Lucknow, 30 Aug (HS): Under Indian Army's Sadbhavana initiative, the

first-ever National Integration Tour (NIT) for children from the border

villages of the Kumaon region was successfully conducted from 15 to 28 August

2026. The 15 day tour included 20 students and two teachers, from remote border

areas of Kumaon, providing them with an opportunity to experience India's

cultural heritage, democratic institutions, military traditions and

technological progress.

The contingent was flagged off from Pithoragarh by Brig Gautam Pathania,

Commander Panchshul Brigade who encouraged the students to make the most of the

unique learning opportunity.

The major highlight of the tour was interaction of the students with

Honourable President of India, on 17 Aur 26 which was once in a lifetime experience

for these students who have gone outside their native villages for the first

time. Later they explored Rashtrapati Bhavan, India Gate, Kartavya Path, the

Red Fort and several historical monuments, museums and the Nehru Planetarium.

The students also paid homage to the nation's bravehearts at the National War

Memorial, gaining a deeper appreciation of India's history, heritage and the

sacrifices of its Armed Forces.

At Dehradun, the students interacted with the Honourable Governor of

Uttarakhandon 24 Aug 26 and visited the prestigious Indian Military Academy

(IMA), Rashtriya Indian Military College (RIMC)& Forest Research Institute

Dehradun where they gained valuable insights into academia, leadership,

discipline and the ethos of the Indian Armed Forces.

The delegation subsequently travelled to Bareilly, where they interacted

with the GOC, HQ Uttar Bharat, Lt Gen DG Misra, AVSM on 25 Aug 26 and shared

their experiences and key takeaways from the tour. The delegation then

proceeded for Lucknow Darshan and was flagged in at HQ Surya Command on 27 Aug

26.The delegation thereafter proceeded to Munsyari, marking the successful

conclusion of the tour.

For many participants, this was their first journey beyond their native

villages. The National Integration Tour broadened their horizons, strengthened

their confidence and fostered a deeper sense of patriotism and national

integration. The successful conduct of the initiative reaffirmed the Indian

Army's unwavering commitment to the holistic development of youth from remote

border areas through its Sadbhavana programme.

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhishek Awasthi