Interacting with students from Kashmir Valley in Guwahati, Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya said their visit symbolises India’s emotional and cultural unity
Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya on Saturday interacted with 25 students from the Kashmir Valley who are on a Bharat Darshan tour, organised by 13 Battalion of Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), Dignibal, Jammu & Kashmir. The interaction took place at Lok Bhavan in Guwahati.
The Bharat Darshan programme is conducted annually under the Civic Action Programme by Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), including SSB, CRPF and BSF, in collaboration with the Jammu and Kashmir Police. The initiative aims to expose Kashmiri youth to India’s vast cultural, historical and educational diversity by taking them to major cities and heritage destinations across the country.
Welcoming the students to Assam, the gateway to Northeast India, Governor Acharya expressed happiness over their visit and lauded their curiosity and enthusiasm for learning. He said that although Assam and Kashmir are geographically distant, they are emotionally and culturally united as inseparable parts of India.
“The presence of these students here is a strong reflection of the country’s unity,” the Governor said, highlighting India’s core philosophy of Unity in Diversity. He noted that while languages, food habits, attire and traditions differ across regions, the Constitution, democratic values and national ethos bind the people together.
Governor Acharya said that Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat is not merely a slogan but a way of life, and initiatives like Bharat Darshan play a crucial role in strengthening emotional integration and mutual understanding among young citizens from different parts of the country.
Drawing parallels between Assam and Kashmir, he spoke about shared cultural values such as respect for elders, love for art, music and handicrafts, a close bond with nature and a strong sense of community. He stressed the importance of preserving cultural heritage while adapting to modern aspirations.
The Governor also highlighted Assam’s contributions to nation-building, from the freedom movement to defence, security, natural resources and biodiversity, describing the state as a symbol of harmony, tolerance and resilience.
Emphasising the role of youth, Acharya said young people are not only the future but also the present strength of the nation. He urged the students to share their positive experiences of Assam with their families and peers back home and act as messengers of peace, harmony and national unity.
Stressing that education, innovation, discipline and a sense of responsibility are key pillars of development, the Governor said India today offers vast opportunities in education, skill development, entrepreneurship, start-ups and sports. He encouraged the students to make the best use of these opportunities to fulfil their aspirations.
Noting that India is progressing as a confident and self-reliant nation, Governor Acharya said every region and every young citizen has an equal role in shaping the country’s future.
He concluded by expressing hope that the Bharat Darshan tour would foster lifelong friendships, strengthen emotional integration and inspire the students with renewed energy and purpose. He extended his best wishes for their bright future.
SSB DIG (Guwahati Frontier) Niraj Chand also accompanied the delegation to Lok Bhavan.
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