Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in an insightful interaction with a group of 250 students from Jammu and Kashmir in the national capital as part of the ‘Watan Ko Jano’ Youth Exchange project. This initiative, aimed at fostering cultural exchange and understanding, provides an enriching experience for the participating students. Currently, the students are on a 12-day visit to Delhi, Ajmer, Jaipur, and other destinations, exploring the diverse cultural landscape of India.
The launch of the Watan Ko Jano Programme was officiated by Sheetal Nanda, Commissioner Secretary of the Social Welfare Department, who flagged off the group along with ten coordinators and caregivers. Organized by the Jammu and Kashmir Rehabilitation Council in collaboration with the Union Home Ministry, the initiative seeks to provide students with an opportunity to explore different facets of Indian society and culture.
Sponsored jointly by the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Central Government’s Kashmir Cell, and the Social Welfare Department of the J&K State Rehabilitation Council, the Watan Ko Jano Programme offers participants leisure facilities while facilitating a deeper understanding of India’s rich social and cultural heritage. The primary objective of the program is to expose young people from Jammu and Kashmir, particularly those impacted by militancy and residing in Department of Social Welfare-run facilities like Parish Homes and Palash, to diverse cultural experiences.
The establishment of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir under the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act of 2019 marked a significant shift in the region’s governance structure. Bounded by Ladakh to the east and north, and by Pakistan to the west, the UT is now governed by the Indian Constitution, with the same rules and regulations applicable as in any other part of India. This transition reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring equal rights and opportunities for all residents of Jammu and Kashmir.
