Day 1 itself saw the students soak in the experience of riding in a tank; besides this, a number of activities, including trekking in the higher reaches of the Pir Panjal range and understanding how the soldiers of Rashtriya Rifles are striving to bring peace in the region, were undertaken.
Taking a break from the typical picnics and visits to amusement parks, students from a number of city schools recently went on a six-day trip to meet the soldiers in Jammu and Kashmir as part of the 'Know Your Army' initiative.
As many as 138 students, four principals and 19 teachers from nine Mumbai schools were part of the group.
Day 1 itself saw the students soak in the experience of riding in a tank; besides this, a number of activities, including trekking in the higher reaches of the Pir Panjal range and understanding how the soldiers of Rashtriya Rifles are striving to bring peace in the region, were undertaken. The children witnessed some real action through a variety of demo drills and were also shown weapons used during war. Teachers and students enthusiastically participated in slithering down from helicopters, obstacle training, and use of weaponry.
The Indian Army's aim behind the trip was to make young minds aware how soldiers braved tough conditions in their day-to-day life. Apart from this, the students also got the opportunity to interact with the students of Army Goodwill Public School, Rajouri, which is managed by the army.
Students and staffers of St Joseph Convent Girls High School, Father Agnel Technical High School, Springfield Public High School, Anjuman-e-Islam High School, Billabong International, Carmel Convent High School, and Gloria Convent High School were also present.
Principal of St Mary's High School SSC Fr Jude Fernandes SJ, who had accompanied the 28 students from his school, said, "It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The hospitality that the soldiers provided was commendable; they made sure we didn't face any inconvenience. They took us to even the most sensitive regions to which visitors are restricted from. We were mesmerised with the way the soldiers demonstrated their skills and drills."
"We got to learn that the army is not only about fighting, but also about peace and humanity. It was a different experience altogether as we participated in rifle shooting, tank rides and radio communication. The drills were exciting as well as knowledgeable," said Std VII St Stanislaus High School student Patrick DeSouza.
The students and parents who had gone for the trip are also going to donate for a humanitarian cause. Patrick's father Peter, who was the convenor of the trip, said, "There are 15,000 to 20,000 children in that area who do not even have proper medical care as there is only an army hospital nearby. We are planning to donate clothes and medical supplies to them. We will urge people to come together for this noble cause."
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