Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Dec 31: Minister for Social Welfare Sakina Itoo today called for wider interaction between youth of Jammu and Kashmir and rest of the country, saying exchange of visits could enhance this endeavour to the desired level.
Flagging off a group of youngsters on their visit to various parts of the country, under ‘Wattan Ko Jano’ programme, the Minister said such visits help in knowing variant cultures, different states and the technological advancement taking place across the country.
Being organized by J&K State Rehabilitation Council in conjunction with Union Ministry of Home Affairs and State Sports Council, the focus is to cover students within the age group of 15-20 years, belonging to militancy hit families besides orphans under the programme. The purpose is to expose the targeted segment to the diverse social and cultural heritage.
The group comprised 216 students from different areas, who are undertaking the visit under “Youth Exchange Programme”.
Sakina said that this is a committed endeavour of the State and Central Governments to arrange such visits for those children who cannot afford these on their own. She said that this is third such visit and efforts would be further intensified to organize these programmes on frequent basis.
During the flagging off ceremony, the Minister interacted with the students and exhorted upon them optimally utilize this opportunity to add to their knowledge about the development and cultural scenario of different parts of the country besides getting much required exposure for improvement in their overall personality. “Such tour programmes play a vital role in educating the participants about what is happening around so that the same is replicated to better their society they live in besides boosting their confidence”, she maintained.
During the visit, the students would get an opportunity to see various locations of historical, cultural, educational and tourist interests in the country besides calling on the President Pranab Mukherji in New Delhi. Besides, they will interact both at inter-state and intra-state level and participate in cultural activities at different places.
The students would visit prominent places like Agra, Ajmer, Delhi, Chandigarh, Rajasthan, and Dehradun and will take part in various activities including sports, debates, painting competition, interactive programs, cultural interactions etc with similar age groups in schools and colleges during their stay at various places. They will also have an opportunity to meet with Chief Ministers and Governors of concerned states.
MLA, Bimla Luthra, Secretary SWD, M.S. Rather, Director SWD, Jammu, M. H. Bhatti, Executive Director State Rehabilitation Council, Hafiza Muzzafar, Director Tribal Affairs, Ali Raza, Secretaries of different SW boards, HODs of SWD, Deputy Director, prominent Social Workers and other senior officers were present on the occasion.
Follow our WhatsApp channel