“If the Chief Minister had not been there, our dreams would not have come true,” said the ‘Children of the State’.
Shimla: The ‘Children of the State’ returned to Shimla late Thursday evening after completing a 10-day special educational and experiential tour. The tour was organised under the Chief Minister’s Sukh-Aashray Yojana for children living in the state’s Child Care Institutions (CCIs) at Sarahan, Tutikandi, and Mashobra. A total of 52 children participated in the programme.
Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap and Senior Superintendent of Police Sanjeev Kumar Gandhi welcomed the children. Additional District Magistrate (Law and Order) Pankaj Sharma, ADM (Protocol) Jyoti Rana, District Programme Officer Mamta Paul, and other officials were also present.
On the occasion, the Deputy Commissioner hosted a dinner for all the children and interacted with them, listening to their experiences from the trip.
The Deputy Commissioner said that under the Chief Minister’s Sukh-Aashray Yojana, the state government is providing these children not only protection but also essential opportunities for a better future. The purpose of the tour was to expose them to national unity, cultural heritage, modern infrastructure, and educational institutions to ensure their overall development.
He added that as of February 28, 2023, around 4,000 orphaned children have been adopted by the state government as “Children of the State” under the scheme. They are being provided facilities such as education, healthcare, accommodation, pocket money, career counselling, and domestic as well as international travel. A provision of ₹2 lakh has also been made to help them start a start-up when they grow up.
Tour Held from January 6 to 15
The tour was conducted from January 6 to January 15, 2026, covering the route Chandigarh–Delhi–Agra–Goa–Chandigarh. During the tour, the children experienced modern modes of travel such as Volvo buses, the Vande Bharat Express, Metro Rail, air travel, cruise travel, and hop-on-hop-off tourist buses.
In Delhi, the children visited major historical and educational landmarks including the Red Fort, Qutub Minar, India Gate, Rajghat, Humayun’s Tomb, National Zoological Park, National Science Museum, North Block, South Block, and other important institutions. They also visited the Taj Mahal in Agra.
In Goa, the group visited prominent places such as Calangute, Fort Aguada, Anjuna Beach, Dona Paula, Indian Institute of Oceanography, Varca Beach, Panaji, and a Spice Garden, along with a cruise trip.
Children Share Their Experiences
Sharing his experience, Ashish Thakur said they travelled from Chandigarh to Delhi on the Vande Bharat Express and visited many historic sites. He also flew to Goa for the first time and was amazed by the vast ocean.
Ritika, whose birthday fell on January 15, said she celebrated it with all the children and thanked Chief Minister Thakur Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu for giving them such a memorable experience.
Rahul said he saw a dolphin while cruising—something he had only read about in books.
Paras Negi said the government made his dream of flying come true.
Aryan said the cruise ride in Goa was one of the most enjoyable parts of the tour.
Nikhil said he was scared during his first flight but gained confidence by the time they returned, thanking the Chief Minister for fulfilling his dream.
Janvi Gupta said she had only heard of Goa in films, but visiting the place felt like a blessing. She said she would now study hard and work towards making the state and the country proud.
Heena said she enjoyed boating the most and was thrilled to see dolphins, thanking the state government and the Chief Minister for the opportunity.
