JK students to participate in Navratra in Gujarat

Srinagar, Sept 14: Excited at the prospects of visiting different parts of the country, a group of 90 children including 45 girls from Kashmir, are looking forward to witness and participate in the Navratra celebrations in Gujarat.

The students and a select group of teachers and parents left from Ganderbal for Jammu.

The students in colourful dresses were flagged off by Major General N K Singh, GOC Kilo Force at a special function.

The tour, second during a fornight, has been organized by 5 Rashtriya Rifles under the aegis of 3 Sector Rashtriya Rifles.

Earlier, a group of 40 students left on a tour to Delhi- Dehradun on September 1, where apart from sightseeing and visiting places of historic significance, they would also visit the Indian Military Academy in Dehradun.

A number of students said they have never visited Srinagar. ''We remained confined to our village,'' they said adding the army provided a great opportunity to visit different parts of the country.

They said because they belong to poor families it was a dream come true for them to visit beyond Srinagar.

A defence ministry spokesman said the purpose of arranging this visit is to expose the children of the Valley to rich and varied cultural heritage of our country.

Their exposure to cultural and religious diversity of the country would enable these young impressionable minds to absorb the spirit of our nation much better, he added.

The spokesman said the visit to Ahmedabad has been organised in this part of the year when Navratra celebrations, which bring out the rich colour and splendour of Gujrati culture, are in full swing.

The visiting boys and girls will be able to view Gujarat at its best in terms of colour and culture, he said adding the children would also be visiting various establishments of the Armed Forces including Rajputana Rifles Regimental Centre at Delhi besides Naval Base and Air Force station at Jamnagar.

Interaction with NCC cadets and meetings with senior officers and civil dignitaries have also been planned as a part of the tour.

These Kashmiri children from remote areas would also have the experience of traveling in a train for the first time, visit the Sardar Sarovar Dam and a four of Reliance Petro Chemicals industries and few Textile Mils.

Speaking on the occasion, Major General Singh exhorted the teachers and parents to channelise the energies of our younger generation positively.

UNI