A

STUDY TOUR REPORT

ON

“Udaipur-Jaipur group inclusive tour by Thomas Cook (India) Pvt. Ltd.”

“SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULLFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENT OF

POST GRADUATE DIPLOMMA IN MANAGEMENT (PGDM) – INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS”

SUBMITTED TO: SUBMITTED BY:

Mr. Ravinder Dogra ADITYA RANJAN (Asst. Professor) PGDM – IV Semester

Roll No. - 1134002

SESSION: 2013-2015

Indian Institute of Tourism and Travel Management (An Organisation of Ministry of Tourism, Government of India)

Govindpuri

Gwalior – 474011 (Madhya Pradesh) India

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DECLARATION

I, ADITYA RANJAN Roll No.- 1134002 a student of PGDM IV Semester of Indian

Institute of Tourism and Travel Management, Govindpuri, Gwalior, hereby declare that the

study tour report titled “Udaipur-Jaipur group inclusive tour by Thomas Cook (India) Pvt.

Ltd..” is my original work and the same has not been submitted for the award of any other

diploma or degree.

Date: 20th April 2015 ADITYA RANJAN

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

To take study tour is a part of our Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) Program. Study tour is quit valuable and important aspect to provide practical knowledge to

the student of management studies.

I was able to prepare this study tour report with the co-operation of various people. My sincere thanks to entire team of ‘Thomas Cook India Ltd.’ for providing such a memorable

and knowledgeable tour. It was very useful and experience which I got during this study tour with Mr. Jayendra Verma from “Thomas Cook India Limited, Mumbai” as our tour

manager.

First of all I am very much thankful to In Charge Chairman and Professor Lt. Dr. Saurabh Dixit of our P.G.D.M- International Business. Our Asst. Professor Mr. Abhilash R. who

has given me an opportunity and he has helped me very much in preparing the report by

his guidance.

Thanking you

ADITYA RANJAN

PGDM- International Business

IV SEMESTER (2013-15)

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Table of Content

S.No. Descript ion Page no.

1. Aim and Objective of the Study Tour 1

2. Itinerary 2

4. Thomas Cook India Limited 3

5. Rajasthan 4

6. Palace Visited in Udaipur

5

7. Palace Visited in Jaipur 9

8. Learning’s Carried Over From The Visits 11

9. Student Review 12

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Aim and Objective of the Study Tour

Aim

Management as a profession can’t be taught merely in the four walls of classrooms. Only

theoretical knowledge is not sufficient to build competitive managers. Practical knowledge

of the business environment is equally important.

The main aim of Study Tour is to aid students to acquire basic knowledge of functioning of

the industry. Study tour emphasizes experiential learning and offer both group and self

directed activities that enable learners to explore various industries cultures, practices and

people.

Significance

1. Enhance skill development and competency building.

2. Developing ability to critically analyse the situation.

3. Student’s self-development and realizing self-actualization.

4. It provides first-hand knowledge about the organizational structures and modes of

operation in different industries.

Objective

1. To enable participants to acquire a greater understanding of Rajasthan, by providing

and insights in to economic, political and cultural life of Rajasthan.

2. To facilitating research linkages and providing a platform for all areas of tour

functioning with broader business, professional and cultural communities across

Rajasthan.

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Itinerary

Accommodation – Udaipur – Hotel Padmani Palace or Similar property

Jaipur – Hotel Kalyan or Similar property

Description

Day 1

Arrival at Udaipur and Sightseeing in Udaipur

Arrival at Udaipur in the morning by Kahjuraho-Udaipur Exp.Proceed for full day sightseeing. Areas to visit include City Palace Museum (near Lake Pichola), Vintage Car Museum including lunch, Jagdish temple

Day 2

Sightseeing in Udaipur and Departure from Udaipur

Half day excursions from Udaipur - areas to visit include visit to Eklingji and Haldighati Museum (Maharana Pratap memorial), Fateh Sagar Lake, Sahelion ki Bari. Evening guests have option to heritage walk/explore local market for shopping and departure by Khajuraho-

Udaipur exp. In Night

Day 3 Arrival at Jaipur and Sightseeing in Jaipur

Proceed for full day sightseeing Hawa Mahal and City Palace, Jantar Mantar (Observatory). Evening explore local market for shopping.

Day 4 Sightseeing in Bhangarh

Full day Sight Seeing at the Bhangarh

Day 5 Departure from Jaipur

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Thomas Cook (India) Pvt. Ltd.

Thomas Cook (India) Ltd is the leading integrated travel and travel related financial services

company in the country offering a broad spectrum of services that include Foreign

Exchange, Corporate Travel, MICE, Leisure Travel, Insurance, Visa & Passport services

and E-Business. The company set up its first office in India in 1881.

Thomas Cook (India) Limited is promoted by Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited through its

wholly-owned subsidiary, Fairbridge Capital (Mauritius) Limited. Fairbridge is responsible

for the execution of acquisition and investment opportunities in the Indian subcontinent on

behalf of the Fairfax family of companies.

TCIL’s footprint currently extends to over 235 locations (including 15 airport counters) in 99

cities across India, Mauritius & Sri Lanka and is supported by a strong partner network of

114 Gold Circle Partners and 165 Preferred Sales Agents in over 136 cities across India.

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Rajasthan

The state was formed on 30 March 1949 when Rajputana – the name adopted by British

Raj for its dependencies in the region– was merged into the Dominion of India. Its capital

and largest city is Jaipur, located on the state's eastern side.

Rajasthan is home to the Rajputs, warrior clans who claim to originate from the sun, moon

and fire, and who have controlled this part of India for more than 1000 years. While they

forged marriages of convenience and temporary alliances, pride and independence were

always paramount; consequently much of their energy was spent squabbling among

themselves. The resultant weakness eventually led to the Rajputs becoming vassals of the

Mughal empire.

Nevertheless, the Rajputs’ bravery and sense of honour were unparalleled. Rajput warriors

would fight against all odds and, when no hope was left, chivalry demanded jauhar (ritual

mass suicide). The men donned saffron robes and rode out to face the enemy (and certain

death), while the women and children perished in the flames of a funeral pyre. It’s not

surprising that Mughal emperors had such difficulty controlling this part of their empire.

With the Mughal empire declining, the Rajputs gradually clawed back independence – at

least until the British arrived. As the British Raj inexorably expanded, most Rajput states

allied with the British, which allowed them to continue as independent states, subject to

certain political and economic constraints.

These alliances proved to be the beginning of the end for the Rajput rulers. Consumption

took over from chivalry so that, by the early 20th century, many of the maharajas spent

much of their time travelling the world with scores of retainers, playing polo and occupying

entire floors of expensive hotels. While it suited the British to indulge them, the maharajas’

profligacy was economically and socially detrimental.

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Palace Visited in Udaipur

1. City Palace:

The Udaipur City Palace is one of the architectural marvels of Rajasthan, located peacefully on the banks of Lake Pichola. This majestic City Palace is the most-visited tourist attraction

of Udaipur and often distinguished as the largest palace complex in Rajasthan. Initially, Maharana Udai Singh built this superb wonder, but the present form of the Palace is the result of subsequent additions by his successors.

City Palace boasts of the wonderful blend of Medieval, European and Chinese Architecture.

The Palace has various towers, domes and arches, which add to the flavor of heritage site. Towering on the banks of Pichola Lake, City Palace is truly a feast to the eyes. City Palace is a marvelous assortment of courtyards, pavilions, terraces, corridors, rooms and hanging

gardens. Encircled by fortifications, this imposing Palace is wholly built in granite and marble.

City Palace has several gates that are known as "Pols". 'Bara Pol' (Great Gate) is the main gate to the City Palace complex that will take you to the first courtyard. On passing 'Bara

Pol', you will come across a triple arched gate, which is known as 'Tripolia'. Between these two gates, you would see eight marble arches or Toranas, where Kings used to weigh themselves with gold and silver. Besides Tripolia, there is an arena where elephant fights

were staged. Across 'Tripolia', you would enter the 'Elephant Gate' or the 'Hathi Pol'.

City Palace comprises 11 wonderful palaces, which were built by different rulers still they resemble each other. With the sheer glimpse of unique paintings, antique furniture and exquisite glass mirror & ornamental tiles work of these palaces, you will get amazed. Manak

Mahal (Ruby Palace) has figures of crystal and porcelain. However, Bhim Vilas flaunts a fabulous collection of miniature paintings depicting the real life stories of Radha-Krishna.

The 'Krishna Vilas' is known for the noteworthy album of miniature paintings portraying royal processions, festivals and games of the Maharanas. Moti Mahal (Pearl Palace) is

celebrated for its lavish decor while Sheesh Mahal (Palace of mirrors) is known for its breathtaking mirror work. 'Chini Chitrashala' is renowned for its Chinese and Dutch

ornamental tiles. 'Dilkusha Mahal' (Palace of Joy) is known for the murals and wall paintings.

Bada Mahal is the exotic garden palace that stands erect on a 90 feet high natural rock formation. Rang Bhawan is the palace that used to contain royal treasure. There are

temples of Lord Krishna, Meera Bai and Shiva, located right to the 'Rang Bhawan'. 'Mor Chowk' has exceptional glass mosaics of peacocks, set in the walls presenting the three seasons of summer, winter and monsoon. 'Laxmi Vilas Chowk' is an art gallery with a

distinctive collection of Mewar paintings.

Situated in the premises of City Place complex, Jagdish Temple is the biggest and most beautiful temple of Udaipur. This temple Appeals to the aesthetic sense of the people and we will further discuss it in our other section. You can also trace a Shrine of Dhuni Mata in

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the complex of City Palace. This part is considered as the oldest part of the Palace where a

sage passed his life meditating here.

In 1974, a part of the City Palace and the 'Zenana Mahal' (Ladies Chamber) have been transformed into a museum. The museum is open for public and we have discussed it in our other section about museums. One can locate some striking paintings in the 'Zenana

Mahal' which further leads to Lakshmi Chowk. 'Lakshmi Chowk' is a beautiful white pavilion. In City palace, the most captivating sight can be viewed from the towers and terraces of

'Amar Vilas' from where you can get a breathtaking view of Lake Pichola. 'Amar Vilas' is the highest point of this Palace and has wonderful hanging gardens with

fountains, towers and terraces. City Palace is structured in a way that it offers a splendid view of the lake from all its Balconies, cupolas and towers. Unlike the craggy exterior, City

Palace has amazing interiors with delicate mirror-work, marble work, murals, wall paintings, silver work, inlay work and surplus of colored glass. The exquisite work of City Palace cannot be bounded in words, so one must visit this palace to capture the real picture of it.

2. The Vintage & Classic Car Collection

The Vintage & Classic Car Collection is a landmark in the city of Udaipur ever since it was inaugurated in February 2000. The grand limousines and cars showcased in the Collection

belong to the House of Mewar and are still in perfect running condition. Visitors are privy to the display of the magnificent Rolls-Royce, 1939 Cadillac open convertibles, rare Mercedes

models, 1936 Vauxhall and 1937 Opel models. The Collection has been curated for the benefit of vintage car-lovers from India and all over the world; it is probably the only collection of its kind in India about which the global and indian press has written reams.

Awe-struck visitors to the Collection are narrated innumerable stories and anecdotes about the Maharanas of Mewar and their preferred Rolls-Royce or Mercedes customised at their

request.

The collection is housed in the original Palace Garage, a glorious setting for such a unique and remarkable collection of golden oldies. The semi-circular garage with its forecourt is

housed within a greater courtyard, creating a pleasant hideaway from the bustle of the streets. One of the original Burmah Shell petrol pumps is not only still standing, but also in a

usable condition. The garage itself was built at a time when the only cars in town belonged to the Royal Family and the present-day surroundings make this garage as wonderfully stylish as it must always have been.

The bougainvillea-coated Garden Hotel and Restaurant, a Royal Retreat of HRH Group of Hotels, Udaipur, is also housed within the elegant complex. Garden Hotel derives its name

from the sprawling Sajjan Bagh gardens that adorn this green-section of the heritage-city. The circular white building of Garden Hotel with its The Vintage & Classic Car Collection, a must-see for enthusiasts from all over the world and its popular Garden Restaurant serving

authentic Rajasthani thali have become a landmark of this heritage-city.

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3. Boat rides/Boat Charters bout

The picturesque boat ride on Lake Pichola not only provides the best scenic view of the

lake and the mountains in the city, but also presents some of the most important historical monuments dotted along the lakeside or submerged within the lake. Beginning with the monumental lakeside façade of the City Palace Complex, the boat ride moves to the

picturesque ghats with their distinctive steps, still used by the locals. The lake-side is lined with the havelis of the nobles, most prominent being the Bagore ki Haveli. The Gangaur

Ghat with the triple-arched Tripolia stands as a magnificent piece of architecture at the end of Bagore ki Haveli.

One can also relish the beauty of the small island structures in the midst of Lake Pichola i.e.

the Mohan Mandir and the Arsi Vilas. Mohan Mandir was built by Rana Jagat Singh II as a dedication to Lord Krishna. It is a delightful perching place for the water birds little

cormorants. Arsi Vilas is an island structure that has three rooms and an open courtyard at the rear. It was built by Rana Ari Singh II in the late 18th century.

The most resplendent sights on the boat ride are the island palaces. The 17th century

Jagmandir Island Palace is one of the oldest and most grandiose palace that is legendary as place of refuge to Prince Khurram (later Emperor Shahjahan). Know more about

Jagmandir Island Palace by visiting Jagriti – an exhibition about the historical and architectural development of Jagmandir Island Palace. The exhibition is located within the Gol Mahal at Jagmandir Island Palace and uses archival photographs and paintings to

show the evolution of Jagmandir Island Palace as an incomparable pleasure-palace.

The other island palace of Jag Niwas, now the Lake Palace Hotel is an 18th century creation of Rana Jagat Singh II. It is said that he constructed the palace in response to his

father's statement that 'if he wanted to stay in an island palace like Jagmandir

Beyond the lakeside history and the beautiful island palaces, the boat ride provides a

fantastic view of the distant monsoon palace perched on the hills. Sajjangarh was the palace built by Maharana Sajjan Singh in the late 19th century to enjoy the beautiful monsoon season of the lake city of Udaipur.

4. Fateh Sagar Lake

Fateh Sagar Lake is the second artificial lake of Udaipur, the first being Jaisamand lake.

Located in the north of Lake Pichola, Fateh Sagar Lake lies just besides the entrance to

Moti Magri Hill. Built in 1678 by Maharana Jai Singh, Fateh Sagar Lake got i ts name from

Maharana Fateh Singh, who later made additions to it. Talking about the statistics of Fateh

Sagar, the lake extends to the length of 2.4 km, 1.6 km. in width and deep to the extent of

11.5 meter. During the monsoons, the lake covers the total area of around 1 sq km.

Fateh Sagar Lake is well-planned with three intake channels and an overflow channel that

is usually brought into play in the rainy season. Fateh Sagar Lake is embellished by three

small islands, which can be reached by taking a boat ride in the lake. The largest island of

the lake is developed into a park by the name of Nehru Park. The garden comprises a boat-

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shaped restaurant and a small zoo for children. This island park is the favorite picnic spot of

Udaipur dwellers.

The second island is converted into a public park with brilliant water-jet fountains by the

Government of Rajasthan. The third island addresses Udaipur Solar Observatory, which is

the best solar observing site in Asia. Fateh Sagar Lake is quiet place where people usually

come for relaxation and to lighten up amidst the serene waters of the lake. From the bottom

of Moti Magri Hill, you can hire pedal boats or motor boats as per your convenience to enjoy

a boat ride in the lake.

This pear-shaped lake is encircled by hills, with the exception of its eastern side, where a

straight stone dam is to be found. You can enjoy this lake taking its circumference while

driving through Moti Magri Road, Fateh Sagar Drive and Rani Road. This twisting route

would present stunning views of the lake as well as the encompassing Aravalli Hills. Fateh

Sagar Lake is a nice place to explore and tourists certainly come to enjoy the tranquil

beauty of this lake.

5. Sahelion Ki Bari

Udaipur's famous Garden of the Maidens was founded in the 18th century by Maharana

Sangam Singh for the 48 young ladies-in-waiting who were sent to the royal house as

dowry. Back then, men were forbidden entrance when the queens and their ladies-in-

waiting came to relax. The garden is planted with exotic flowers and themed fountains that

have carved pavilions and monolithic marble elephants. The fountains don't have pumps:

designed to take advantage of gravity, they run on water pressure from the lakes. If the

fountains are not working, ask one of the attendants to turn them on. The pavilion opposite

the entrance houses a small children's science center.

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Palace Visited in Jaipur

1. City Palace, Jaipur

The City Palace is a landmark in Jaipur and is also a very popular tourist hotspot. Apart

from the regal architecture, the palace offers a stunning view of the Pink City and also an insight into the rich heritage of a bygone era. The City Palace is a must-see while sightseeing in Jaipur.

Located in the heart of the Pink City Jaipur, the City Palace was where the Maharaja reigned from. The City Palace is in the central-northeast part of the Jaipur city, which is laid

in a grid pattern with wide avenues. It is a unique and arresting complex of several palaces, pavilions, gardens and temples. This palace also includes the famous 'Chandra Mahal' and 'Mubarak Mahal', and other buildings like Mukut Mahal, Maharani's Palace, Shri Govind

Dev Temple and the City Palace Museum which form a part of the palace complex. The palace is located towards the northeast side of central Jaipur and has many courtyards and

buildings. The palace was built between 1729 and 1732 AD by Sawai Jai Singh II. He ruled in Amer and planned and built the outer walls of the palace and later rulers added to the architecture of this palace. These additions have been known to take place right up to the

20th century.

The urban layout of the city of Jaipur was commissioned to Vidyadhar Bhattacharya and Sir

Samuel Swinton Jacob. The architectural styles are largely based on a fusion of Rajput, Mughal and European styles. Today, the 'Chandra Mahal' has been turned into a museum which is home to unique handcrafted products, various uniforms of the rulers and many

more things pertaining to the royal heritage of the City Palace.

2. The Jantar Mantar

The Jantar Mantar monument of Jaipur, Rajasthan is a collection of nineteen architectural astronomical instruments, built by the Rajput king Sawai Jai Singh, and completed in 1738

CE. It features the world's largest stone sundial, and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

There are plenty of observatories all over the world, but the Jantar Mantar is considered to be one of the largest observatories ever built. Combining religion, science and art, the

Jantar Mantar is the name given to a series of five, magnificent structures built in Jaipur, New Delhi, Ujjan, Varanasi and Mathura. Jaipur was the seat of Maharaja Jai Singh II

during the 1720's and this is when this magnificent structure was built here. The Jantar Mantar in Jaipur is considered to be the largest of the five observatories and also houses the world's largest sundial. The Universe and the Cosmos have always been of interest to

man, and it was this interest that compelled the Maharaja to build an astronomical observatory. The term 'Jantar Mantar' is derived from the Sanskrit terms 'Yantra' and

'Mantra' meaning 'instruments' and 'formula' respectively. The term 'Yantra' was replaced with 'Jantar' which means 'magical'. The Jantar Mantar houses various architectural and

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astrological instruments that have caught the interests of astronomers, historians and

architects around the world.

3. Bhangarh

Bhangarh (Devanagari) is a ruined town in the Alwar district of the state of Rajasthan, India, most famous for its historical ruins. It is said to be a haunted place. Archaeological Survey

of India (ASI) has put up a signboard by the main gate stating (among others): "Entering the borders of Bhangarh before sunrise and after sunset is strictly prohibited." The reason for this may be that there can be wild animals and it could be unsafe because there is no

artificial lighting. Bhangarh is at the edge of the Sariska Tiger Reserve.

Bhangarh is a place between Jaipur and Alwar in Rajasthan state of India. Bhangarh is

known for its ruins, but still worth a visit; the place is beautiful and tranquil. What remains though, is a shadow of a once beautiful kingdom.

Passing by Bhangarh, banyans and temples dot the landscape and one chhatri can be

seen up on the hill. The most remarkable are the temples of Gopinath, Shiva (Someshwar), Mangla Devi and Keshava Rai. Other more or less preserved buildings are e.g. shops along

the main road, several havelis, a mosque, and a palace. The palace was protected by two inner fortifications across the valley. The town is separated from the plain by ramparts with five gates. Bhangarh is also a pre-historic site.

This town was established in 1573 (VS 1631) during the rule of Raja Bhagwant Das as the residence of his second son Madho Singh. Madho Singh was younger brother of Emperor

Akbar’s General Man Singh I of Amber. Madho Singh participated in many campaigns with his father and brother. The next ruler of Bhangarh was his son Chhatr Singh.Bhangarh slowly declined after Chhatr Singh's violent death in 1630. Near Ajabgarh was founded by

Ajab Singh, the son of Chhatr Singh. When Moughal Empire became weaker after the death of Aurangzeb, Jai Singh II attached Bhangarh to his state by force in 1720. After this

Bhangarh diminished in population, and when the famine of 1783 (VS 1840) fell on the land the town was abandoned, and has remained a ruin ever since.

Legend

It is said that the city of Bhangarh was cursed by the Guru Balu Nath, causing the towns evacuation. Balu Nath sanctioned the establishment of the town but said: "The moment the

shadows of your palaces touch me, the city shall be no more!" Ignorant of such foreboding, one ambitious descendant raised the palace to such a height that its shadowed Balu Nath's forbidden retreat and thus the town was devastated as prophesied. The small Samadhi

where Balu Nath is said to lie buried is still there.

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Learning’s Carried Over From The Visits

1. “Atithi Devo Bhava” is the traditional saying of our Indian Culture. At Udaipur and Jaipur these tradition is following same tradition with the visitors.

2. Complex management system sometimes invites huge communication gap or miss communication as a result of which tours suffer.

3. The healthy familiar relation is the most important phenomena for every Group Inclusive

Tours. It is necessary to know the in between perception and views of tourists for the

successful tour.

4. Communication plays the major role in clarity of thought for more clarification two ways

communication plays a major role.

5. Safety and security of tourist is one of the major concerns for the tour manager.

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Student’s Reviews

Honestly, I would say that the study tour of Rajasthan was my best experience. It gave me

so many memories, which will always with me. I enjoyed with my friends. I learned so many

new things which will be very helpful in my future.

- Smruti Ranjan Mahapatra

I would like to say that experience which I have got and whatever memories I have made. I

am sure I am going to cherish it the rest of my life. I got knowledge from different visits.

- Shivraj Singh Rathore

I want to say that I had a great time at Goa study tour. Those memories are still refresh my

mood. I learn so many learning. Lastly, I just want to say thanks to my faculties and my

class-mates who supported me and help me out throughout the tour.

- Nivesh Agrawal

The team-work, group-work which I have improved from my class-mates and

learnt/developed lots of things. The facilities, behaviour, care and their nature gave us good

motivation for improvement in good way. At finally, I would say that it was very significant

journey of learning which make me as best learner and develop my confidence.

- Abhiruchi Parmar

It was very good experience for us; these tour gave me a chance to know some unknown

skill within me. I improve my knowledge with lots of learning & experience. All the visits

were superb.

- Moosa Qureshi

We had a great learning trough out our visit of all the organization. We had good and safe

internal transportation facilities, which made our visits even more smooth. We had regular

meetings, together breakfast, lunch and dinner all the days. We learn lots of things during

that tour.

- Ritesh Patidar