Srinagar, August 12 (KNS): Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha Tuesday felicitated the 79 cyclists who participated in the 'Pedal for Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat' rally, organised by the Border Security Force as part of the 79th Independence Day celebrations.
The cyclists, comprising 40 local youth and 39 BSF personnel, covered a distance of 79 kms (BSF Campus Bandipora–Manasbal–Sumbal–Shalateng–Hyderpora–Bakshi Stadium–Frontier HQ, BSF Kashmir, Humhama) to celebrate India’s diversity, spirit of national unity, and foster a sense of common identity.
The Lieutenant Governor congratulated the BSF, the country’s first line of defence, for paying a befitting tribute to the brave soldiers and officers who have shown incredible valour, courage, and sacrifice to maintain the unity and integrity of the nation. He said the rally will also inspire youth to join the BSF, Army, and Police Force.
“BSF's 'Pedal for Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat' rally, passing through numerous towns and villages along the way, inspired the young generation and reminded them about the vision of our founding fathers and their ideals of selfless service. It is a bounden duty of every citizen of J&K to pursue that path and build Jammu Kashmir of their dreams,” the LG said.
The Lieutenant Governor noted that the cyclists are a living symbol of India's enduring tradition of courage, with the 79 kms symbolising 79 years of India’s independence.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel“From Kashmir to Kanyakumari, India is one. The heart and soul of 140 crore Indians are united and we are a big family of 140 crore members. This spirit and bond of family must strengthen our unity. We must inculcate the spirit of ‘Nation First’ and every citizen must prioritise nation-building over personal interests,” he added.
He called upon the young generation and people from all sections of society to self-introspect and take a pledge to dedicate themselves to the goal of Viksit Jammu Kashmir and Viksit Bharat. He also urged society to remain cautious against divisive elements trying to disrupt peace and social harmony, while encouraging participation in the Har Ghar Tiranga Abhiyan.
On the occasion, the LG paid tribute to civilians martyred in the Pakistan-sponsored terror attack in Pahalgam, stating, “Through Operation Mahadev and Operation Sindoor, we have avenged Pakistan’s brutality. If the terrorist country Pakistan sheds the blood of our citizens, it will have to pay a very heavy price.”
IG BSF Kashmir Frontier, Ashok Yadav; IG STC BSF Kashmir, Solomon Yash Kumar Minz; Deputy Commissioner Budgam, Dr Bilal Mohi-Ud-Din Bhat; SSP Budgam Nikhil Borkar; and other senior officials of BSF, civil and police administration, cyclists, and youth in large numbers were present at the felicitation ceremony.(KNS)