The Kolkata chapter of the National Integration Tour, initiated under Operation Sadbhavana by Spear Corps of the Indian Army, was successfully conducted from 14th to 15th October 2024 for Nine Youth Ambassadors from Manipur who are participating in the tour, aimed at fostering national unity and promoting cultural understanding.
The tour was flagged off by the General Officer Commanding (GOC), Red Shield Division on 14 October 2024, in a formal ceremony at Koirengei, Imphal East, Manipur. Following this, the Youth Ambassadors embarked on their journey to Kolkata, where they experienced the city’s rich cultural heritage and visited prominent installations of the Indian Army.
During their two-day stay in Kolkata, the ambassadors toured the iconic Victoria Memorial, participated in a Heritage Walk at Fort William, and visited Kitchener House, the Headquarters of Eastern Command, and the Command Museum of the Indian Army.
A key highlight of their visit was an interaction with Lieutenant General Ram Chander Tiwari, UYSM, AVSM, SM, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Command. The General Officer warmly welcomed the ambassadors and engaged in a comprehensive dialogue with them, encouraging their aspirations and fostering a spirit of unity.
The next phase of the tour will take the Youth Ambassadors to Tawang, where they will visit significant landmarks such as Sela Pass, Sela Lake, Tawang Monastery, and Madhuri Lake. They will also pay their respects at Bum La Pass and the Tawang War Memorial, honouring the brave soldiers who laid down their lives during the 1962 Indo-China War.
The National Integration Tour is offering the Youth Ambassadors, an invaluable opportunity to engage with the Indian Army and experience the diverse cultural fabric of India. These interactions and visits will leave a lasting impression on the young ambassadors, helping to build connections and a greater understanding of India’s unity in diversity.