*Says Real Victory Is Not Just Crossing Finish Line, But Moving Forward Holding Each Other’s Hand; Over 6,000 Participate In Kashmir Marathon “Run For Unity”*
A B Wani
Srinagar, Oct 1 (GNS): Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday said unity is the biggest strength and India’s diversity has never been its weakness but its biggest identity and power, while addressing the closing ceremony of Kashmir Marathon “Run For Unity” organised by J&K Police under Civic Action Programme at Dal Lake, Srinagar.
The event was flagged off in the morning by ADGP Armed Nitish Kumar and witnessed participation of over 6,000 runners from across J&K and outside.
Addressing the gathering, as per GNS, LG said he was delighted to see the wonderful enthusiasm and energy of youth at the presentation ceremony and heartily congratulated all runners, participants and Jammu and Kashmir Police for making the event memorable.
LG said all winners and participants have proved that they participated in the marathon for the soul of India and they ran for a Jammu Kashmir which is peaceful, united, unbreakable and continuously striving to move forward.
He said “Run For Unity” is not just the speed of feet, but the speed of resolve and belief that when people move together, no destination is impossible.
Reciting a couplet, LG said:
“He thinks my flight is a little less,
He thinks my flight is a little less,
I am sure this sky is a little less.”
LG said it should always be remembered that the biggest strength lies in unity and every step of the runners today has reiterated a great truth that India’s diversity has never been its weakness, but it is India’s biggest identity and biggest strength.
He said more than 140 crore countrymen have different languages, different traditions, different cuisines and attires, but amidst all these diversities, only Bharat beats in our hearts. This heartbeat itself is the real strength of India.
“When crores of steps move in one direction, even the biggest obstacle becomes small. When crores of hearts unite for one purpose, no mountain is so high that it cannot be crossed,” LG said.
Addressing youth, LG said through Kashmir Marathon, youth have given a message that no goal is big before a united India. All runners have also conveyed that their participation is an important investment in shared future, and their run was not just for themselves but for the new generation of Jammu Kashmir which dreams of a better Jammu Kashmir and Bharat and for that youth who is working day and night to make J&K self-reliant and a developed UT.
LG also said J&K Police through its civic action programme is empowering thousands of youth across J&K and this reflects the humane face of the force.
“Be it law and order, fight against terrorism, helping society or natural disaster, J&K Police stands with full dedication with the people,” he said.
He urged youth to stay away from drugs and become brand ambassadors of Fit India and recalled 100-day ‘Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir Abhiyan’ started from April 11 in all 20 districts, in which people from every section participated in large numbers in foot marches and many youth succeeded in coming out of the quagmire of drugs with help of Police and administration.
LG further said real victory in any marathon is not just reaching the finish line, but when we hold each other’s hand and move forward.
“Let us today on the concluding ceremony of Kashmir Marathon for Unity pledge that though we may have come from different paths, our destination will be one. Our identities may be many, but our national identity is one and our pace can never be different. Our India, our Jammu Kashmir is one, unbreakable and with the resolve of Viksit Jammu Kashmir and Viksit Bharat 2047, we will all move forward continuously,” he said.
Reciting another couplet “Though dreams are shattered, courage is still alive, we are those before whom even difficulties feel ashamed”, LG said with same spirit youth should give new direction to present so that under leadership of youth power, J&K and India can write a new chapter.
He congratulated J&K Police officers and all participants for making the event successful, saying as DGP said participation is increasing every year and this year more than six thousand took part.(GNS)
