PAIGAM – E – AMAN TOUR FLAGGING IN

RAJOURI: An educational/motivational tour for twenty three local youth and two teachers was flagged -in by the Commander 13 Seect RR on 19 Feb 12.  The tour was conducted by one of the Rashtriya Rifles Battalion under the aegis of Romeo Force as part of Operation Sadbhavana to Delhi, Agra, Jaipur and Ajmer. The tour spanning over ten days was started on 09 Feb 12.  The local youth belonging to Thanamandi, Manjakote, Gamir Mughlan, Dehri Ralyot and Sanjiot areas of Rajouri / Poonch districts of J&K  were part of this historic tour.

In Delhi the youth visited Jama Masjid, Qutub Minar, Saket City Walk Mall and also got a chance to board the Delhi Metro, about which these local youth had only read in the books. According to Mukthar Ahmed resident of a remote village in Rajouri district “It was a fabulous experience to see all these historical places, I also enjoyed the metro ride which I had boarded for the first time”.  All the youth were on their maiden tour outside the J&K state.  

 

In Agra the tour members visited Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri.  Later the tour proceeded to Jaipur where  the youth got a chance to see Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantar, Museum and also saw a movie in a multiplex.  Jabar Khan a resident of a remote village in Poonch district said “ It is for first time that I have seen a movie in a cinema hall like Raj Mandir and I would always cherish the experience”.  From Jaipur the group proceeded to Ajmer to pay their obeisance’s at Dargah Sharif. Thereafter the group proceeded to Delhi, where they visited the Rashtrapati Bhawan and also interacted with Mr Farooq Abdullah, Union Cabinet Minister for new and Renewable Energy on 17 Feb 12.

The successful completion of this tour has resulted in fostering closer relationship between the locals and the Army.  It has also developed a deep sense of belonging to the national mainstream amongst these children of remote areas.  The enthusiasm and glow on the face of all children clearly showed that they thoroughly enjoyed and learned from this unique experience.  The parents of youth expressed their gratitude to the Army for providing this lifetime opportunity to their children.