Jammu, July 26: Freedom is not Free, it Costs Soldiers. It was demonstrated in the Kargil War in 1999, when the Indian Army evicted Pak intrusion, when India lost 527 brave hearts and 1363 soldiers were wounded. To celebrate this Victory , citizens of Jammu paid homage to the undying spirit of the Indian Soldier by conducting a Mini Marathon between Major Ajay Singh Jasrotia Memorial to Balidan Stambh, Jammu. The runners proudly carried the National Flag during the run. The event was organized by the War Wounded Foundation , with collaboration of NCCHWO. Prominent NGOs which supported the event included Rotary Club, Jammu Tawi under Ramnik Singh, Rotary Club Elite under Jyoti Vaid, IWC Jammu Tawi under Gurvinder Kaur, SS Jain Sabha Talab Tiloo under Giat Nandan Jain, Trikuta Nagar under Jaininder Jain & Jain Mahila Mandal under Chayya Jain. NCCHWO was represented by Paramjit Kaur as President Women Empowerment Cell. The Run was flagged off by Veer Mata Smt Veena Jasrotia ,from Sainik Colony. After the conclusion of the run at Balidan Stambh , Wreath was laid by Veer Mata Veena Jasrotia ,Veer Naris Savitri Devi and Tavinder Kaur. Col Virender Kumar Sahi , VrC laid a wreath on behalf of decorated soldiers. Dr Dushyant Chaudhary laid the wreath on behalf of Rotary Club. Brig(Retired) Harcharan Singh laid the wreath on behalf of ESM. Senior Army officials gave tribute to their comrades, who sacrificed their lives during Kargil War. The Veer Families were felicitated to recognize sacrifices made by their Family members during Op Vijay in 1999. The history of conflict was covered by Col Virender Kumar Sahi, VrC. He emphasised on need to look after the Veer Families and Veer Naris.A Pilot Project is being undertaken by NCCHWO to adopt Veer Naris, to provide Psychological support to them. Brig(Retired) Harcharan Singh explained the concept of the event, where the citizens have taken an unique approach of running the race with the National Flag , as a tribute to the dedication and sacrifices of our soldiers. The aim is to motivate youth and inculcate the spirit of Nationalism through such events with participation of civilians. A number of NGOs volunteered to be part of the event, to express gratitude to the Indian Army. The efforts of Runners were appreciated by everyone. Dr Dushyant Choudhary, IPDG Rotary 3070, said that the country is proud of Indian Armed Forces and on behalf of Rotary 3070 , donated a Water Cooler to Balidan Stambh. This facility would benefit the visitors to Balidan Stambh. He also adopted Jasrotia Park in Sector C of Sainik Colony for maintenance and cleanliness.
Special felicitation was done for Sh PL Choudhary who has been holding Martyrdom day programmes in Sainik Colony over so many years. Mr Giat Nandan Jain was appreciated for arranging the finances for the event. Mr Rajesh Padha delivered a Vote of Thanks. His efforts could ensure participation of so many recognized and reputed Runners for the event. Special thanks were given to the Tiger Division for the help and administrative arrangements at Balidan Stambh. The event concluded with the recitation of the National Anthem.
