Kerala by Night: A Sleepless Saga
Our college IEDC team had been eagerly anticipating the IEDC Summit scheduled for October 19th, 2024, at NIT Calicut. It wasn’t just about attending the event; it was about the journey we would undertake as a team. For 14 of us—students, core team members, and two of our beloved senior mentors—it was more than just a trip; it was our first long journey together as a team. Excitement buzzed through the air like the first drop of rain on parched soil.
The Night Before Departure
As the calendar flipped to October 18th, the hustle began. With our bags packed and spirits high, we were still missing one crucial piece of the puzzle: accommodation. A flurry of phone calls ensued, trying to book rooms in Calicut. By some miracle, we managed to secure three rooms at a modest lodge. But the real adventure was just beginning—our train tickets, booked weeks in advance, were RAC (Reservation Against Cancellation). Luckily, as the day approached, we were all upgraded to sleeper berths. A small victory that had us cheering like we’d won a lottery.
The train was supposed to arrive around midnight at Changanassery Railway Station, but of course, Indian trains have their own sense of time. Finally, the rumbling engine pulled into the station, fashionably late, at 12:30 AM. The platform was filled with travelers, a mix of sleepy passengers and hyper students like us, buzzing with excitement for the overnight journey ahead.
The Chaotic Train Ride
Once on the train, we discovered that our seats were scattered across different coaches. Not ones to let this minor inconvenience spoil our fun, we put our negotiation skills to the test. After some polite requests (and a little persuasion), we managed to huddle together in the same coach. And so began our night-long fiesta.
The train was a microcosm of students from all corners of Kerala, also headed to the summit. The atmosphere was electric with chatter, laughter, and the rustle of snack packets. Everyone brought a variety of treats from home, and we turned it into a feast—sharing and tasting like it was a potluck party. The train swayed along the tracks, while we swayed to the rhythm of laughter.
But, as with all good things, our lively gathering soon drew the attention of the train's TTR (Travel Ticket Examiner). He came over with a stern look that melted into a half-amused smile. "Folks, keep it down a little. Other passengers would actually like to sleep, you know," he said with a friendly yet firm tone. We sheepishly promised to tone it down. However, our neighbors in the next compartment seemed determined to make up for our newfound silence. Soon, the train guards had to step in with more serious warnings. It felt like a scene straight out of a Bollywood movie—where chaos, laughter, and drama blend into a single frame.
Sleepless Wanderings Under the Moonlight
As the train sped through the night, most of my friends slowly succumbed to sleep. But not me. The thrill of travel kept my eyes wide open. I perched by the window, feeling the cold breeze on my face, letting the moonlight bathe the landscapes of Kerala. There’s something magical about the night—how the world feels softer, quieter, and full of secrets. I couldn’t help but feel connected to it all, every moment etched in my mind as the darkness outside wrapped itself in a blanket of serenity.
As I soaked in the beauty of the world passing by, I found comfort in a different kind of connection. I pulled out my phone, texting my favorite person—my sister. The words we exchanged were like little drops of warmth in the cool night air, a reminder that no matter how far apart we were, we were still sharing this journey together. Her messages were filled with humor, love, and bits of home, grounding me amidst the vastness of the night.
We zipped past little towns and lush fields, all bathed in a silver glow. At one point, the train passed through Palakkad. It’s one of my favorite places—something about its wide, open fields and the crispness in the air. The cool breeze that rushed in through the window was like nature's way of welcoming us. I was lost in the beauty of it all when one of my friends, who had been pretending to sleep, turned to me and sighed. “You know, the stars are nice, but they’re not as beautiful as the eyes of the one I miss.” Ah, young love!
While most were snoring away, some of us kept vigil, sharing stories, sipping from a bottle of Pepsi, and trying not to disturb the couples who were having their own private moments. The rest of the night passed in a blur of soft conversations, the scent of rain-soaked earth, and the rhythmic clatter of train wheels. Time seemed to stretch, as if the night itself had its own secret to tell, and we were simply the listeners to its whispered tales.
Arrival in Calicut
We reached Calicut in the pale light of dawn, a little groggy but still brimming with excitement. A quick walk from the station, navigating the sleepy streets, brought us to Priya Lodge—our humble abode for the night. It wasn’t the Ritz, but it had clean rooms, comfy beds, and hot water. After freshening up and a much-needed nap, we set off for NIT Calicut, ready to conquer the summit.
The journey from the lodge to the summit took an hour by bus. I was captivated by Calicut’s cleanliness and the sense of calm that enveloped the city. The streets were lined with quaint shops, and the people had that genuine friendliness that makes you feel at home.
The Disappointing Summit
However, our enthusiasm hit a wall the moment we arrived at NIT. The event was, to put it politely, underwhelming. The volunteers seemed as lost as the attendees, and there was no clear direction on where the events were happening. It was a mess, to say the least. After a few hours of aimless wandering and a couple of lackluster sessions, we realized the summit wasn’t going to live up to our expectations.
Our mentors, seasoned veterans of previous IEDC summits, agreed that this year's edition was a letdown. “Last year’s summit was way better,” one of them remarked with a sigh. But hey, when life gives you lemons, you go explore the local markets instead!
An Unplanned Adventure in Calicut
We quickly regrouped and decided to turn our disappointment into a mini-exploration of Calicut. We ditched the event and headed straight for the famous Palayam Market. The vibrant colors, the delicious aroma of spices, and the friendly vendors lifted our spirits instantly. After grabbing a quick bite, we hopped onto a bus back to our lodge, enduring a roller-coaster ride thanks to a bus driver who clearly had dreams of being a Formula 1 racer.
That evening, with the sun sinking into the Arabian Sea, we found ourselves at the beautiful Calicut Beach. The waves crashing against the shore, the cool sand under our feet, and the delicious street food made it the perfect way to end a chaotic day. We laughed, we ate, and we made memories that would last a lifetime.
The Journey Back Home
The return journey on October 19th night was another adventure in itself. Exhausted, some of us managed to get scattered seats, while others, like me, stayed awake to keep an eye on things—especially since we had girls in our group. The train was crowded, with a few tipsy passengers making the night feel a little more tense. But we stayed vigilant, watching over each other.
Amidst the chaos, a couple in the next compartment seemed to be lost in their own world, as if the train and the rest of us didn’t exist. The boy, seated below, and the girl, nestled above, were hidden beneath the same bedsheet, their soft laughter and whispered words barely audible over the clattering of the train wheels. Their secretive glances and gentle touches spoke of a world they had created just for themselves, where time slowed down and nothing else mattered. The dim light flickered across their faces, casting fleeting shadows that seemed to dance with the rhythm of their quiet intimacy. It was as if they were writing their own story, hidden away from prying eyes, lost in the beauty of their shared moments. Every stolen glance, every soft chuckle between them was an unspoken language, one that spoke of love, longing, and a touch of youthful rebellion. Their world was a soft, glowing secret, tucked away under the warmth of a shared blanket.
Finally, as the first light of dawn touched the horizon, our train pulled into Changanassery station. It was October 20th, and after nearly 36 hours of non-stop travel, everyone was ready to crash into the welcoming embrace of their beds.
Conclusion
The summit might not have been what we expected, but the journey was one we would never forget. Sometimes, it’s not the destination but the people you’re with and the memories you make along the way. We returned tired, but our hearts were full, and our friendships stronger. Because, after all, the best trips are the ones that leave you with stories to tell—and sleepless nights to remember.
