Mumbai and Pune, known as the heart of India, are cities that not only hold immense economic and cultural significance but also have the unique ability to bring together people from diverse backgrounds.
In an effort to promote national unity and showcase the beauty of India’s diversity, Assam Rifles with the motto “Friends of North East” conducted National Integration Tour under the aegis of Inspector General Assam Rifles (South) to these two cities recently.
The National Integration Tour successfully concluded on 21 December 23 and was flagged in at Somsai by Brigadier Vaibhav Shinde, Deputy Inspector General 10 Sector Assam Rifles. The tour was organised under Operation Sadhbhavana from 05 December to 21 December 2023 and was led by Captain Aman Kumar.
The tour team comprised of 15 students from different schools along with their teachers. The students were from the Kuki, Nepali, and Tangkhul communities in Kamjong district.
One of the highlights of this tour, obviously, was their visit to the renowned Bombay Film City, Mumbai where they were able to witness the glitz and glamour of Bollywood firsthand.
The excitement about this visit was evident in Captain Aman Kumar, who led the tour team. He shared that team members were bursting with joy as they stepped into Bombay Film City.
“It was a proud moment for all of us to stand on the same ground where Bollywood movies like Amithabh Bachchan-starrer ‘Baghban’ and Hrithik Roshan’s blockbuster movie ‘Koi Mil Gaya’ were filmed,” he related in his sharing brief accounts of the tour during the Flag In ceremony, which was held upon their return on Thursday.
As some students shared, they were amazed to discover that numerous Bollywood movies, TV shows, and commercials are filmed here every year. They were also happy to learn a brief history of the place, which has been a prominent hub for Indian cinema.
“We were excited to witness the filming of a serial movie which was in progress while we were at the Film City. We could also get sight of some of the movie stars,” said one of the participants.
The tour also provided the students with an opportunity to visit significant places and landmarks in these cities, including the Naval Dockyard, Indian Navy Ship HAMLA, National Defence Academy, College of Military Engineering, Army Institute of Physical Training, Armed Forces Medical College, Gateway of India, malls, and various other tourist attractions.
The primary objective of this tour was to expose the students from remote areas of Manipur to the diverse culture, rich heritage, and advancements of our great nation, while also fostering bonds and promoting national integration among different communities, said Captain Aman Kumar.
Over the course of two weeks, the students were able to explore and learn about the various aspects of our nation’s progress and development. The Naval Dockyard and Indian Navy Ship HAMLA gave them an insight into the operations and capabilities of our maritime forces, while the National Defence Academy and College of Military Engineering offered them a glimpse into the training and education of our armed forces personnel.
At the Army Institute of Physical Training and Armed Forces Medical College, the students were able to witness the rigorous training and specialized skills required to serve in the army.
Additionally, they also had the chance to visit iconic landmarks such as the bustling Gateway of India.
Apart from these educational and cultural experiences, the students also had the opportunity to visit modern malls and other important places, providing them with a balance of learning and leisure. The purpose of including such activities was to expose these students to the advancements and modernization of our cities and inspire them to strive for a better future for themselves and their communities.
The tour also had a larger goal of promoting cohesion and harmony among the different communities in Kamjong district. By bringing together students from diverse backgrounds, it aimed to foster bonds and promote national integration.
During the flag-in ceremony, DIG Brigadier Vaibhav Shinde took the time to recognize and appreciate the students and teachers who had participated in the event, awarding them with tokens of gratitude such as mementoes and certificates.
The participants were not only given the opportunity to visit new places, but also to gain valuable insights and experiences. The students and teachers expressed their gratitude towards Assam Rifles for providing them with such a unique opportunity. They also shared their personal experiences, bringing to life the vibrant and breathtaking moments they had encountered during the tour.
The speeches were heartfelt and reflected the immense impact that the tour had on the participants. They also highlighted the endless opportunities that exist in modern India, encouraging others to explore and discover the country’s diversity.
Later on, the 10 Sector Commander, Shinde, engaged in a friendly interaction with the students and teachers. He shared his insights on how our diversity is a strength for the nation, and advised the participants to promote unity wherever they go. He also encouraged them to keep their inquisitive nature alive, and to continue building upon the bond formed during the tour.
