SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday attended the closing ceremony of the Kashmir Marathon–Run for Unity, praising the enthusiasm of thousands of participants and describing the event as a symbol of peace, unity and progress in Jammu and Kashmir.
More than 6,000 runners participated in different categories of the marathon this year.
Addressing the gathering, Sinha said the event was not merely about speed or endurance but about collective determination and faith. He said the participation of young people demonstrated that shared resolve can help overcome challenges.
“Run for Unity race is not merely the speed of our steps. It is the speed of our resolve and it is the speed of that faith which tells us that when people walk together, no destination remains impossible,” he said.
Highlighting India’s diversity, the Lieutenant Governor said differences in language, traditions, food and attire were part of the country’s identity, while unity remained its strength. He said the marathon conveyed a message that no goal was beyond the reach of a united nation.
Sinha urged the youth of Jammu and Kashmir to embrace discipline, fitness and brotherhood, while staying away from drugs. Referring to the 100-day Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir Campaign, he said thousands of young people had been engaged through padyatras and civic action programmes.
He also called upon the youth to become ambassadors of the Fit India Movement and contribute to nation-building, saying the true spirit of a marathon lay not only in reaching the finish line but also in moving forward together.
The Lieutenant Governor said the participants had demonstrated a commitment to a shared future and to the vision of a developed India by 2047.
The felicitation ceremony was attended by DGP Nalin Prabhat, ADGP Armed Police Nitish Kumar, ADGP CID M.K. Sinha, senior police and civil administration officials, sports personalities and a large number of young people.
