THATHRI, Sep 23: The Indian Army’s Northern Command, under the aegis of the Counter Insurgency Force (CIF) Delta and White Knight Corps, flagged off a National Integration Tour (NIT) for students from the Gando-Bhallesa and Bunjwah regions of Doda and Kishtwar districts under Operation Sadbhavana.
The week-long tour, being organised by the Indian Army from September 22 to 29, 2026, includes 30 students accompanied by four teachers. The participants will travel from Jangalwar to Amritsar, Delhi, Jalandhar and Chandigarh, where they will get an opportunity to experience India’s cultural, historical and national heritage.
The initiative has been designed to provide students from remote and mountainous areas with wider exposure to the country’s diverse traditions, history and achievements. The tour also aims to encourage national integration, patriotism, confidence and a broader outlook among young participants.
The bus carrying the students was flagged off in the presence of DC Doda Krishan Lal JKAS, SSP Doda Vikardik Shaurya, Chief Education Officer Doda Bhushan Kumar Pathak, Brigadier of the Indian Army and Colonel K. D. Thakur, Commanding Officer, 26 Rashtriya Rifles, besides teachers, parents, students and members of the media.
Addressing the students, an Army representative described the tour as more than a journey between different destinations, saying it would provide participants an opportunity to see, understand and experience different aspects of India more closely.
The students were encouraged to observe and learn during the tour, interact with people from different regions and communities and make the most of the educational and cultural experiences. They were also encouraged to share their experiences with their families, friends and fellow students after returning home.
The National Integration Tour forms part of the Indian Army’s continued efforts under Operation Sadbhavana to provide educational and cultural exposure to youth from remote areas of Jammu and Kashmir and promote interaction with different parts of the country.
Such initiatives give young people an opportunity to experience India’s diversity while encouraging them to broaden their horizons, develop new aspirations and contribute positively to society.
The Indian Army reiterated its commitment to youth empowerment, national integration and strengthening its engagement with communities across Jammu and Kashmir.
The participating students expressed enthusiasm about the tour and looked forward to returning with new knowledge, experiences and lasting memories.