Photo Walk on National Science Day: Capturing Science, Culture, and Heritage at Kali Paltan Mandir, Meerut

A powerful, hands-on learning experience that blended scientific observation with heritage photography.

A Powerful Celebration of National Science Day Through Visual Storytelling

On 12 May 2025, the School of Media, Film and Television Studies, IIMT University, Meerut, hosted a Photo Walk to celebrate National Science Day, offering students a dynamic platform to explore scientific perspectives through the vibrant lens of history and cultural heritage. Held at the iconic Kali Paltan Mandir, Meerut, the event enabled participants to blend creativity with observation, transforming the site’s historical richness into compelling visual narratives.

A Historic Venue That Elevates Learning: The Legacy of Kali Paltan Mandir

The selection of Kali Paltan Mandir, also known as Augharnath Temple, added profound significance to the Photo Walk. This heritage site is renowned as the origin point of the 1857 Revolt, where Indian sepoys ignited the first war of independence against British rule. Its historical gravity, coupled with intricate architecture and spiritual ambiance, provided a diverse palette for students to craft visually rich compositions.

Bridging Science and Art: The Core Objective of the Photo Walk

The Photo Walk was meticulously designed to highlight how science is deeply embedded in everyday life, including the physics of light and shadow, angles, symmetry, and structural geometry, architectural engineering of heritage sites, and environmental science and spatial awareness. Through photography, students observed these scientific principles in real environments, understanding how the fundamentals of science underpin architecture, nature, and human experiences.

Experiential Learning at Its Best: Engaging Students in Real-World Practice

Our Photo Walk went far beyond simple documentation. It encouraged students to master:

• Visual Composition Techniques — framing, rule of thirds, leading lines, contrast, and texture analysis.
• Storytelling Through Imagery — developing narratives that connect culture, science, and history.
• Understanding Heritage Through a Scientific Lens — analyzing structural elements and environmental context.
• On-Field Creative Problem Solving — adapting to lighting, movement, and crowd interactions.
• Collaborative Exploration — peer learning and idea exchange in a hands-on setting.

The Importance of National Science Day in Modern Education

National Science Day serves as a tribute to India’s scientific legacy, honoring Dr. C.V. Raman’s groundbreaking discovery of the Raman Effect. For media and film students, understanding science is essential because cameras operate on optical science, lighting is governed by physics, editing relies on computing, and cinematography requires knowledge of optics and motion.

Why a Photo Walk? The Educational Benefits of Photographic Engagement

Photo Walks are powerful educational tools because they enable students to observe deeply, think critically, apply technical knowledge (ISO, shutter speed, aperture), express creatively, and build confidence by working in public environments. The event at Kali Paltan Mandir maximized these benefits by situating learners in a diverse, historically enriched space.

A Celebration of Creativity: Students Capture Science in Every Frame

Students captured scenes illustrating how science interacts with daily life: the geometry of temple structures, natural light filtering through trees, symmetry in architectural motifs, patterns formed by crowds and rituals, and environmental elements shaping the surroundings. These observations translated into visually powerful photographs, each telling a unique story rooted in scientific understanding and cultural appreciation.

Strengthening the Future of Media Education at IIMT University

The School of Media, Film and Television Studies continues to champion experiential learning. The Photo Walk stands as a testament to our commitment to hands-on education, interdisciplinary pedagogy, creative skill development, real-world engagement, and heritage preservation. Such initiatives prepare students to merge artistic vision with technical knowledge and become industry-ready professionals.

A Meaningful Fusion of Science, Heritage, and Creativity

The Photo Walk on National Science Day at Kali Paltan Mandir was more than an event—it was a meaningful journey into India’s scientific and cultural legacy. Students honed their photography skills while deepening their understanding of how science influences artistic expression, social narratives, and historical memory. As an educational institution dedicated to holistic excellence, we continue to create opportunities where students explore, learn, and craft stories that shape tomorrow’s media landscape.