A group of 28 students from Ganderbal District of Jammu and Kashmir called on the President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee at Rashtrapati Bhavan today (December 13, 2013).
Speaking on the occasion, the President appreciated the initiative taken by the 5 Rashtriya Rifles Bn (JAT) for organizing the tour. He stated that the tour would make them aware that though they might be living in a far off place they are part of a great nation where their brothers and sisters live. The President emphasized that it is necessary for each and every part of India to develop together.
The President said that peace is necessary for development and nothing can be achieved through violence. Referring to the visit of the students to Odisha as part of this tour, the President stated that the Kalinga war proved to be a turning point for Emperor Ashoka and converted him into a zealous missionary. He gave up violence and spent the rest of his life in spreading the teachings of Buddha of peace and non-violence.
The students are in Delhi as part of the Education/Motivational Tour to Delhi and Odisha organized by 5 Rashtriya Rifles Bn (JAT) under Operation Sadbhavana.
This release issued at 1830 hrs