Reaffirming the commitment to the spirit of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’, the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta, today flagged off a batch of 30 students from Lok Niwas, Leh, for the Rashtriya Ekatmata Yatra 2026 – Student Experience in Regional Understanding (SERU) tour.
The initiative is organised by Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) in collaboration with Vidyarthi Sewa Trust.
The group comprises 11 girls and 19 boys from Eliezer Joldan Memorial College, University of Ladakh, and the Central Institute of Buddhist Studies. During the 13-day structured exposure tour, students will visit Gurugram, Chandigarh, Manali, and Jammu to foster national integration and regional understanding.
The itinerary includes visits to premier institutions and landmark sites such as the Maruti Suzuki India Limited plant at Gurugram and Rashtrapati Bhavan, among others. A unique feature of the programme is the students’ stay with host families in different regions, enabling them to experience local culture, traditions, and lifestyles firsthand.
Addressing the students, the Lieutenant Governor underscored the importance of such exposure tours in strengthening national integration and mutual understanding among youth. He described the SERU initiative as a meaningful step toward realising the vision of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat by creating platforms for dialogue, cultural exchange, and experiential learning.
Shri Kavinder Gupta highlighted that SERU promotes awareness and appreciation of India’s diverse cultures and administrative systems. Through cultural exchanges, visits to historical sites, and interactions with local communities, participants gain first-hand insight into the country’s varied traditions and governance frameworks.
“It is not merely an educational tour but a powerful medium for fostering collaboration, dialogue, and national unity. When young people from different regions engage with one another, it strengthens harmony and mutual cooperation,” he stated.
Commending ABVP and Vidyarthi Sewa Trust for their sustained efforts, the Lieutenant Governor appreciated their role in connecting Ladakh’s youth with the nation’s cultural heritage and democratic values. He encouraged the students to act as ambassadors of Ladakh, uphold its rich traditions, and contribute meaningfully to nation-building.
The Lieutenant Governor extended his best wishes to all participating students for a safe, successful, and enriching journey, reiterating the Administration’s commitment to youth empowerment and nation-building initiatives in the Union Territory of Ladakh.
