Altogether, 22 student contingents from Manipur, accompanied by their teachers, who took part in the National Integration Tour (NIT), organised by Assam Rifles, reached Kolkata. The tour aims to foster national unity by exposing youth to India’s diverse geographical, cultural, and scientific landscape.
The journey commenced by road to Dimapur, followed by a rail journey through the Brahmaputra basin and North Bengal’s tea gardens. Upon reaching Kolkata, the students visited the historic Howrah Bridge and experienced the Kolkata Metro, gaining firsthand exposure to the city’s urban infrastructure.
On 15 December, the group attended the Vijay Diwas Tattoo Show at the Mangal Pandey Training Ground. The display of military precision and professionalism by the Indian Army served to deepen the students’ understanding of the Armed Forces’ ethos and instilled a sense of national pride, according to an AR press statement.
The educational leg continued on 16 December with visits to the Alipur Zoological Park and Science City. At the zoo, the students engaged with themes of wildlife conservation and ecological balance. Later, at Science City, interactive exhibits on space science and emerging technologies encouraged scientific curiosity and critical thinking.
By bridging the Northeast with the rest of the country, the NIT continues to reinforce the spirit of “Unity in Diversity,” providing young minds with a comprehensive perspective on India’s progress and heritage.
