The National Integration Tour (NIT), organised by HQ 17 Mountain Division of the Indian Army, was officially flagged off on Saturday at Libing Helipad, Gangtok. The ceremony was led by the Major General and General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Black Cat Division, Gangtok.

The NIT is an initiative under the Indian Army’s ‘Operation Sadbhavana,’ aimed at promoting the holistic development of youth from border and remote areas by providing them exposure to places of historical, cultural, and technological significance.

Scheduled from August 10 to 17, 2025, the tour includes 20 engineering students—12 female and 8 male—from underdeveloped regions of Sikkim, accompanied by teachers and army personnel. The itinerary covers Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Mysuru, where participants will visit premier educational institutions, prominent scientific and technological centers such as ISRO and Infosys, and film city. They will also interact with industry leaders and technology startups.

In addition to technological exposure, the students will visit cultural and historical sites and meet the Governor of Telangana. The tour will conclude with a flagging-off ceremony at Raj Bhawan by the Governor of Sikkim in the near future.

The objective of the tour is to expand the horizons of young minds who face geographical and socio-economic limitations, and to introduce them to the concept of ‘VIKSHIT BHARAT’ through technological integration and cultural unity.

During the flag-off event, the Major General addressed the students, highlighting the importance of unity in diversity, mutual respect, excellence, and patriotism. Female students tied rakhis to army personnel, wishing for their safety and longevity. The students also received gifts from the 17 Mountain Division Black Cats, presented by distinguished guests during the programme.