Srinagar, June 8: Welcoming the children from 33 States and Union Territories of the country participating in the National Camp here, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Friday told them to carry the message of love and affection from this place to the boys and girls of their States.
“Tell them about the hospitality, natural beauty and cultural richness of Jammu and Kashmir and make them visit this place along with you again and again,” he told the young boys and girls while interacting with them at Tagore Hall here this morning.
The camp has been organized by Indian Council of Children Welfare, New Delhi, with the collaboration of State Government Departments. More than 250 boys and girls from 33 States and Union Territories are participating in the National Camp.
Terming children future of the country, the Chief Minister said that their proper grooming, inculcating the spirit of public service, self-help and confidence along with academic excellence is imperative to cultivate capable human resource to lead the country ably. He said that holding of such camps provide young boys and girls opportunity to know about the cultural diversity, educational status, geography, historical background, economic activities, occupation of people and other related subjects.
Omar Abdullah welcomed the organizing of National Camp at Srinagar and said that holding of such camps here be made a regular feature. He also appreciated the participation of J&K boys and girls in the camp and the interaction of participants with the students of various institutions of the State.
On the request of children for Gondola ride at Gulmarg, the Chief Minister said that Jammu and Kashmir is known for its hospitality world over. “You are not only our guests but our children, as such my office will arrange and bear the expenditure on your Gulmarg visit and Gondola ride,” he told the children amid thunderous applause.
On the occasion, Chairperson of Indian Council of Children Welfare, Gita Sidharath presented the resume of the aims and objectives of the Council. She said that the concept of organizing ‘The Learn to Live Together Camps’ was conceived by the Council’s exposure to the Children’s International Summer Village (CISV) Camps.
She said ‘Learn to Live Together Camps’ have been held at different venues varying from cities like Delhi, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Thiruvananthapuram, Jaipur, Jarkhand, etc. She said these camps provide opportunity to children to learn and broaden their mental horizon. These also make them to understand different cultures and societies.

Lastupdate on : Fri, 8 Jun 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Fri, 8 Jun 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Sat, 9 Jun 2012 00:00:00 IST