Mail News Service
\nImphal, Dec 6 : On Wednesday when a group of 24 children comprising 13 girls and 11 boys from remote villages of Samtal Salient in Chandel District of Manipur, who previously never ventured beyond their villages and local townships, trooped in at the Eden Gardens, their presence largely went unnoticed in the din as \u2018Master Blaster\u2019 Group Captain (Hony) Sachin Tendulkar held centre stage in the India-England third Test Match being played at the venue.
\nBut for the children, aged 12 to 18, the experience will forever remain etched in their living memory. Having played games, mostly football in restricted village environs in the hilly terrains of their village, the experience was both bewildering and overwhelming. Their exposure was courtesy Indian Army\u2019s \u2018Op Sadbhavna\u2019 mission that gives opportunity to children from remote areas of north-east to visit various Indian cities during \u2018National Integration Tours\u2019.
\nIn \u2018City of Joy\u2019, the children are accompanied by three teachers including Pastor John Haokip under the aegis of 36 Assam Rifles of 28 Sector, under HQ IGAR(S). The visiting children also met Eastern Army Commander Lt Gen Dalbir Singh in Fort William on Thursday.
\n\u201cUnless you come out you will never grow. It is important to come out, meet people and interact with other parts of the country,\u201d he said while lauding the children on their maiden outing. \u201cYou should think big to become big,\u201d he also told them promising to help them prepare for NDA, if they were keen.
\nThe children who left Manipur on December 1, arrived Kolkata on Tuesday. Having already visited various landmarks including Victoria Memorial, Birla Planetorium, Alipore Zoo, Howrah Bridge and Fort William, newer experience awaits them, disclosed Captain Akash Gera and his wife, accompanying the children. The team will return to Manipur on Sunday.<\/p>\n\n