1st July 2022, the day we embarked on this journey to spread the chants of World Peace. A day that is etched in history as we prepare ourselves to travel to 5 States, 11 Cities and 3 Union Territories. This wonderful journey with all our Peace Messengers and Peace Ambassadors began from Gandhi Ashram, Ahmedabad to Kartarpur (Pakistan) to Leh and finally coming back to the place we started from, Gandhi Ashram, Ahmedabad, completing a full circle. It gives us immense pleasure and joy in sharing that despite all the challenges, ups and downs and hardships, we completed the WORLD PEACE RALLY 2022 successfully.
FLAG OFF CEREMONY
Mahatma Gandhi is considered to be a symbol of peace. And so what better place to flag off the rally than Gandhi Ashram,Ahmedabad. Hence, we decided to start our journey from this very place and end it here as well. We were taken aback by the love and good wishes that we received in the flag off ceremony. With the presence of honourable guests – Shri. Narhari Amin, (Member of Rajya Sabha) Shri. Ashish Bhatia,IPS (DGP of Gujarat) Shri Narshimha Komar, IPS(ADGP- Law & Order) Shri. Vasant Raval, (Director of SSNL) Shri. Y. M. Shukla (Charity Commissioner, Gujarat) Prof. Himanshu Pandya (Vice Chancellor, Gujarat University) who raised our spirits and extended their support along with their blessings, we were highly elated. Special mention to Gujarat Police for the way they managed the entire ceremony.
With heads held high, dreamy eyes, and the wish to spread the message of world peace in every corner of the world we left for Nagaur, Rajasthan. We had a warm welcome by the people of Rajasthan especially the Dabwali Bishnoi community. We had an enriching conversation with them on spreading the message of world peace.
With beautiful memories we left for Amritsar, Punjab, the divine land of culture and heritage. We had a mesmerising experience visiting the golden temple, and felt soulful and touched. Taking blessings and praying for world peace, then visiting Jallianwala Bagh and paying homage to ones who lost lives for the nation. Afterwards, we left for one of the most important events of our journey, visiting Attari Border and honouring martyrs and their families with a show named – ‘EK SHAAM BSF KE SHAHIDO KE NAAM.’
AN EVENING IN THE NAME OF BSF MARTYRS
An experience that we will remember forever. The energy, emotion, feeling was ecstatic. We are thankful for the presence of ‘Harmony of the Pine Orchestra’ from Himachal Pradesh Police who really made our evening special. The spirit of Patriotism was at its peak. We had great conversations with the BSF JAWANS and the martyrs family members and felt proud about their strength, sacrifices and love for the nation. They are truly our heroes. Their stories inspired us to leave no stones unturned in spreading the message of world peace. We did not want to leave the place but with heavy hearts we headed on to Katra to accomplish our ultimate goal of spreading world peace.
SPREADING THE MESSAGE OF WORLD PEACE AT KARTARPUR SAHIB CORRIDOR
Little did we know that another moment of great joy was awaiting us. On our journey to Katra, in between we were fortunate to visit and spread the chant of world peace at Shri Kartarpur Sahib Corridor which is in Pakistan. We visited the Gurudwara there, and were greeted with immense love. Heading forward, we took blessings from the gurus and left for Srinagar and then towards Kargil.
Kargil being famous for the Kargil War between India and Pakistan, visiting Kargil reminded us of one of our beliefs – “ The more we sweat in peace, the less we bleed in war.” Paying respect, honour and saluting brave Indian army soldiers for their sacrifices and praying for their lasting peace. Each and every war makes us realise the importance of love, harmony and peace. As, no one is benefited by a war.
To make this world peaceful and seed the thoughts of peace in people’s minds we then moved on towards Leh, Ladakh. By this time, we were used to minor hardships but we then faced a roadblock on our way to Dras. But kudos to Army forces and Team WPR 2022 for their efforts in tearing the rocks and opening roads in no time. As we reached Dras we received a grand welcome by the Ladakh government officials. We then visited Kargil War memorial in Dras and paid our tribute to all those who fought for the nation. We prayed for their souls to rest in peace. Met localites there and conducted fun activities with them like games, singing songs, poems and dancing on their folklores.
A HEARTFELT WELCOME BY ITBP & UNIVERSITY OF LADAKH
On our way to Sarchu, we felt extremely honoured by the way ITBP – Indo Tibetan Border Police welcomed us. This is the force guarding our country at Pangong Lake. We enjoyed light moments with them, and talked about world peace with them.
Next up was Kullu, but before we reached Kullu we visited University of Ladakh where the students performed a colourful musical performance and exchanged great talks relating to peace. The visiting delegation presented books on the ideology of Mahatma Gandhi written in different languages to the library of the Leh campus. Later, WPR 2022 delegates visited the Gujarat centre, in the Leh campus, showcasing the rich culture of Gujarat.
In Kullu we met local families and got to know about their lifestyle, tradition and culture as we interacted with them. A few of our peace messengers and ambassadors entertained them by playing instruments, and singing songs that they especially wrote with the message of peace. We had a wonderful time with them.
Nearing the end of our WPR 2022 we travelled to Chandigarh and then to Jaipur to our final destination, Gandhi Ashram Ahmedabad. Here, as we flagged in and successfully completed WPR 2022 we witnessed our mission coming to life as crowds were chanting ‘World Peace’ in huge numbers. We created memories that will remain with us throughout our lives. We were honoured by – Shri Vasant Raval, (Director of SSNL) Shri. Y. M. Shukla (Charity Commissioner, Gujarat) Prof. Himanshu Pandya (Vice Chancellor, Gujarat University) expressing our gratitude towards them for their constant support and care. The moments are still flashing in our eyes, encouraging us for many more World Peace Rallies.
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