At 9 a.m., on the 2^nd. In January 2026, the students of the 'Photojournalism' course set out on a journey with their course instructor, Mr. Niaz Majumdar of the Media and Mass Communication (MMC) department, on a trip that would soon stretch the boundaries of documentation and emotion. A group of 25 students, equipped with professional cameras, notebooks, and quiet excitement, began their journey from Dhaka to Panchabati (Panchaboti is a private garden owned by Mr. O. K. Chowdhury and created by his late wife, Shaheen Chowdhury), near Svar EPZ, for an outdoor photography workshop. On paper, the purpose of the trip was to observe, capture, and learn. However, what awaited the students went far beyond mere technical practice; it became an immersive experience in nature, tradition, and storytelling through the lens.

When the students reached Panchabati, the atmosphere began to change dramatically. The chaos of the city's chaos faded into silence, and in its place, a vast open field came into view. As they entered the area, an endless mustard field greeted the students, stretching to the horizon. The land shimmered in golden and yellow hues, as if the sun had spilled over the earth. The flowers stood tall, swaying gently with the breeze, their soft rustling creating a rhythm that felt almost magical. Faces brightened in an instant, smiles appeared, conversations paused, and cameras began clicking spontaneously. For many, this was the first experience of playing in such an uninterrupted expanse of nature, and they wanted to capture it. Upon their arrival, the students were taken to the traditional house to refresh. The structures themselves offered a lesson in architecture, humble yet dignified. Refreshments were then served, followed by date palm juice, a local delicacy unfamiliar to many students. Its sweet, earthy flavor sparked curiosity and conversation, turning it into a moment of cultural discovery.

Once refreshed, the main workshop began. The students set out with a common goal: to explore the place and capture memorable moments. What unfolded was a visual treasure trove. The mud houses stood proudly, their walls carefully constructed and painted with intricate, popular designs. These houses were not just shelters; they were expressions of identity, patience, and craftsmanship. Vines and pink flowers climbed over the tin houses like gentle guardians, softening the metal surfaces with life and color. Each flower seemed intentionally placed, as if nature itself had collaborated with humans to design the scene.

The ancient wooden chairs sat quietly in the courtyard, their cracked surfaces bearing the weight of countless untold stories. Some leaned against the walls, others rested in the shade of trees, as if waiting for the return of conversations from long ago. Narrow pathways led through clusters of houses, where shadows danced and light filtered through leaves, creating perfect frames for storytelling. Birds flew overhead, their calls echoing softly, while the wind whispered through bamboo and trees.

For students, this environment becomes a living classroom. They learned how light changes over time, how texture tells a story, and how simplicity often carries the most profound meaning. The contrast between urban life and rural silence heightened their awareness. They began to understand that photojournalism is not just about capturing dramatic events, but also about preserving silent beauty, resilience, and culture.

After lunch, under the guidance of Niaz Majumdar Sir, the students continued their exploration with renewed enthusiasm. The afternoon light softened the environment, casting long, golden shadows, perfect for photography. The clicking of cameras started as the students experimented with angles, depth, and composition. Every corner of the place presented a new story—the door framed by sunlight, flowers brushing against tin walls, footprints on the ground, and silence speaking louder than words. At 5:00, the group prepared to return to Dhaka. As the vehicle left, the mustard fields slowly disappeared, but the experience remained vivid in the students' minds. The memory cards were full, but most importantly, their perspective had expanded.

The Panchavati trip taught a powerful lesson: photojournalism is not just about taking pictures, it is about observation, empathy, and respect for the world around us. Through nature, architecture (interior/exterior), food, and people, students learned that stories are everywhere, even in silence. The moral lesson of this journey is simple yet profound: to become a true photojournalist, one must first learn to see not just with a camera, but with the heart.

The MMC Department of AIUB is always thankful and appreciative to Mr. O. K. Chowdhury for providing our students with the opportunity to conduct photography and painting workshops on this beautiful campus from time to time.