105 Young Women, Girls Pedal for a Brighter, Drug-Free Future in Kashmir
WS/VP Correspondent
Baramulla, Nov 24 ; With the inspirational blessings of the prayer leader (Maulana), Baramulla has come together to address the pressing issue of substance abuse as 105 young women and girls took to their bicycles, pedaling not only for fitness but also for a brighter, drug-free future in Kashmir.
With every pedal stroke, these young women broke the silence surrounding this critical issue, spreading a message of hope and resilience while promoting health and well-being to foster a safe and vibrant environment for future generations.
According to The Story/The Varmul Post correspondent present during the event at Showkat Ali Stadium in Baramulla, around 105 women cyclists participated in a cycling rally themed a drug-free Kashmir, divided into three age categories, cycling a distance of 67 kilometers from Baramulla town to Kaman Aman Setu in Uri.
Before flagging off the rally from the stadium, the Maulana offered blessings to the participants, stating, “This is a happy future for you and for all of us; we are very grateful for your involvement.”
While extending his blessings to the girls taking part in the cycle rally, he added, “May Allah protect you all; our prayers are with you.”
Sajda, a young cyclist, told The Web Story/The Varmul Post, “Today, in this cycle rally, we all pledged to maintain our connection to Kashmir and our identity by staying away from drugs and other harmful substances.” She expressed her intent, saying, “I pedaled from Baramulla to Aman Setu with the message that we want a healthy Kashmir, a peaceful Kashmir, where every youth is fit and strong.”
Shabnam, another young female cyclist in the group, shared with The Web Story/The Varmul Post, “Cycling helps reduce anxiety and improves our mental health. It offers numerous benefits for a healthy and good lifestyle. I feel truly blessed to be part of the rally today, pedaling among over a hundred girls with the theme of a drug-free Kashmir.”
Sabreena, another female participant, told The Web Story/The Varmul Post, “My purpose for participating in the rally is to raise awareness about the menace of drug abuse and to promote a healthy lifestyle. It is crucial to make every effort to combat the drug problem,” she stated.
“Life is very precious, and it becomes very difficult if one falls prey to drugs; therefore, one should strive for a drug-free life,” she added.
This fourth edition of the annual event was organized by the Dagger Division in collaboration with Jammu & Kashmir Tourism and the District Administration of Baramulla.
The Chief Guest was Major General Paranvir Singh Punia, SM, VSM, GOC of the Dagger Division. Baramulla Brigade Commander Brigadier Rajat Mohan Bhatt, PhD, along with other civil and military dignitaries, also attended the occasion.
Major General Paranvir Singh Punia, SM, VSM, GOC of the Dagger Division, praised all participants for their unparalleled enthusiasm, zeal, and perseverance, and commended the parents for encouraging their daughters to pursue such initiatives. The event symbolizes a close integration between the Indian Army and the local community, highlighting its efforts to promote gender equality in sports and adventure, women empowerment, border tourism, and the continuation of cultural practices and values, all while guarding the nation’s borders and maintaining peace in the region. He expressed his satisfaction with the chosen theme of “Drug-Free Kashmir,” emphasizing the importance of collective efforts to combat this threat.
Brigadier Rajat Mohan Bhatt, Baramulla Brigade Commander, thanked the district administration and police for their cooperation in conducting an incident-free event over the 70-kilometer route. A government official remarked, “The interaction and coordination between civil authorities and the army in Baramulla is very strong.”
