ARMY ORGANISED EDUCATIONAL CUM MOTIVATIONAL TOUR FOR SENIOR CITIZENS FLAGGED IN

KISHTWAR: An educational cum motivational tour named `FIRDAUS WATAN- IV’ for senior citizens hailing from terrorism affected areas of Kishtwar which wasorganized by Headquarters Counter Insurgency Force (Delta) was flagged in today at Kishtwar by Commander Sector Rashtrya Rifles.

The tour was organised under `Operation Sadbhavana’ and was conducted by a Rashtriya Rifles Battalion under the aegis of Headquarters Counter Insurgency Force(Delta).  A total of 27 senior citizens were taken to Belgaum, Goa and Cochin from 01 Feb 2012 to 15 Feb 2012.

During the tour, the senior citizens had visited the Maratha Light Infantry Regimental Centre, Commando Wing in Belgaum and were made familiar with the grueling training schedule of a recruit.   In Goa the senior citizens had the unique experience of enjoying the sun on the golden beaches and also an opportunity to visit a Signals Training Centre.  The touring party was also taken to the Naval Base at Cochin and got a chance to visit the war ship INS SARVESHAK.  

A cruise through the back waters of Kerala was an icing on the cake for the touring party.  The touring party was also taken to   various historical land marks to enlighten the senior citizens of the rich history of India. The tour was interspersed with various leisure activities to avoid the on set of tedium.  The flagging in ceremony was attended by senior military and civilian officials were.  The Commander, while speaking to the senior citizens asked about their experiences and shared some light moments with them.

        

All the senior citizens who were part of the motivational tour have taken back with them ever lasting memories of the trip.  Each and every moment of this trip orgainsed by the Army from Paradise on Earth to Gods own Country was savoured by them.  The touring party also praised the Army who had left no stone unturned to make this trip an outstanding and unforgettable one.  

While interacting with the participants, Mr Ghulam Mohd Khanday said that the tour has opened new horizons for him and he would certainly share the richness of this vast and diverse country of ours with the members of the younger generation of his village. All the participants’ were in unison of the fact that the tour increased their longevity and thirst to explore more of our diverse country.