Srinagar, Oct 01 (KNO): Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday said the more than 6,000 participants in the Kashmir Marathon-Run for Unity had run not merely for speed or endurance, but for the "soul of India" and for a peaceful, united and progressive Jammu and Kashmir.
Addressing the closing ceremony of the marathon organised by the J&K Police at the Police Golf Course on the banks of Dal Lake, Srinagar, Sinha congratulated the runners and lauded the enthusiasm of the youth, describing the event as a symbol of peace, unity and progress in the Union Territory.
"I am delighted to witness the extraordinary energy of our youth. I congratulate all the runners, participants and the Jammu and Kashmir Police for making this event a success," he said.
Sinha, according to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said the Run for Unity reflected the strength of collective resolve and faith rather than mere physical speed.
"The Run for Unity is not just about the pace of our steps. It reflects the strength of our resolve and the faith that when people walk together, no destination remains beyond reach," he said.
Highlighting India's diversity, the Lieutenant Governor said differences in language, traditions, food and attire could never weaken the country's shared national spirit.
"Despite our diversity, the heartbeat of India remains one. Unity is our greatest strength, and when millions move in the same direction, even the highest mountains can be conquered," he said.
Sinha said the participation of young people in the marathon represented an investment in a shared future and reflected the aspirations of a new generation.
"Through the Kashmir Marathon-Run for Unity, the youth have sent a message that no goal is too distant for a united India. Their participation is an investment in a shared future and a reflection of the dreams of a generation working towards a stronger, self-reliant and developed Jammu and Kashmir," he said.
The Lieutenant Governor urged young people to embrace discipline, fitness and brotherhood while staying away from drugs. Referring to the success of the 100-day Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir campaign, he said thousands of youth had been engaged through padyatras and civic action programmes.
He also called on the youth to become ambassadors of the Fit India Movement and contribute to nation-building. "The true victory in a marathon is not just crossing the finish line, but helping others move forward as well," he said.
Urging people to strengthen brotherhood and dedicate themselves to peace and harmony, Sinha said: "Though we may come from different paths, our destination is one. Our identities may be many, but our national identity is one. Our pace may differ, but our India remains one, united and moving steadily towards the vision of a Developed India by 2047."
The Lieutenant Governor also commended the J&K Police for organising the marathon and highlighted its civic action programmes aimed at youth engagement and empowerment.
More than 6,000 runners participated in various categories of the Kashmir Marathon-Run for Unity this year.
Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat, ADGP Armed Police Nitish Kumar, ADGP CID M.K. Sinha, senior police and civil administration officers, prominent sportspersons and a large number of youth attended the closing and felicitation ceremony—(KNO)