Maiden Visit

Out of their village for the first time, students from Kargil are enjoying the diversity in the city

The roads, the cars, the people, the language8230; there8217;s nothing that fails to amaze these 25 students from Kargil. Out of their village for the very first time on a holiday, they are a thrilled lot. 8220;This is a whole new world for me,8221; smiles Imtiaas Hussain, a fifth class student, as he gets off the boat at the Sukhna Lake and asks his guide if he could take it back home. The others meanwhile shuffle for their chance for a ride. 8220;We have already been on the Hop On bus and to the Rock Garden, the War Memorial and the Museum,8221; says friend Mohammad, as he gives a low-down on the 14-day trip. 8220;We spent 12 days in Himachal and two here.8221;

This, being the first of its kind trip for them. 8220;From hearing stories about fights and bombs in Kargil to success stories of people and about various job opportunities here, it8217;s quite a drastic change,8221; admits Mohammad Saudika, whose dream have seen a drastic change after the visit. 8220;I wanted be become a driver but now I want to own a car and become a businessman,8221; he says. Organized as a part of the Sadbhavana Project, 8220;This is the second lot of children that we have got to Chandigarh,8221; Major Pushkar Raj tells us that cultural diversity and hospitality of the Chandigarh Tourism Department brings them back here.