Army organizes tour for children from Mahore

REASI: ‘Travelling Enhances Knowledge & Learning’ was the theme of the Educational tour for twenty three children and two teachers  organised by Rashtriya Rifles Battalion for a duration of fifteen days from 15 November to 30 November 2011. The tour was flagged in by Commander, Rashtriya Rifles at Sarh, in the presence of the parents and officials from the civil administration. 


The itinerary involved visit to places of historical importance and tourist interest in South India.  The aim of the tour was to broaden the horizons of the children by showcasing the many facets of South India which would also lead to better Army - Civil relations in the area.   

Exposing the children to the world outside their home town not only widened their horizon and motivated them to pursue higher studies which contribute to the progress of the state.  The tour was an eye opener to the people getting their first exposure outside the remote areas from where they dwell.  It also assisted in bringing realization amongst these selected children and teachers about the unity, diversity and secular fabric of the country.

           

The tour started its road journey from Sarh to Jammu by bus on 15 November 2011.  The group left for Bangalore on 16 November 2011 by train and reached on 18 November 2011. In Bangalore they were taken to various places of tourist interest. High point of the visit was meeting the Indian Spin wizard Anil Kumble who spent 30 min interacting with the children. 

The group also met the Governor of Karnataka His Excellency Mr HR Bhardwaj, who urged the students to spread the message of friendship. At Coimbatore and had an unique experience of visit the local Radio FM station where the students were interviewed. They also visited Forest College Museum, Perur Patteeswaraswamy Temple and Black Thunder Water Park at Mettupalayam.  The group also went to Wellington where they visited Py Kara Lake and other places of tourist interest around Coonoor and Ooty. The visit to Love Dale School was widely appreciated. At Ooty they visited a Wax Museum, Tea Museum, Ooty lake, Doda Betta and Botanical Gardens.     

On route in New Delhi the children also got an opportunity to travel by metro train and visited Jamia Masjid and Red Fort. The group finally returned to Mahore on 30 November 2011.

During their interaction with local media one of the student participating in the tour, Murtaza Ali, age 18 years resident of village Lancha said “we are so excited at this rare opportunity that has come our way to visit other parts of our vast country, we are grateful to the Army for broadening our horizons and giving us on insight into the development taking place in our country, for me it was like a dreams coming true”.