Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday interacted with 30 meritorious higher secondary students from tribal communities of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands at South Block, New Delhi. The meeting was part of ‘Aarohan: Dweep to Delhi’ – a seven-day National Integration Tour organised by the Andaman & Nicobar Command (ANC). The students will also attend the Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort on August 15.
During the interaction, Singh emphasised the importance of human values, calling them the cornerstone of character building. He urged the students to focus equally on personal integrity and academic achievement, encouraging them to face challenges with courage and contribute to India’s rise as a powerful nation.
The event concluded with the presentation of a handcrafted souvenir created by local tribal artisans. Singh praised the initiative by the ANC, supported by Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff, HQ Delhi Area, and the Civil Administration of the A&N Islands.
Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan and Chief of Integrated Defence Staff Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit were also present on the occasion.
The Aarohan programme is aimed at giving young people from remote island communities exposure to India’s cultural heritage, modern infrastructure, and academic opportunities. The 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.
