34-member group from Kashmir meets President Patil

NEW DELHI: It was a different experience for a group of women who stepped out from their villages in the militancy-affected Jammu and Kashmir for the first time - it gave a 13-year-old student her first chance to board a train.
    
As part of army's 'Operation Sadbhavna' campaign, a 34-member group from various border districts of the state is being taken for a seven-day tour to Delhi and Rajasthan.
    
Led by two women officers of the Army, the group which reached New Delhi this morning met President Pratibha Patil who emphasised the importance of women education. The group will now visit Ajmer and Jaipur.
    
Khalida Begum, a class VII student, was all exited when she narrated her seeing a train for the first time in life.
    
"I haven't seen a train till now and this tour gave me such an opportunity. I never knew our country is so much developed," she said.
    
Taslim Aktar, her classmate, said "I am feeling very happy. This is the first time I have come out of my village."
    
Nazneen, a school teacher, said she was 'thrilled' to see the 'progress' of our country.
    
Addressing the group, Patil asked them to spread the message of the importance of education to girl children when they return to their villages.
    
"Every girl should be provided education. It is not only important for self development of women, but for development of the society as a whole. Without education, no development is possible," said Patil.