26th April '07 It was time again for a visit, probably one of the most important of them all. The first appointment for the day was with the Home Minister, the honourable Mr. Shivraj Patil. The austere personality of Mr. Patil complimented his calm demeanour as he spoke to the participants for a while before throwing open a question answer session. From questions about India's Policy on Terrorism to other aspects of the country's growth and development, the honorable minister took each question with the practiced ease of a diplomat and answered them to the satisfaction of everybody. Mr. Patil left behind strong impressions on all minds along with a sense of reverence.

Post lunch, the participants were taken to the Birla House - the place where Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated. Although closed on a Monday, the authorities granted special permission to the MIT-SOG staff and students and they went around the vicinity.

The major part of the afternoon was slated for the famous Centre for the Study of Developing Societies (CSDS), an NGO committed to understanding the dynamics of an evolving society. At CSDS, the participants were exposed to all aspects of their work including Psephological studies, Environmental and Educational issues. A committed organization with committed people at its helm was just about the kind to fire the imagination of those who wish to work for NGOs in their near futures. An informal gathering over tea and cakes had eminent people like Yogendra Yadav, eminent psephologist and many such scholars interacting with our participants and guiding them in their areas of interest. Following the CSDS workshop, a meeting with the young MP from Rohtak, Mr. Deepender Hooda, son of MP Mr. Bhupinder Singh Hooda was arranged by none other than Mr. Nipun Hooda, a MIT-SOG alumni and secretary to the MP. This dynamic politician interacted for a while with the students and offered them like-minded young perspectives about politics. He gave them some practical tips on how and on what level one ought to enter politics.