In a significant move to promote national unity and empower the youth of the North East, the Khonsa Battalion of the Assam Rifles flagged off a National Integration Tour for students of Wangcha Rajkumar Government College, Arunachal Pradesh on Thursday. The ceremony, held in Deomali, Tirap District, marks the beginning of an expansive journey for 11 selected students heading to the 26th Rashtra Katha Shivir in Gujarat.
The tour, conducted under the aegis of the Assam Rifles Civic Action Programme, was officially flagged off by Wanki Lowang, Minister of Geology, Mining and Minerals, Government of Arunachal Pradesh. Speaking at the event, the Minister lauded the security forces for their role in nation-building beyond border security.
“This initiative is a golden opportunity for our youth to witness the vastness of India’s cultural fabric. By stepping out of their comfort zones and interacting with peers from across the country, these students become the true ambassadors of Arunachal Pradesh,” said Minister Lowang.
Scheduled from December 27, 2025, to January 04, 2026, the students will travel to Village Pransla in the Rajkot District of Gujarat. The Rashtra Katha Shivir, organised by the Shri Vedic Mission Trust, is a renowned platform that emphasises social harmony, national security, and cultural exchange.
The primary objective of the mission is to expose North Eastern youth to India’s rapid developmental progress and rich heritage. By providing this exposure, the Assam Rifles aims to broaden the students’ outlook and positively channel their potential. Crucially, the programme serves as a deterrent against local challenges, seeking to prevent the youth from falling prey to the drug menace or being lured into insurgency.
An official of the Khonsa Battalion stated, “Our commitment goes beyond maintaining peace; we believe in the holistic development of the youth. This tour is designed to instill a sense of pride in our national identity and promote the spirit of ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’.”
