A national integration event titled “Mera Desh Meri Pehchaan” was conducted at Govt Degree College, Kupwara by Pune based Lakshya Foundation in collaboration with Vajr Division. The unique programme was designed at giving the children & youth of Kashmir an exposure to the diverse and rich culture of the country while also providing them a platform to showcase their talent.The event commenced in Apr 2022 with various online & offline activities. As part of this, 15 youth were provided an opportunity to undergo a German Language Course by Goethe Institute, Max Mueller Bhavan, Delhi wherein they learnt basic skills of German and 4 of them showcased their prowess over the language during the Grand Finale. 26 women from various parts of Kupwara participated in a unique *Khana Khajana Competition* wherein they learnt to prepare cuisines from different states with 6 of them being adjudged as winners.36 students as part 12 teams participated in a *Quiz competition*. After various elimination rounds, 8 were chosen for the Grand Finale.The final two days of the event were conducted in Government Degree College, Kupwara on 24 & 25 May. The culmination commenced with opening ceremony by Deputy GOC of Vajr Division on 24th. Children from 40 schools from various parts of Kupwara including Tangdhar, Machhal, Keran were organised into batches to witness and experience a unique National Integration based Exhibition. They were introduced to 6 states through Theme Based State Enclosures in which they learnt about culture, art, dance, personalities, cuisines, traditions, festivals etc one after the other. The enclosures exposed them to the true spirit of India which is ‘Unity in Diversity’. The batches were coordinated through a group local volunteers. The children thereafter participated in Team Building games and had great fun. The batches were then led to the auditorium to attend a motivational & patriotic audio visual presentation cum speech by Mrs Anuradha Prabhudesai, Founder President, Lakshya Foundation. The children were thrilled to experience the entire flavour of National Integration brought to their doorsteps, probably for the first time in their lives. A total of 2000 children participated in this unique event.The finale was graced by GOC, Vajr Division alongwith civil dignitaries. The guests were welcomed by Mrs Anuradha followed by felicitation of all the finalists/ winners. The German language course participants showcased their talent and a dance performance based on the music of different states was presented by students of AGS, Wayne. The GOC in his address thanked the Lakshya Foundation for their energy and efforts in coming all the way to the border to inculcate the spirit of Nationalism in the youth and children of Kupwara. The team was felicitated by the GOC with a vote of thanks by Lakshya Foundation
press release as received