A Civic Reception Ceremony was organized today at the historic Gaiety Theatre, Shimla, as part of the Student’s Experience in Inter-State Living (SEIL) - 2025, Himachal Pradesh. Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla graced the occasion as the Chief Guest and felicitated the youth from the northeastern states and SEIL representatives. He also honored the winners of the Swami Vivekananda General Knowledge Competition.
Speaking on the occasion, the Governor said that India is an ‘idea’ that must be nurtured, and commended the student organization for upholding the values of knowledge, character, and unity. He highlighted that the SEIL initiative fosters national integration and mutual understanding among students from different regions, contributing to nation-building.
He emphasized that the program was not just an attempt to unify India’s diversity but also a significant medium to strengthen national unity and social harmony. He noted that since its inception in 1966, the initiative has been promoting the spirit of oneness across the country for the past six decades.
He said that this year, the ‘National Integration Tour 2025’ began from Guwahati on 20 January 2025, with 256 students travelling across India in eight groups. Each group is named after a freedom fighter from Northeast India, honouring their sacrifices. The fourth group, with 32 students, stayed in Shimla from 2 to 6 February 2025.
During their visit, they explored the local culture, language and traditions. By staying with local families, they gained insight into daily life in Himachal Pradesh and engaged with the community, enhancing their understanding of the country and developing a sense of responsible citizenship. Earlier, SEL representatives shared their experiences from the journey.