a unique and thoughtful way. This touched the both of us deeply. One of the most memorable days was when we played cricket with fellow Indians in Zanzibar. This event, organised by the Consulate General of India during the National Sports Week, brought us closer to the local Indian community. It was a day filled with camaraderie between the batting and bowling side.
As our journey neared its end, a last-minute challenge awaited us at the airport. A check-in counter issue had us making a 3am panic call to Mr. Shabu George.
Remarkably, he arrived with the Consulate General of India at the airport, to assist us. We felt deeply thankful for their unwavering support, which tells a lot about the strong sense of community among Indians in Zanzibar.
To wrap up our journey in one sentence: it was a tapestry of unexpected encounters, warm friendships, and unforgettable experiences. This island – with its picturesque locations and vibrant culture – left an indelible mark in our hearts.
Zanzibar is a must-visit destination, offering much more than a typical vacation. It is a place where you can truly immerse yourself in the local way of life and create lasting memories. Our adventure is a testament to the incredible connections and discoveries that await those who dare to explore this hidden gem in the Indian Ocean.
Vuppanapalli Chaitanya, a PhD student from the Department of Chemical Engineering, IIT-M, and Arvind Ragghav V, a dual degree student from the Mechanical Engineering Department, were in Zanzibar in the month of August.
