The marathon walk was joined by prominent citizens, doctors, educationists, artists, social activists, media professionals, senior citizens and various other dignitaries of the valley.
Interacting with the media, Minister for Tourism G A Mir said, “Today is a great morning for me. It is so special to share this morning with so many kids from old City. “Proudly Kashmiri” is the apt title for this campaign and every Kashmiri should be proud of his identity. And the way all of them were giving one slogan, “We love Kashmir” is a great thing to hear.”
Mir also expressed a desire to take all the children of the valley on local, national and world tour in order to provide exposure and learning experience to them.
He further added, “Today this two hour journey has been a great experience for me. I am so relaxed and thoughts of these kids have made me proud to be Kashmiri. I am sure that our future is going to be in safe hands. All of you are talented and can compete with anyone in the country or outside.” He further said that all the students sitting here should in indiviusual capacity be the promoters and ambassadors of Kashmir, its rich heritage, art and culture.
Aga Ruhullah also appreciated students.
“Today we have Khaas kids from Shaher-e-Khas with us and it makes me delighted to walk with them in this campaign. There placards and banners have really got some thought provoking messages for us. Thank you little kids,” Ruhullah added.
The marathon started from duck park foreshore at 07.30am and after a walk of nearly one hour ended in the auditorium hall of Kashmir University. Deputy Commissioner Farooq Shah, while interacting with students said “This is a beginning and we should follow such activities by heart throughout the valley. These activities make us physically and mentally healthy.”
On this occasion, Director Tourism Kashmir Talat Parvez expressed his happiness, “Kashmir needs such marathons and it feels so nice to see these little buds smiling and the way they are enjoying the walk. I think the best gift that I can take back from this marathon is the smiling faces of these little angels.”
Earlier, CEO Space communications Amit Wanchoo in his welcome address said, “The campaign Proudly Kashmiri will run throughout the year and will consist of different art, social, educational, sports and Cultural events besides holding series of marathons throughout the valley.
“It is a movement for positivity, progress, prosperity and widening opportunities for our youngsters,” Wanchoo said.
It was followed by various cultural and art performances by students, amateur artists and professionals. Group of four artists from Callisto presented a painting to the Minister of Tourism which was drawn by them on spot and themed as “Run for Love and make Kashmir bright and prosperous.”
Among the performances presented by students included Naat, laughter presentations, solo Kashmiri songs and many more. As a token of appreciation Minister G A Mir awarded Rs 5000 to each artist.
Talking with children, they appeared very happy, excited and enthusiastic about the walk since it was the first of its kind which they were experiencing. For many it was a cherishing experience for many students to experience the feel of Kashmiri university auditorium.
At the end in a decent presentation mementos, school certificate and participation certificates were provided to various school representatives.
Finally vote of thanks was given by Nazir ahmed, Chairman Bonvivant school, who had coordinated for making this event a successful one.sto the participating schools by the dignitaries
