As part of the Indian Army’s ongoing efforts to foster national integration and community outreach, 25 students from the Gujjar and Bakarwal community of Kathua district visited the Headquarters Army Training Command (HQ ARTRAC), Shimla, on 3 October 2025 under Operation Sadbhavana as part of a National Integration Tour.
The visit aimed to broaden the students’ horizons, expose them to the workings of the armed forces, and inspire them to contribute meaningfully to the nation’s progress.
During their visit, the students had an interactive session with Major General Ajay Feroz Shah, Officiating Chief of Staff, ARTRAC. The senior officer urged them to pursue excellence in education, adopt discipline as a way of life, and dedicate themselves to the service of the nation.
He also emphasized the importance of resilience, hard work, and a strong moral foundation as essential qualities for future leaders. The interaction left the young visitors motivated to dream big, work hard, and play an active role in strengthening the unity, integrity, and progress of the nation.
The Gujjar and Bakarwal are prominent nomadic tribal communities primarily inhabiting the hilly and mountainous regions of Jammu & Kashmir and parts of Himachal Pradesh. Traditionally pastoralists, they migrate seasonally with their herds between highland pastures in summer and lowland plains in winter.
Despite their rich cultural heritage and significant contributions to the region’s economy, these communities have historically faced socio-economic challenges, including limited access to education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
Initiatives like Operation Sadbhavana are crucial in bridging these gaps by promoting education, exposure, and national integration among youth from remote and marginalized regions. The students’ visit to ARTRAC is a step forward in empowering them to become responsible citizens and active participants in India’s development story.
