Excelsior Sports Correspondent
JAMMU, Mar 25: Principal Secretary Tourism Sandeep K Nayak today flagged off ‘Spirit of India Run’ from Jammu to Udhampur.
Ex-Australian MP Pat Farmer and his team started this run from Kanyakumari on January 26, 2016. The team reached Jammu yesterday, crossing the entire country on foot.
Spirit of India run campaign has been organised by Ministry of External Affairs and Union Ministry of Tourism.
To showcase the culture of Jammu and Kashmir, Department of Tourism organised a cultural programme at Jammu Tawi Golf course Sidhra. The performances were highly appreciated by all present.
The campaign ‘Spirit of India run’ will culminate at Srinagar on March 31, 2016 after passing Udhampur, Patnitop, Ramban and Banihal.
Director Tourism R K Varma, Deputy Director Tourism S K Attri, Assistant Director Tourism Batote and Jammu Tariq Naik and Dr Umesh Shan respectively alongwith officials were present on occasion.
The run entered Tikri of Udhampur district at 1 pm today where it was accorded a warm reception.
District Administration has made elaborate arrangements including security, medicare and accommodation for the smooth conduct of run in the district from Tikri to Patnitop.
J&K Tourism which has coordinated Spirit of India run in the State dedicated the event to showcase the touristic and historical places of the State to the world in order to boost tourism especially adventure tourism.
Later, a function was organized to welcome Pat Farmer and his contingent which was attended by ADDC Arvind Sharma, JD Planning Rakesh Jamwal, ACR Rajiv Magotra, CEO MCU, Tehsildar, prominent citizens and media persons.
The ADDC welcomed Pat Farmer and his team for the initiative and complimented his passion and courage for spreading the message among the masses.
JD Planning Rakesh Jamwal also appreciated his initiative and courage and said that it was a proud moment for the people of Udhampur to have an international athlete present among them.
While speaking on the occasion, Pat Farmer, the leader of the run said he has started Spirit of India Run from Kanyakumari on January 26, 2016 and it will culminate at Srinagar, Kashmir on March 31, 2016 after covering various states of the country. He added that the main aim of the event is to feel and experience India closely, promote mutual understanding and make people to people contact. He further added that he would try to promote cooperation between India and Australia in the fields of Tourism and Education.
Pat Farmer’s crew members also shared their experiences of journey in India and J&K State. They appreciated the beautiful places, rich culture and dress up of the people of State.
AD Tourism Batote Tariq Naik (Nodal officer, Spirit of India Run) and officials of the Tourism department were also present on the occasion.
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