Gangtok: Sikkim Governor Om Prakash Mathur on January 27 officially launched the 10-day National Integration Tour, Buddhist Circuit, at Raj Bhavan, an initiative aimed at promoting national unity and cultural exchange.
The tour is organized by the Trishakti Corps of the Indian Army and will provide students from Sikkim an opportunity to explore various Buddhist pilgrimage sites, while fostering interactions with peers from across India.
The tour will begin in Bengdubi, proceeding through key destinations such as Nalanda, Rajgir, Gaya, Varanasi, Sarnath, Kushinagar, Sravasti, and Lucknow before returning to Bengdubi.
The group includes 20 students from remote areas of Sikkim, particularly from Government Secondary School Karbey in Namchi District, many of whom have never traveled outside the state. They will be accompanied by two teachers, with Major Anand Mohan Singh leading the group.
In his address, Governor Mathur highlighted the educational importance of the tour, noting that it offers students a chance to gain exposure to India’s cultural and spiritual heritage.
He also wished the students a safe and enriching journey and presented them with travel bags and mementos to encourage their participation.
The flag-in ceremony for the tour will take place at the Sukna Headquarters Corps on February 6, 2025. The event was attended by key officials including GOC, 17th Mountain Division, M S Rathore, Commissioner cum Secretary to the Governor, Jitendra Raje, and other staff from the Indian Army and Raj Bhavan.
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