Tribal students from Andaman & Nicobar meet Defence Minister as part of National Integration Tour

A group of 30 meritorious higher secondary students from tribal communities of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands met Defence Minister Rajnath Singh during a special interaction organised at the South Block here on Thursday.

The students interacted with the Defence Minister as part of an event, “Aarohan: Dweep to Delhi,” — a seven-day National Integration Tour organised by the Andaman & Nicobar Command (ANC). They will also witness the Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort on August 15.

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In a statement, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) said that “Aarohan: Dweep to Delhi” is designed to make the youth from remote island communities aware of India’s rich cultural heritage, modern infrastructure, and academic opportunities. The itinerary includes visits to iconic landmarks such as the Red Fort, India Gate, National War Memorial, and Taj Mahal, along with premier institutions like Delhi Technological University and the National Science Centre.

During the interaction, Singh highlighted the importance of human values, calling them the most vital aspect of building a person’s character. He exhorted the students to remain rooted in these values while giving equal emphasis to character-building alongside their academic pursuits.

The Defence Minister also urged the students to face every challenge with confidence and without fear. He encouraged them to contribute to making India one of the most powerful nations in the times to come and extended his blessings for their future endeavours. The students also presented a traditional handcrafted souvenir from local tribal artisans of the Islands.

Singh commended this unique initiative by the ANC, supported by the Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff, HQ Delhi Area, and the Civil Administration of the A&N Islands. Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan and Chief of Integrated Defence Staff Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit were also present during the interaction.