In an effort to infuse hope and the sense of belongingness among poor students hit hard by the menace of terrorism, the Northern Command of Indian Army celebrated Children's Day with them.

Lieutenant General Ranbir Singh, Army Commander of Northern Command, interacted with the terror affected children, studying in the Army Public School, Udhampur, at his residence. These children are from the economically poor segment of society and are adversely affected by terrorism.

As a part of its welfare initiative, the Northern Command has taken the responsibility of education of these children and is bearing all their expenses including boarding, lodging, stationary, clothes and so on. These welfare initiatives are undertaken under "Operation Sadbhavna," a flagship programme of the Army, which has been operational for the last two decades.

Under this programme, the Indian Army provides facilities of education, medical assistance, infrastructure development, vocational training and many other specific needs of the people of a particular area. "Operation Sadbhavna" has been instrumental in building a bond of trust and respect between the soldier and the people of the state.