Kashmir, September 13, 2025 – President Droupadi Murmu engaged in a heartfelt interaction on Thursday, September 11, with a diverse group of students from Assam’s Tinsukia district and from Jammu & Kashmir’s Nowshera and Rajouri regions at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The young participants, hailing from remote and tribal areas, were in the national capital as part of the Indian Army’s National Integration Tour under Operation Sadbhavana 2025–26, an initiative designed to foster unity and cultural exchange among the nation’s youth.The event highlighted the government’s commitment to bridging regional divides by exposing students to India’s rich heritage, democratic institutions, and modern landmarks. Organized by the Indian Army, the tour aims to broaden the perspectives of learners from border and underserved communities, encouraging them to become ambassadors of national harmony and progress.A Motivational Encounter at Rashtrapati BhavanDuring the session, President Murmu personally connected with the students, inquiring about their academic dreams, tour experiences, and aspirations for the future. She commended the enthusiasm and resilience of the group, particularly praising the 16 tribal students from upper Assam’s Tinsukia, who represented the vibrant communities of the Northeast. The President also extended her encouragement to the students from Jammu & Kashmir, urging them to excel in their studies and actively contribute to the nation’s development.
“This interaction is a testament to the power of education in building a cohesive India,” President Murmu remarked, emphasizing the role of such tours in promoting mutual understanding across diverse geographies. She lauded the Indian Army’s efforts in facilitating these journeys, noting how they help students appreciate the shared values that bind the country together.The students, aged between 14 and 18, visited key sites in Delhi, including museums and historical monuments, as part of the tour’s itinerary.
Their visit to Rashtrapati Bhavan culminated in a group photograph, capturing a moment of inspiration that they described as life-changing.Fostering Unity Through Youth EngagementThe National Integration Tour is a flagship program under the Army’s Operation Sadbhavana, which focuses on goodwill and community outreach in sensitive border areas. By bringing together youth from regions like the Northeast and Jammu & Kashmir—often marked by unique cultural and geographical challenges—the initiative underscores the theme of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’ (One India, Great India).Students from Tinsukia shared stories of their tribal heritage and the natural beauty of Assam, while those from Nowshera and Rajouri spoke about life in the border districts of Jammu & Kashmir. The exchange not only celebrated regional diversity but also highlighted common dreams of education and national service.One student from Rajouri expressed, “Meeting the President has ignited a fire in us to work harder for our communities and the country.” Similarly, a tribal learner from Tinsukia added, “This tour has shown us the vastness of our India and the importance of unity.
“Broader Impact on National CohesionSuch engagements align with President Murmu’s ongoing advocacy for inclusive growth and youth empowerment. By interacting with students from varied backgrounds, she reinforces the narrative of a united India where every voice contributes to progress. The event also spotlights the Indian Army’s role beyond defense, in nurturing future leaders through educational outreach.As the students return to their hometowns, they carry not just memories but a renewed sense of purpose, ready to promote integration in their locales. The Rashtrapati Bhavan shared glimpses of the interaction on social media, amplifying its message of harmony nationwide.For more on the National Integration Tour and Operation Sadbhavana, visit the official Indian Army portal.
