The historic initiative taken by the Cultural and Educational Unit of the Directorate of School Education Jammu to celebrate 'Gandhi Mahotsav’ by reaching out to the masses of the 10 districts of the division with Gandhian principles through a Shanti Yatra witnessed enthusiastic participation of students in Ktahua district.
The "Shanti Yatra -a peace tour” with a 'Peace Symbol' was flagged off by Rajiv Rai Bhatnagar, Advisor to the Governor in presence of Dr. Ravi Shankar Sharma, Director, Education Department, Jammu, and Surjit Hosh Badshali, President of Cultural and Educational Unit Jammu from Teacher Bhawan Jammu.
After passing through 8 districts, this "Shanti Yatra '' reached the Bani area of Kathua district on 25 September 2022 where it was given a grand welcome. "Shanti Yatra" via Bani, Basholi, and Mahanpur areas reached the Lakhanpur area on 27 September 2022.
In the Mahanpur region, Chaman Lal, Deputy Chief Education Officer Kathua along with Zonal Education Officers and other officers welcomed the "Shanti Yatra". In each region of the district, the concerned Zonal Education Officers along with Complex Incharge, PRI members, school principals, head teachers, teachers, and students gave a grand welcome to "Shanti Yatra".
On the evening of 27th September 2022, the "Shanti Yatra" reached the Kathua region and was welcomed by PL Thapa, Chief Education Officer Kathua, M.L. Gupta, Zonal Education Officer, Pavan Vivek, DRG, Mrs. Monica Khosla, DICC, Zonal ICs, and other officials received the "Peace Symbol" from the Zonal Education Officer, Lakhanpur.
The Chief Education Officer said that this Yatra holds historical importance in itself and in the coming times it will always be remembered that such an unprecedented initiative was taken by our Education Department.
In fact, this is a very positive step by the respected Director and the main objective of this initiative is to strengthen the principles of Gandhiji among the students and take them forward. The yatra proceeded through various areas of the district accompanied by members of education faculty and students of the district who participated in singing inspirational songs and raising slogans.
A number of participants carried banners depicting Gandhian thoughts and philosophy.On the morning of September 28, 2022, Rahul Pandey, District Magistrate Kathua welcomed the "Peace Sign" in the presence of the dignitaries from the Education Department, Kathua, and proceeded with the "peace march" in the Kathua area and participated in the march himself.
In his address, the Officer said that in the present environment, Gandhiji's principles and his teachings are very important. Every student who is becoming a part of this journey will definitely adopt the principles of truth and non-violence.
Along with this, he also thanked the Education Department for taking such a positive step. By the evening of 28th September 2022, the Yatra reached Hiranagar zone covering areas of Barnoti zone and Marheen zone and on the afternoon of 29th September 2022, the "Shanti Yatra" march reached Samba district, and the "Peace Sign" was handed over to the officials of the district.
On this occasion, P.L Thapa, Chief Education Officer Kathua, Kewal Krishna, District Education Planning Officer, Zonal Education Officers from Sallan and Hiranagar zones, Pavan Vivek, DRG Kathua, Monika Khosla, DICC Kathua, the ZICC from Hiranagar zone along with other members of teaching faculty of the district and students were present.
CEO handed over the "peace sign" to Yashwant Singh, the Chief Education Officer of Samba district, Yogesh Kumar, DICC samba and other members of the cultural unit, ZICC (Samba), teachers, and the students of the district witnessed this historic exchange.
The "Shanti Yatra" remained in Kathua district for a total of four days and turned out to be an unforgettable moment. The "Shanti Yatra" was concluded in the Kathua district with full vigor and enthusiasm.