Nagpur: From the forests of Gadchiroli to the halls of Rashtrapati Bhavan, the journey will come true for 96 tribal students from some of the district’s remotest villages who will fly to Delhi on Tuesday for six-day educational study tour. For many of the students, the trip will mark multiple firsts — visiting a metro city, boarding a flight and meeting President Droupadi Murmu. The tour, scheduled from June 23 to June 28, has been organised jointly by the Integrated Tribal Development Project and Shiksha Bahuuddeshiya Sanstha. Before their departure from Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport, the students will interact with Tribal Development Department additional commissioner Ayushi Singh. Nine office-bearers of the Sanstha will also accompany the students, studying in Classes 7 to 11, during the visit.The students will be meeting the President at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on June 25. Organisers said securing the appointment took nearly a month of coordinated efforts, with Union minister Nitin Gadkari facilitating initial contact with the President’s office.The students will also visit IIT Delhi, the National Science Centre, Rajghat and the Red Fort.Science communicators Neeraj and Rashmi Verma, who witnessed the Chandrayaan-2 and Chandrayaan-3 missions, will guide the students through sessions aimed at fostering scientific curiosity, innovation and leadership. “The objective is to inspire these children and broaden their horizons by exposing them to opportunities and institutions that shape the nation,” said Neeraj Verma.Officials said the entire cost of the programme is being borne by the Maharashtra govt.
