The 5th Jammu & Kashmir Union Territory Foundation Day, coinciding with Rashtriya Ekta Diwas 2023 and Vigilance Awareness Week was celebrated in grand manner here in district Kishtwar. The celebrations were held throughout the district with a series of activities held at Panchayat, blocks, and tehsil level with overwhelming public participation.
The main celebration was held at Char Chinar Chowgan Ground, organized by the district administration, in collaboration with the police administration and other stakeholders, including Municipal Council, Education Department, Youth Services and Sports Department and private schools. This collaborative effort contributed to the resounding success of the event.
One of the notable events was the Unity Walk, which started from District Police Line Hidyal Chowk Kishtwar, passing through the mini bus stand, Main Bus stand, town Market, culminating at Char Chinar Chowgan Ground, where it joined the mega program. Around 400 students from public and private schools also participated in the Unity Walk.
Prominent among the participants were Deputy Commissioner, Dr. Devansh Yadav, SSP Khalil Ahmed Poswal, ADDC Sham Lal, ADC Inderjeet Singh Parihar, ASP Rajinder Singh, ACR Varunjeet Singh Charak, GM DIC Mohammad Ashraf, PO ICDS Dr Rishi Kumar Sharma, Joint Director Planning Mohammad Iqbal, ACP Zakir Hussain Wani, ACD Manoj, DPO Sunil Bhutyal besides other officers and officials of civil and police administration.
In the morning, a Unity Run was organized by the district Police administration witnessing participation of 150 police personnel.The mega program at Char Chinar commenced with a welcome address by ADDC, Sham Lal, giving an overview of the event, highlighting the purpose of commemorating the UT Foundation Day, Unity Day and Vigilance Awareness Week.
He also discussed the milestones achieved in the district over the last four years and emphasized the significant role of the three-tier Panchayati Raj Institutions, introduced for the first time in the UT of J&K.Among the dignitaries in attendance were CO 52nd Bn CRPF Kishtwar, Parma Shivam and local PRIs added to the event's significance.
Approximately 1000 people, including officers and officials from different departments, the general public, PRIs, and school students, attended the main celebration event. The program began with the National Anthem sung by students of Girls Higher Secondary School Kishtwar, followed by the administration of the Anti-Corruption Pledge by Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar to the audience.
Students of different schools delivered speeches besides presenting cultural dance performances, including a Kashmiri dance performance by students of GDC and Kidzee School, traditional dance performance by ABN school, and Paddari dance performance by Bal Vidya Bhawan School, all in the spirit of the Foundation Day, Ekta Diwas, and Vigilance Awareness Week celebration were main attractions of the event.
Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar administered the Anti-Corruption Pledge to the audience and inspected stalls showcasing exhibits and major achievements under various departmental initiatives.A documentary produced by the District Information Centre, Kishtwar, highlighting the four years of development in the district, was screened and well-received by the participants.
Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Commissioner extended his greetings to the people of Kishtwar and the event participants on the 5th UT Foundation Day, Ekta Diwas 2023, and Vigilance Awareness Week 2023. He emphasized the importance of inclusive and sustainable development in all regions of India, in line with the spirit of unity and diversity, and also recognized the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, aligning with Rashriya Ekta Diwas.
He stressed the rational use of online services and the RTI Act to enhance transparency and accountability in service delivery, thereby moving towards the goals of good governance. He expressed appreciation for the contributions of all stakeholders and the EO Municipal Council Kishtwar in making the program a resounding success.
The Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar then administered the Integration pledge to the participants.During the event, a felicitation ceremony was also held, where participating students were awarded trophies. Beneficiaries under PMEGP, Mumkin Schemes, and SHG members were also felicitated.
Keys of vehicles sanctioned under the Mumkin Scheme and motorized tricycles provided by the Social Welfare Department were handed over to beneficiaries by DC Kishtwar, in the presence of DSWO Kishtwar Zubair Ahmed Lone and District Employment Officers.
The program concluded with a vote of thanks presented by ADC Kishtwar Inderjeet Singh Parihar. The proceedings of the programme were officiated by Awani Sen. Additionally, a friendly cricket match was played between players, including officers and officials from District Civil Administration and Police Administration Kishtwar, in the spirit of Rashtriya Ekta Diwas.
Similar celebrations took place throughout the day in educational institutions, government offices, and across the district, actively involving students, people, and PRI members.