Itanagar, Oct 16: In a remarkable initiative aimed at strengthening national integration and cultural understanding, a Pilgrimage-cum-National Integration Tour comprising 20 local residents from Upper Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh visited the Officers Training Academy (OTA), Gaya, on Wednesday.
The visit formed a key part of the ongoing National Integration Tour organized by the Spearhead Division of Spear Corps under Operation Sadbhavana, a flagship outreach initiative of the Indian Army aimed at fostering peace, harmony, and development in the country’s border regions.
The enriching tour, themed “Spiritual Awakening,” is covering the route Tuting–Gaya–Santiniketan, guiding participants through some of India’s most revered and culturally rich destinations. The journey offers participants from remote frontier areas a unique opportunity to experience the nation’s spiritual and cultural diversity while deepening their sense of belonging and pride as citizens of India.
During their visit to OTA Gaya, the participants had an interactive session with Maj Gen Joy Biswas, DCCI, OTA Gaya. The interaction proved to be inspiring and insightful, as the General Officer shared his views on the ethos, discipline, and leadership training imparted at the Academy. The participants expressed their appreciation of the Indian Army’s efforts in fostering national unity, which resonated deeply with the spirit of patriotism and pride.
The initiative reflected the Indian Army’s unwavering commitment to promoting national integration, cultural awareness, and people-to-people connect across diverse regions of the country. By bridging the geographical and cultural distances between border communities and the heartland, such endeavours strengthen the spirit of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat — uniting India through shared values, pride, and national identity.