An Indian army brigadier asked a group of 19 Kashmiri students who were waiting at the Srinagar airport to catch a flight to Bengaluru to attend a peace station about how many would like to join the armed forces. The boys exchanged glances and only one boy hesitantly raised his hand.

However, on Thursday at the end of their four-day trip, when they were posed the same question a majority of them raised their hands in an almost reflexive response.

It was a whole new experience for the students who were travelling outside Kashmir for the first time and that too on a plane. Hilal Ahmed, a government teacher accompanying them said that the trip enabled the boys to interact closely with army men, learn their humane side and understand and appreciate their own role as citizens.

The students were part of the army's goodwill-building measure and Capacity Building Tour (CBT) under 'Operation Sadbhavana'. Their interaction with a large cross-section of the society would help to bring about a significant attitudinal awakening in their minds which has experienced the effects of terror in their state. CBT is designed not only to assist them to become better citizens but also to motivate them to assist in the overall development of the region and the country.

During the stay, the team visited several places including Army Public School, Rashtriya Military School, Visvesvaraya Industrial and Technological Museum, M Chinnaswamy Stadium.

A statement said that the aim of CBT dedicated to the boys is to increase their awareness about the latest advancements in the field of science and technology, software industry, business management, hospitality and service industry. While providing them with the exposure to the employment opportunities it will also endeavour to show the unity and diversity, rich heritage and economic progress made by the country.

The students enjoyed their stay and said that they were inspired to work hard and chase their dreams.