MHA taking 200 Kashmiri youths, children on nation-wide tour

More than 200 youths and children, who were hit by militancy in Jammu and Kashmir, are on a country-wide tour to familiarise with India'srich cultural and historical heritage. The Home Ministry sponsored programme, Watan Ko Jano, is being organised to give exposure to the youth and children of Jammu and Kashmir about the cultural and socio-economic development taking place in other parts of the country, an official statement said. The youths and children hit by militancy and from weaker sections of the society were identified for the purpose and taken ona visit to different places of the country from Feb 11 to 20, it said. While meeting some of the youths here today, HomeMinister Rajnath Singh expressed happiness that the youths could visit various parts of the country. Singh said the youths from the state are an inseparable part of the country. He also expressed happiness over the fact that one more group of 500 students will also visit various parts of country after this group. "Unity in diversity is the unique value of the country and these children are also a reflection of it. With this tour, the youths will be able to see the development of modern India," he said. The children have visited Ajmer, Jaipur and Agra and will now visit the historical places in Delhi.

The home minister said the youths have certain responsibilities towards nation and they should take interest in education, respect elders and do something that will make their parents and country proud. He said every citizen has equal opportunities of development irrespective of caste, language and religion. The minister urged the youths to share their experiences with their friends and relatives when they come back home and they should spread the message of unity.