The Governor of Sikkim, Shri Om Prakash Mathur, attended the “FLAG-IN CEREMONY” of the National Integration Tour 2024 held at Raj Bhavan. The National Integration Tour was organized by the Indian Army – Black Cat Division, Gangtok under the aegis of the Tri Shakti Corps at Raj Bhavan, Gangtok.
This initiative aims to inspire and empower the youth, equipping them to contribute meaningfully to the nation’s growth and development.
In his address, the Governor expressed his appreciation for the Army, particularly the GOC of the 17 Mountain Division, Major General, Shri Amit Kabtiyal, for conceptualising and implementing the visionary National Integration Program. He highlighted the program’s focus on the holistic development of students, who are the torchbearers of the nation’s future in its journey towards Viksit Bharat @ 2047.
The Governor lauded the Indian Army’s efforts in engaging students from rural areas of Sikkim, offering them not just a tour but a comprehensive learning experience about the nation.
He acknowledged the video presentation, which showcased how the students travelled across the nation and gained profound insights into India’s rich cultural heritage and values.
He further emphasized that the students witnessed the bravery and democratic spirit of the nation and urged them to document their experiences from the past six-day tour in a journal. These journals should be sent to him, following which the students would be invited to Raj Bhavan for a discussion on their learnings and reflections.
Moreover, the Governor underscored the importance of such initiatives, describing them as vital opportunities for the youth, who serve as the guiding light for the nation’s progress.
The Hon’ble Governor also presented mementoes to the students, acknowledging their enthusiasm and participation in the program.
The Hon’ble Governor also unveiled a photo album documenting the tour.
During the event, a video of the tour was presented, along with a travelogue shared by the students. They expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Indian Army for taking them out of their villages and providing them an opportunity to visit Delhi, Dehradun, Mussoorie, and Kolkata.
The students described their visit to Delhi as a dream come true. They also shared how visiting the Indian Army’s training centre and witnessing the rigorous training of soldiers had a profound impact on them, inspiring them to aspire to join the Indian Army and empowering them to dream of a brighter and better future.
Earlier, the event commenced with Major Mukul Dutt briefing the attendees on the National Integration Tour, which included 35 students and 4 teachers from East Sikkim. The tour aimed to foster patriotism and instil a sense of freedom. Beginning in Sikkim, the tour’s itinerary covered Delhi, Dehradun, Mussoorie, and Kolkata. It provided the students with an opportunity to broaden their horizons by exploring India’s cultural diversity and development while engaging with dignitaries at the forefront of the country’s premier Armed Forces and Civil Administration institutions.
The event concluded with the Governor waving the flag, marking the official closure of the National Integration Tour.
