Srinagar, September 4 (Scoop News) – A group of 80 students of Kashmiri Pandit Migrants presently putting up at Satellite Towns of Jagti, Muthi, Roopnagar and Nagrota in Jammu Division who is on weeklong tour of Kashmir Valley called on Minister for Revenue, Relief and Rehabilitation Raman Bhalla at his official residence here today.
The Relief Commissioner, Jammu has arranged the tour for the students during which they visited Hazratbal Shrine, Kheerbhawani, Baba Reshi, Shankarachariya temple, Baramulla and Gulmarg for the first time.
Interacting with the Minister, the students expressed their views praising the hospitality and scenic beauty of Kashmir. "We have heard from our ancestors that if there is heaven on earth that is Kashmir but we have seen it with our open eyes" said Priya Koul and Vikas Koul who were among other students visiting the valley for first time during their life. The students in their languish voice told the Minister that "Kashmir is our mother land and we want to visit here again and again".
Highlighting the rich traditions of amity and brotherhood prevailing in Kashmir, Jammu and Ladakh regions of the State since times and again, Bhalla said that co-existence of different faiths and cultures in the State symbolizes the high values of humanism. He stressed for upholding the values of communal harmony and striving to conserve the rich cultural heritage at all circumstances.
The Minister urged upon the students to take keen interest in studies for achieving excellence and said that the government has expanded the opportunities of higher and professional education across the state. He advised them to take full benefits of congenial academic atmosphere and achieve excellence in their streams of interest. "Youth are the builders of the nation and they have to prepare themselves fully to face the future challenges", he added.
Among others, Commandant, CRPF, K. N. Halldhar, Physical Education Teachers, Shubanji Bhat and A. K. Bhat, representatives of Relief Commissioner’s office Jammu and senior officers of Relief and Rehabilitation Department were present on the occasion.
Later, the Minister flagged-off the group of visiting students for Mattan, Pahalgam and other tourist destinations in south Kashmir.