The Aryavarth Express
Poonch (Jammu and Kashmir): The Ghari Battalion of the Indian Army’s Poonch Brigade on Sunday flagged off a National Integration Tour from Poonch to Dehradun, offering local students an opportunity to explore the cultural diversity and operational functioning of the Indian Army.
Students selected for the 10-day educational tour expressed excitement and gratitude.
One participant said, “This is a huge opportunity for us. Two or three students from each school have been selected. During the tour, we will learn about the local culture in Dehradun and different aspects of the Army and the country.”
Another student, Shaista Majid, thanked the Army for the initiative, telling, “The Poonch Brigade is offering a great opportunity to children like us. We’ll be taken to Dehradun and exposed to many new experiences. Even after Operation Sindoor, this is the first time we’re getting such an opportunity. We are very grateful.”
The tour follows a recent welfare initiative by the Durga Battalion of the Poonch Brigade, which, in collaboration with Pritam Spiritual Trust, organised a three-day camp providing free artificial limbs, wheelchairs, crutches, hearing aids, prosthetics, and walkers to over 200 specially-abled individuals. The camp was held as part of the 77th Poonch Link-Up Day celebrations.
Jagbir Singh, Chairman of Pritam Spiritual Trust, said the initiative exceeded expectations.
“The camp is a huge success. More than 200 people benefitted. We provided walkers, crutches, hearing aids, prosthetics—everything they needed. It marks the beginning of a new life for many,” he said.
The Indian Army continues to conduct such outreach programmes in the region to strengthen community engagement and promote national integration.
