Ampati, October 31: A Run for Peace, Unity and Integrity organized at Ampati on the occasion of Rashtrya Ekta Diwas and Rashtrya Sankalp Diwas was on Monday flagged off by South West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner Cyril V D Diengdoh and Superintendent of Police Ramesh Singh.
Organized by the South West Garo Hills district administration in collaboration with the district sports office the run was followed by a workshop on national unity and rededication chaired by South West Garo Hills district sports officer Jasper P Marak.
Close to hundred and fifty people from all walks of life including personnel from the Meghalaya police and the Border Security Force enthusiastically participated in the run for peace, unity and integrity.
After the run a workshop on national unity day and national rededication day was organized at Ampati students field wherein pledges for both the occasions were taken by all led by Diengdoh. Sseveral speakers also talked on relevant topics during the workshop.
Addressing the gathering as the Chief Guest Diengdoh stated that the day was observed as National Unity Day and National Rededication Day to pay tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, who was instrumental in keeping India united.
Speaking on rededication the deputy commissioner said that when we rededicate ourselves to the principles of our constitution and our citizenry we ensure that all our differences are not resolved through violence or hatred but through mutual respect of each other and through common understanding. The day will provide an opportunity to re-affirm the inherent strength and resilience of our nation to withstand the actual and potential threats to the unity, integrity and security of our country he stated.
Among others who spoke at the occasion were Superintendent of Police Ramesh Singh on national unity and Ampati Baptist Church Pastor Wepstar G Momin on the value of peace (Tomtomani gamchatani).
After the workshop prizes were distributed to winners of the run under various categories by the Deputy Commissioner and the Superintendent of police respectively. Among the winners were a 67 year old man and a 50 plus old woman. It may be mentioned that the organizers seeing the enthusiasm and exuberance of the participants decided to give away prizes as a token of appreciation even though the run was not a competitive one.
ADC M T Sangma, EACs D A Sangma, F Boro and DM&HO Dr K A Sangma were among those who took part at the gathering. Later the pledges for Rashtrya Ekta Diwas and Rashtrya Sankalp Diwas was taken by all district line departments led by the Deputy Commissioner at a formal gathering at the DC office complex near here.
