Even as these lawmakers were subject to a rigorous class room type study sessions, to which many of them are not accustomed to, on the very first day which would continue for another few days, there was no complaint from any of these high profile students from India. ''This was extremely informative, interactive. We got a new perspective into many of the issues we discussed today,'' Uday Singh, the BJP MP, said.

''I think, I speak not only for myself but also for the entire group, when I say this is a most uplifting experience. It is totally open, frank and no holds barred. It is multi party where supreme objectivity prevails despite party affiliations being different,'' Singhvi said, at the end of the classes on the first day, during which they were exposed to issues like climate change, global economic risks and China.

''It has been a very enriching and satisfying experience. It has been a day wherein we had a lot of discussion and debate, challenge certain assumptions, and discuss certain issues. I think it is very useful,'' said Bharatiya.

''Essentially, it is an intense programme and they are exposing us to some of the most debated topics. So it is essentially flagging the issues, so you are up to speed what is happening,'' she said.

For Scindia, the youngest member of the group and the only minister from the present UPA Government, the day-long session was a learning experience. ''It has been a very enriching experience thus far, discussing issues form climate change to China to other economic issues. It has been a very enriching and rewarding experience,'' he said.

For a change, the bitter political differences that would be usual back home, was totally absent. Leaders from both the Congress and the BJP said it is a learning process. ''The traditional political differences are not reflected at this forum,'' Naqvi said. ''This is not at all a political partisan discussion. These are issues which affects our nation,'' echoed Singhvi.

Attending such a class, possibly for the first time after he left college, Suresh Prabhu, the former Union Minister, said: ''This is quite a learning curve. More than learning, it is a reflection. What you are doing is reflecting on your own experiences of the past, and revisiting them in today's context.''

During the next few days, these MPs would be attending classes on various other issues religion and politics, higher education in India, US Presidential elections, India and globalization, effective and strategic political communications, styles of leadership, and effective leadership. They would not leave the University Campus before attending a graduation ceremony and a dinner hosted by the Yale Vice President Linda Koch Lorimer on June 11.

Given a chance, these Indian parliamentarians say such a course needs to be exposed to other MPs too. ''It is important that parliamentarians of India get an exposure of this kind. This gives us deep information and knowledge. This should continue,'' Naqvi said.

''In a globalized world it is important to understand the nature of how governments work and how issues are being debated and discussed. I think, it will help all of us. The first group that came here (last year) went back extremely excited. I think what we have seen in experience thus far has been extremely rewarding,'' said Scindia.

Among other MPs part of the delegation are Vijay Jawaharlal Darda, Baijant Panda, Sebastian Paul, Kiren Rijiju, Yashodhara Raje Scindia and Saleem Iqbal Shervani.