District Kishtwar today welcomed the Shanti Yatra and "Shanti Chinh" Symbol of the Directorate of School Education (DSE) Jammu here at an event hosted by School Education Department Kishtwar here in the Conference Hall DC Office Complex.
Additional District Development Commissioner Kishtwar, Sham Lal; ADC, Inderjeet Singh Parihar; DPO , Sunil Bhutyal; SDM Paddar, Arun Kumar Badyal and Chief Education Officer, Prehlad Bhagat besides ZEO Ranveer Singh Chouhan, ZIC among others were present.
Scores of students from government and private schools, and staff of different departments participated enthusiastically as the Yatra made its way through the district.The event was organized to mark the 154th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, celebrated as Gandhi Mahotsav across the Union Territory.
The Shanti Yatra which started from District Poonch after passing different districts of Jammu Division, reached Kishtwar the day, aims to propagate Mahatma Gandhi's message, particularly emphasizing his philosophy of truth and non-violence.
In a symbolic gesture, the Shanti Chinh was received yesterday evening from the District Incharge Cultural Cell (School Education Department) Doda at Thathri Model check Nakah by CEO Prehlad Bhagat, ZEO Drabshalla, Tehsildar Drabshalla, DICC Kishtwar , ZICC Kishtwar, along with students and staff of HS Drabshalla.
As the Shanti Yatra made its way from Thathri to Kishtwar, it was welcomed by students and staff of various schools at MS Kandani and MS Hasti enroute, eventually being handed over to the ZEO Kishtwar at GMS Malipeth whereat the Shanti Chinh was warmly received by President Municipal Council Kishtwar Sajjad Ahmed Najjar along with councillors and prominent persons where it paused for the night.
Today, the Shanti Yatra, accompanied by the Shanti Chinh, continued its journey up to DC office Kishtwar, passing from the town and welcomed and joined by students of Islamia Faridia Higher Secondary School, Higher Secondary Schools of Town and MS Bhupnagar.
A grand event took place at the DC Office complex Kishtwar, featuring songs by Arohi Rana and Shreya Sharma, as well as declamations on Gandhian philosophy of Truth & Non-violence by Anshu Parihar & Arjun Kumar. Janveer & Zeeshan also delivered a captivating dance skit.
Speaking on the occasion, ADDC Kishtwar expressed that the Shanti Yatra aims to popularize Mahatma Gandhi's teachings of peace and universal brotherhood among students and a necessity in today's world. He urged students and the public to incorporate Gandhi ji's teachings into their personal and social lives as a true tribute to his birth anniversary.
ADDC commended the Education department for organizing the Shanti Yatra.Speaking on the occasion, CEO Kishtwar welcomed the participants and dignitaries who made this Yatra in the district.He emphasized the program's significance in educating students and the masses besides giving insightful views about the Father of the Nation's teachings.
The education department has planned a series of activities under this program, he informed.It is worth noting that the Shanti Yatra, along with the Shanti Chinh, will return to Doda tomorrow and after passing various other districts, the yatra will culminate at Poonch on 2nd October, the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.The proceedings of the program was efficiently hosted by DICC Kishtwar Awani sen.