Elders return from tour

SRINAGAR: Keeping in tune with the Indian Army’s efforts to reach out to the local population and winning their hearts and minds, Headquarter Victor Force, organised an educational/motivational tour for the 30 elders of Pulwama, Shupiyan and Budgam District of South Kashmir under Sadbhavana. 

This tour was conducted with an aim to expose the elders to the rich heritage and cultural grandeur of the country and make them understand the secular nature of our great nation. This effort by the Army is part of constant endeavour to bring about normalcy in the state.

The entourage visited Bhopal, Gwalior and Agra from 20 Nov 11 to 30 Nov 11.  Few places of interest visited by them were Taj-Ul-Masjid and Indira Gandhi Manav Sangrahalay at Bhopal, Sun Temple, Gwalior Fort and Maan Singh Palace at Gwalior and Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sekri at Agra.  They also interacted with Honourable Governor of Madhya Pradesh His Excellency Shri Ram Naresh Yadav on 23 Nov 11. 

The tour was ‘Flagged-in’ by Commander 12 Sector Rashtriya Rifles on 30 Nov 2011.  He further added that sharing of these experiences with peers would also lead to a healthy change in the mind sets of people and accordingly, more and more people would start focusing towards brighter and more progressive future for themselves, as well as, for the state of J&K.  A function was organised to receive the tour at Balapur Camp. 

The spectators who had gathered to welcome the elders included number of civil dignitaries of South Kashmir. The parents and villagers who were present at the flagging in ceremony expressed their gratitude towards the Army for conducting such a tour and urged to organise more such fruitful ventures in the future.