New Delhi,

President Pranab Mukherjee Tuesday told a group of students and monks from Ladakh who called on him at Rashtrapati Bhavan that though India has diverse languages, customs and traditions, there is an underlying unity which binds the people.

A group of 15 students from Nubra Valley in eastern Ladakh and 15 monks from Ladakh called on President Mukherjee at Rashtrapati Bhavan. 

Addressing the students, he appreciated the efforts of the Indian Army for organizing the Sadbhavana tour for the students and monks. 

"He said that though India has diverse languages, customs, traditions, etc. there is an underlying unity which binds the people of the nation. 

"He said that apart from historical monuments and monasteries, the students and monks would be able to see the new developments taking place in the country in the fields of science and technology as part of the country's efforts to keep pace with the advanced nations of the world," a statement said. 

The children are in Delhi on an educational cum motivational tour of Delhi, Agra, Lucknow and Amritsar from Sep 9-30 as part of Operation Sadbhavana organized by 2nd Battalion, Bihar Regiment. 

The monks are in Delhi, also under Operation Sadbhavana organized by Ladakh Scouts Regimental Centre with the aim to provide a platform to help amalgamate these monks into the national mainstream, the statement said. 

By:IANS