UKHRUL: The Assam Rifles flagged off the 11-day National Integration Tour (NIT) from Ukhrul, Manipur to Kolkata, West Bengal on Friday, marking a significant initiative aimed at fostering national unity, cultural understanding, and greater exposure for the youth of remote regions.
Organised under the aegis of Operation SADBHAVANA 2025–26, the tour features students from multiple villages across Ukhrul and Kamjong districts, representing the vibrant Tangkhul community, the Assam Rifles stated.
The ceremony commenced with a warm and encouraging address by the chief guest, Major General Ravroop Singh, YSM, SM, IG AR (South) ,who emphasised the transformative value of such visits in expanding the worldview of students, nurturing informed citizenship, and acquainting them with opportunities beyond their home districts.
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The tour is designed to inspire young minds by offering meaningful insights into India’s diverse social, cultural, and historical landscape. Over the next 11 days, participants will travel to Kolkata via Dimapur exploring historical landmarks, national monuments, and culturally significant sites that reflect India’s unity in diversity, it stated.
During the journey, which includes travel by road, rail, and air, students will visit renowned educational institutions, museums, cultural centres, and key national establishments. Interactive sessions with dignitaries, including the Governor of West Bengal and the GOC-in-C, Eastern Command, will provide invaluable first hand exposure to leadership and governance, it further stated.
Addressing the gathering, the chief guest highlighted the pivotal role of the NIT in connecting the youth of the Northeast with the wider national mainstream. He remarked that the knowledge and confidence gained from the tour would help shape them into responsible, ambitious, and empowered citizens of India.
The Assam Rifles reaffirmed its commitment to youth development, community outreach, national integration and emphasis on strengthening the social fabric of the Northeast through sustained engagement and empowerment initiatives, it added.
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