Bongaon: Their camouflaged dress, measured strides and the badges of honour decorating their chests held the students of Satish Chandra Memorial School in awe during a visit to the India-Bangladesh border in Bongaon, North 24-Parganas.

It was an excursion with a difference for the 168 students of classes IX and X from the school in Nadia's Chakdah on a day-long tour of the BSF's 64 Battalion Headquarters in Petrapole.

Sahi Aktar Mondal brimmed with pride as he and his friends learnt about the way of life on the border. "Be it rain or shine, the forces take turns to patrol the border for eight hours every day. They deserve our respect," he said.

For Koushik Das, Class X, the 36km journey was every bit worth the experience.

"The camp has a very different atmosphere. There is a sense of nationalism that one feels. Seeing these men in uniform on duty inspires me to be like them and to do something for our nation. I had seen the border forces only in films but meeting them in person has touched my soul."

The visit to the border was followed by a weapons display that had the students all excited. Eight heavy guns were on show and students got to know little nuggets of information about them. A short film on the role and achievements of the BSF in Indian history was also screened.

The grand finale was the opportunity to witness the 15-minute joint retreat ceremony, a ritual started in 2013, when the flags of the two countries are lowered.

The discipline of the men in uniform, the synchronised and measured steps of the guards of both countries made for a grand show. The flags are hoisted once again at 5.30am.

"We planned to visit the Bangladesh border because it is part of the education to instil the feeling of nationalism among students. We feel that it is also important for the students to have a first-hand experience of how a BSF camp functions and know their role in keeping our country safe," said principal Arup Sarkar.

"They have only read about it in books and to see it live was exciting," the principal added.

The hosts were delighted to have the young students amidst them.