Aimed to encourage the youth of border district Kupwara, at least 35 students including 20 girls and 15 boys were flagged off for the 8th international convention of SPICMACY to be held in Nagpur from 29 May to 4 June.
The international convention will be held at the Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology (VNIT) Nagpur.
A defence spokesman in a statement to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said that SPICMACY is the acronym for “Society for Promotion of Indian Classical Music and Culture Amongst Youth.”
The statement said that the students will be provided the opportunity to interact with great masters and award-winning artists.
It said that the 7-day long convention will provide students a unique opportunity to interact with students coming from other countries and states of India. “The students will exhibit higher awareness, acceptance of cultural diversity, and personal growth. All these aspects combined will broaden their knowledge and develop their global perspective,” the statement read.
Interacting with the students, General Officer Commanding (GoC) 28 (Vajr) Division based in Kupwara Girish Kalia said that traveling is the best education. "There is a lot to learn. Everyone will get the best opportunity to learn a lot of things. It will include Music, Yoga, Music, and a lot more," he said.
He said that students of Kupwara will get an opportunity to meet delegates from the rest of the world and India as well. “Students will get an opportunity to interact with them.”
He advised the students to tell the delegates about Kashmir and Kupwara in particular. “You can encourage them to visit Kupwara as well while interacting.”
He also said that the students will come to know the diverse culture of India. "We all must appreciate that. The convention aims to promote culture. Workshops will be held there, and students will be exposed to varied cultures," he said.
The GoC said that it is a great opportunity for the students to enjoy classical music, dance, different cuisine, various films, and many other things.
He encouraged the students to enjoy their journey. “All of you need to make the best of every moment and opportunity.”
Besides, he advised them to take every precaution while crossing the road or boarding the bus during the tour.
Meanwhile, the participants who belong to different parts of Kupwara and Bandipora's Gurez valley expressed their satisfaction and excitement for the tour saying that they are thrilled to be part of it.
Khan Mariya Afridi, one of the participants, said that she is very excited about the tour. “It will help us gather a lot of information. Everyone must take part in such events. On my return I will be encouraging all my friends to travel to parts of India,” she said.
Mariya said that parents need to be supportive and allow their children to take part in tours like this.
Ekaya Akhter, another participant, while expressing her thrill to head to the destination said that she is very excited and happy. “We will get to know about the diverse culture of India and gain a lot of knowledge. It is encouraging to be part of events that motivate and help gather more information,” she said
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