Army chief meets with students from Jammu and Kashmir

Army chief General Bipin Singh Rawat met with a group of college students from Kishtwar district in Jammu and Kashmir Wednesday and encouraged them to contribute to the development of their area.

Interacting with the 20 undergraduate students from three colleges in different parts of Kishtwar at the South Block here, General Rawat also cautioned them against joining activities that were against the society and the country.

"You need to become doctors, engineers and teachers and contribute to the development of your area. No angel will descend from outside to do that for you," he said.

The young students in the age group of 17-19 years, accompanied by their teachers, are on a capacity building tour hosted by the Army. The tour began on September 4. They will attend the passing-out parade at Officers Training Academy in Chennai on September 8.

The youths, who were in Delhi for the first time, shared their experience with Rawat telling him about problems of poor roads and power supply back home in Kishtwar.

They also expressed their eagerness to join army and other professions after finishing their studies.

"I wanted to become an IAS officer but I am now so impressed with the Army during my two days with them that I think joining the Army is the best way to serve the society," said 17-year-old B.Sc student Akil Jaffer.

Mohammad Rafi, 19, who pursued BA, said he would become a teacher.

"Peace must be ensured for the progress of the community and society," he told mediapersons.

The Indian Army has adopted capacity building tour to give "holistic exposure" to local populace of terrorism-affected regions in the country. It intends to give them an opportunity to witness the historical legacy, cultural blend, existing development as well as future growth prospects available in the country.