Srinagar, October 1: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday said more than 6,000 participants in the ‘Run for Unity’ marathon had run not just a race but for the “soul of India” and their vision of a peaceful, united and progressive Jammu and Kashmir.
Addressing the flag-in ceremony of the marathon organised by J&K Police at the Police Golf Course, Dal Lake, Sinha congratulated the participants and praised the enthusiasm displayed by the youth.
He said the event conveyed a strong message of unity and reflected the collective resolve of people to contribute towards peace and development in Jammu and Kashmir.
Sinha said the marathon was about more than physical endurance, describing it as a symbol of collective determination.
“The Run for Unity is not just the pace of our feet; it is the pace of our resolve. When people walk together, there is no impossible destination,” he said.
Highlighting India’s diversity, the Lieutenant Governor said differences in languages, traditions, food and clothing were part of the country’s identity and strength. He emphasised that unity remained essential for overcoming challenges.
Addressing young participants, Sinha said their involvement represented an investment in the future of Jammu and Kashmir. He urged them to contribute towards making the Union Territory more self-reliant and developed.
He also highlighted the civic action programmes of J&K Police, saying they provide opportunities for thousands of young people to engage in constructive activities. He described such initiatives as an important aspect of the police’s community outreach.
Sinha said the police continued to serve people during law-and-order situations, counter-terror operations, social assistance programmes and natural disasters.
Calling upon the youth to promote unity and brotherhood, he urged them to become ambassadors of peace, harmony and development.
The Lieutenant Governor also stressed the importance of physical and mental fitness and encouraged young people to participate in the Fit India Movement.
He said the true spirit of a marathon lies not only in reaching the finish line but also in helping others move forward.
Sinha said people may follow different paths and have diverse identities, but their common national identity and aspirations unite them.
He called for collective efforts to strengthen peace, harmony and development in Jammu and Kashmir and thanked J&K Police and other officials for organising the event, noting that participation in the marathon has grown each year.
