AVSM, YSM, SM, General Officer Commanding, Spear Corps, Lieutenant General HS Sahi, flagged off the National Integration Tour (NIT) Nagaland at Headquarters 3 Corps, Rangapahar Military Station, Dimapur on Wednesday.
The NIT Nagaland, organized by the Indian Army, comprises 19 students and two teachers, aged between 15 to 22 years, from Kigwema, Kezo and Chakabama villages of Kohima, would embark on a journey to explore prominent Army institutions and key attractions in Bareilly, Ranikhet, Nainital, Dehradun, and New Delhi. During the visit, the students will have the opportunity to meet President of India, Eastern Army Commander, and other esteemed dignitaries.
Addressing an assembled crowd at the flag off ceremony, Lt. Gen. HS Sahi conveyed his sense of privilege in hosting the NIT for the young adolescents of Nagaland and emphasized that the tour’s purpose extended beyond the Northeast, reaching out to Jammu and Kashmir, where geographical and political issues have limited exposure to the rest of the nation.
“It is heartening that they will now have a firsthand experience of what India truly stands for”, he stated, pointing out that the overarching goal of the NIT was to instill profound sense of belonging among these youngsters, affirming their equal stake in the diverse tapestry of India.
Lt. Gen. Sahi underscored India’s upward trajectory known to the entire world, spotlighting recent milestones such as successful G20 Session and vibrant Hornbill Festival.
He expressed a sentiment echoed by many, stating that Nagaland held a special place in the hearts of all Indians, and acknowledged that even after more than seven decades of independence, certain challenges persist, caused concern for every citizen.
He expressed that it aimed to break from the patterns of the past seven decades, regional demands, calls for separate states or countries, etc, fervently believing that internal disruptions was the sole threat to India’s aspirations of attaining superpower status.
He further pointed that regions such as Delhi and other peaceful states, children enjoyed superior amenities in education, healthcare, and creativity.
Lt. Gen. Sahi envisioned a brighter future for Nagaland, asserting why Nagaland can’t have a monthly festival and increased tourism influx, envisioning countless visitors exploring the state’s rich cultural and natural heritage.
He therefore urged the youth to be the torchbearers of the nation’s future, and challenged them reminding them that it was upon them to shape the destiny of Nagaland.