In an inspiring initiative aimed at fostering national integration and community outreach, 25 students from the Gujjar and Bakarwal communities of the Kathua district recently visited the Headquarters Army Training Command (HQ ARTRAC) in Shimla on October 3, 2025. This visit was organized under Operation Sadbhavana, a program designed to connect youth from diverse backgrounds with the Indian Armed Forces.
The primary goal of the tour was to broaden the students’ horizons and provide them with an understanding of the operational dynamics of the armed forces. By doing so, the initiative hopes to inspire these young individuals to contribute meaningfully to the nation’s progress.
During their visit, the students engaged in an interactive session with Major General Ajay Feroz Shah, the Officiating Chief of Staff at ARTRAC. In his address to the group, the Major General emphasized the importance of pursuing academic excellence and adopting discipline as a fundamental aspect of life. He encouraged the students to dedicate themselves to the service of the nation, highlighting that qualities such as resilience, hard work, and a strong moral foundation are essential for any aspiring leader.
The interaction left a profound impact on the young visitors, motivating them to dream big and actively participate in reinforcing the unity and progress of the nation. The students expressed a renewed sense of purpose and determination to overcome obstacles in their lives.
The Gujjar and Bakarwal communities are notable nomadic tribes primarily residing in the hilly and mountainous regions of Jammu & Kashmir and parts of Himachal Pradesh. Traditionally engaged in pastoralism, these communities migrate seasonally with their livestock, transitioning between higher pastures in the summer and lowland areas during winter months. Despite their rich cultural heritage and significant contributions to the local economy, they have faced longstanding socio-economic challenges, including limited access to education, healthcare, and infrastructural development.
Programs like Operation Sadbhavana play a crucial role in bridging these gaps, promoting education and exposure for youth from remote and marginalized regions. The visit to HQ ARTRAC represents a vital step toward empowering these young individuals to become responsible citizens and active participants in the overarching narrative of India’s development. Such initiatives are essential not only for individual growth but also for the collective advancement of society as a whole.
