Kokrajhar to Kashmir: Youths pedal for peace
Twenty-five young cyclists of various castes and communities, including Bodos, Assamese, Muslims and Hindus are pedalling in a 60-day-long cycling expedition ‘Shanti Sadbhavna Cycle Yatra’ to spread the message of love and peace from Kokrajhar in Assam, a terror-affected area in the past, to Kashmir which is presently affected by terrorism. These youths have guidance of experienced Sarvodaya workers and eminent ideologues with them during the peace journey.
The group led Chandan Pal of Bengal has members like Asha Basumotri, Januma Basumotri, Joyshree Roy, Amar Kumar Dutta, Shahidul Islam, Abdul Majid, Baidul Islam and Joynol Hussain who have taken up the mission of spreading peace in the trouble-torn Kashmir valley.
The delegation of youths met Governor Ram Naik here, who praised them for their determination and idea of spreading peace in the valley. Nail said that India was full of diversities but the nationalism in the country united the people.
Uttar Pradesh chief minister Akhilesh Yadav flagged off the cycle yatra to Jammu & Kashmir from his Kalidas Marg residence. Speaking on the occasion, Yadav said that the group was doing a remarkable job by spreading the message of peace in the trouble-torn valley.
He said that the aim of the expedition was to work for an unbiased society and to generate harmony between all communities, classes and religions. He also praised the efforts of the youngsters to make people aware about environment conservation, promoting non-violence and giving up alcohol and said such things should be done in all states of the country.
The yatra was started by Sarv Seva Sangh and Gandhi Shanti Pratishthan and other likeminded groups from Kokrajhar, Assam in 2012. Buoyed by the success of the initial Asam Shanti Yatra, from September 03, 2016, this expedition was flagged off from Kokrajhar, Assam.
The expedition, after travelling through Assam, West Bengal and Bihar came to Lucknow, where the chief minister flagged it off for its onward journey.