About India
India, officially known as the Republic of India, is a vast and diverse country situated in South Asia. With an expansive landmass of around 3.29 million square kilometers, it ranks as the seventh-largest country globally. India's population is a remarkable facet, as it is the second-most populous nation in the world, with over 1.3 billion people, as of my last knowledge update in 2022. This diverse populace speaks a multitude of languages, practices various religions, and belongs to a wide array of ethnic groups. India boasts a rich and ancient history that spans millennia. It gave birth to several major religions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism. Throughout its history, it was home to influential empires and dynasties such as the Maurya, Gupta, Mughal, and the British Empire. Indian culture is vibrant and diverse, encompassing a plethora of art forms, music, dance, literature, and culinary traditions. The country is known for its classical dance forms, like Bharatanatyam and Kathak, and celebrates a multitude of festivals, including Diwali, Holi, and Eid. Language diversity is another hallmark of India, with over 1,600 languages spoken. Hindi and English are the official languages, but each state has its own official language(s). Major regional languages include Bengali, Telugu, Marathi, Tamil, and Urdu. India's economy is one of the world's largest and fastest-growing, with a mixed economy encompassing agriculture, manufacturing, and services. It has gained recognition for its IT and software services industry and is a significant player in the global outsourcing market. As a federal parliamentary democratic republic, India has a multi-party political system. The country is marked by iconic landmarks, including the Taj Mahal, historic sites like the Red Fort and Qutub Minar, and natural wonders like the Himalayan mountain range and Kerala's backwaters.
About Goa
Goa is situated on the west coast of India and is one of the most beautiful states of India. It was formerly a Portuguese colony and is a unique cultural blend of the east and west. Goa is located adjacent to the North Western Ghats rainforests, one of the rare biodiversity hotspots of the world. The wildlife sanctuaries offer exposure to the diverse flora and fauna in the state. Goa is endowed with a variety of attractions including white sand beaches, lush green country-side, churches, temples, forts and monuments. Goa is a treasure trove of culture, music, dances and art forms that can be enjoyed during local festivals and celebrations. It is often said that ‘Goa never stop partying’ and is known for its vibrant night life. With its tropical climate, Goa is a perfect tourist destination for all seasons. With its pristine natural beauty, exquisite culture and rich history, the state is able to attract a large number of tourists from India and across the globe. This symposium will not only provide participants with a platform for intellectual exchange but also offer attendees a unique opportunity to delve into the captivating beauty of the state.
Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) Pilani (Hosting Institute)
Birla Institute of Technology & Science, Pilani was declared as an Institution Deemed to be a University under section 3 of the UGC Act in the year 1964, one of the earliest to be so recognized. BITS Pilani has pioneered a number of visionary initiatives in higher education and has established an impeccable and formidable reputation nationally for excellence. BITS Pilani offers UG, PG and PhD programs to over 17,000 students across its 5 campuses in Pilani, Goa, Hyderabad, Mumbai and Dubai. The Institute has secured over Rs. 398 crores as external research funding in the last 05 years. State of art facilities have been developed to support cutting edge research, led by students and about 930 faculty members, leading to a Scopus h-index of 156, with 221 patents filed so far, and 41 patents granted. Birla Institute of Technology & Science, Pilani (BITS Pilani) has been consistently ranked high, by both government and private ranking agencies for its innovative processes and capabilities that have enabled it to impart quality education and emerge as the best private science and engineering Institute in India. In recognition of the high standard that BITS Pilani strives to uphold, the University Grant Commission, in 2018, has declared it as an “Institute of Eminence” (IOE).
How to reach to BITS Pilani K K Birla Goa Campus, Goa
Being a popular tourist destination and a haven for relaxation, Goa offers superb connectivity to major cities throughout the country. Nesting in the lap of verdant hills, overlooking the Zuari River, BITS, Pilani K K Birla Goa Campus is spread over an area of 180 acres. The location of campus is unique in the respect of scenic beauty and panoramic view of picturesque surrounding encompassing Zuari River, hillocks, waterways, forests and landscape.
Accessing BITS Pilani Goa Campus is facilitated through diverse transportation options, guaranteeing convenience for both attendees and visitors.
Air Travel
Goa boasts two airports, namely Goa International Airport (Dabolim), situated approximately 5 km away and Manohar International Airport (Mopa), which is roughly at a distance of 55 km from BITS Pilani K K Birla Goa campus, the venue for the symposium. Goa International Airport, being the closest, is extensively connected to major cities across India, providing a time-efficient air travel option. One can find regular flights to this tropical paradise from cities like New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kochi, and Chennai. The fastest way to reach Goa is often by taking a flight from Mumbai or Bengaluru, with the journey typically lasting around an hour. Air India is recognized as the national carrier. However, travelers can choose among various airlines, including SpiceJet, IndiGo, Air Asia, Akasa Air and Vistara. Upon arrival, pre-paid taxis are readily available to reach the Campus.
Pre-paid Taxi service at the Airports
Pre-paid Taxi counters are available at the airport arrival area.
Goa International Airport (Dabolim) to BITS Pilani K K Birla Goa Campus: ~Rs. 500/- ($6)
Manohar International Airport (Mopa) to BITS Pilani K K Birla Goa Campus: ~Rs. 4,000/- ($50)
One can also avail the ‘Goa Miles’ cab service via the Government certified transportation portal: https://www.goamiles.com.
Note: The rates may vary accordingly and can be higher if not pre-paid. The above rates and information are representative and approximate. Organizers are not responsible for any deviation in prices and information mentioned above.
Rail Travel
Those inclined towards rail travel can commute by train and arrive at Karmali Railway Station, located about 20 km, Madgaon railway station, which is 22 km away or Vasco railway station which is 10 km from BITS Pilani K K Birla Goa Campus. These railway stations have established connections to major cities in the region.
Karmali Railway Station to BITS Pilani K K Birla Goa Campus: ~Rs. 2,000/- ($25)
Madgaon Railway Station to BITS Pilani K K Birla Goa Campus: ~Rs. 2,500/- ($30)
Note: The above rates and information are representative and approximate. Organizers are not responsible for any deviation in prices and information mentioned above.
Road Travel
The campus is easily reachable by road, with well-maintained highways and road networks linking it to neighboring towns and cities like Mumbai, Bangalore, Pune, Hyderabad etc.