Students and Teachers From Kupwara Disrtict in Jammu and Kashmir Meet the President of Inida

A group of 30 students from Kandi Bowl in Kupwara District of Jammu and Kashmir met the President of India, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil at Rashtrapati Bhavan today. The children are currently in New Delhi as part of the Indian Army's Operation Sadbhavana. They are being conducted by the 47 Battalion of the Rashtriya Rifles. The students are from isolated rural areas of Jammu and Kashmir, and many of them have come out of the valley for first time.

The tour aims to enlighten students and teachers about the people and cultures of the country. The students shall be visiting Delhi, Dehradun and Mussoorie over a period of 10 days. The group's itinerary in the capital includes visits to India Gate, the Red Fort, Jama Masjid, the Akshardham Temple and Raj Ghat. After visiting various parts of Delhi, most of the students expressed their desire to get a chance to study at higher education institutions in the capital.

Speaking to the students and teachers, the President said that India is a large country with varied topography and also has places which are washed by the oceans and seas and also areas that are mountainous. She told the students that all Indians have regard and respect for people from the State of Jammu and Kashmir. She wished the students well and hoped that the visit would spread goodwill and urged them to place the nation first in all the activities that they undertake, and to spread understanding amongst citizens.

This release issued at 1315 hrs.