Kolkata/Jammu, September 24 (Scoop News) – 25 students from the Insurgency affected State of Jammu & Kashmir are on a goodwill tour to Kolkata under ‘ Project Sadbhavna’ (Goodwill) undertaken by the Indian Army to expose them to the rich traditions of the State of West Bengal and to the progress in various fields.
`The tour is also intended to instill a sense of awareness and National Integration amongst the youths of these areas. The tour is being organized by No. 66 Rashtriya Rifles of the Counter Insurgency Force (uniform). These youths who have arrived in the city on 22 Sep 10 belongs to remote areas of Rajouri & Reasi districts of J & K. They have so far visited Vidya Sagar Setu, Victorial Memorial, St Pauls Cathedral, Dakshineshwar Temple, Science city, Nakhoda Masjid , Zoological Gardens and rode on the Kolkata Trams and Metro.
Apart from this they have also visited various Army establishments in Kolkata. Ian Chouchudry, a student form Rajouri who is a part of this team was ‘mesmerized’ to see the City of Joy. He said “Yahaan ki har cheez acchi hai, khas taur pe yahaan ka culture our yahaan ke log. Kolkata ke log bahut cooperative hai”. He found the Kolkata metro particularly interesting and attractive.
Aftar Ahemad, a student of class 11 persuing Islamic Studies in Urdu & Persian, was thrilled to see the Science city. “ Muzhe computer ka globe bahut accha laga”, he said.
On 24 Sep 2010, this team met Maj Gen Ravi Dastane, GOC HQ Bengal Area. During his interaction Maj Gen Dastane said “Aap Sab Ki aankho me mai ummed dekh rahaa hoon. Ye zindagi our ummeed hi khuda ka sab se bada inaam hai. Mai chahata hoon ke aap log Desh ke acche nagrik bane, doosron ke bare me sooche our auroon ki madad kare. Hamne hamesha khuda pe bharosaa rakhna hai aur Kabhi na ummed nahi hoona hai”
Maj Gen Ravi Dastane invited the youths to join the Indian Army and directed the staff to conduct personalized coaching for entrance exams and physical tests.