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Defence Minister Rajnath Singh today met 30 meritorious higher secondary students from tribal communities of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands at South Block, urging them to give equal importance to character building alongside academic excellence.
The students are in the national capital as part of Aarohan: Dweep to Delhi, a seven-day National Integration Tour organised by the Andaman & Nicobar Command (ANC). The programme, supported by Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff, HQ Delhi Area, and the A&N Islands Civil Administration, is designed to expose youth from remote island communities to India’s cultural heritage, modern infrastructure, and educational opportunities. The group will also witness the Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort on August 15.
During the interaction, Singh emphasised that human values form the foundation of a strong character and urged the students to stay rooted in them while pursuing their studies. He encouraged them to face challenges with confidence and fearlessness, and to contribute to India’s journey towards becoming a powerful and prosperous nation.
In a warm gesture, the Defence Minister offered sweets to the visiting students and received a handcrafted souvenir made by tribal artisans of the Islands. The meeting was attended by Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan and Chief of Integrated Defence Staff Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit.
The Aarohan itinerary includes visits to iconic landmarks such as the Red Fort, India Gate, National War Memorial, and Taj Mahal, as well as premier institutions like Delhi Technological University and the National Science Centre. The initiative reflects the Defence Ministry’s commitment to fostering national integration and empowering future leaders from the Islands.
Team BharatShakti
