Divisional Commissioner Anshul Garg convened a high-level meeting to meticulously review and finalize arrangements for the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory Foundation Day celebrations and the ‘Run for Unity’ event, slated for October 31. The dual observances, coinciding with Rashtriya Ekta Diwas, will be held at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC). The meeting brought together key officials from various administrative departments and security agencies to ensure a seamless and impactful execution of the planned activities.
Attendees at the crucial planning session included the Deputy Commissioner of Srinagar, the Director of Information, the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) for Traffic, the Director of School Education, and the Secretary of the Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Arts, Culture and Languages (JKAACL). Representatives from the police department, Youth Services and Sports (YSS), various colleges, the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC), the Roads and Buildings (R&B) department, and other relevant government bodies were also present. The discussions focused on logistical preparedness, participant mobilization, and the overall security and administrative framework for the day’s events. Information reaching Tahir Rihat suggests that the Divisional Commissioner emphasized the importance of robust interdepartmental coordination to avoid any last-minute hitches.
A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the ‘Run for Unity’ mobilization plan. The Divisional Commissioner assigned specific responsibilities to a wide array of institutions and departments to ensure a large and enthusiastic turnout. These included colleges, the School Education department, the YSS, the Sports Council, the University of Kashmir, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K), the Skill Development Department, J&K Bank, the National Institute of Technology (NIT), the R&B department, the Agriculture department, the Zila Sainik Welfare Board, and the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS). Each entity was tasked with ensuring their respective constituents participated actively in the run, fostering a spirit of collective participation and national integration.
Addressing the logistical challenges, particularly concerning participant transportation, the Divisional Commissioner issued clear directives. All stakeholder departments were instructed to promptly assess and communicate their specific transportation requirements to the planning committee. The Deputy Director of Planning was designated as the nodal point for coordinating the comprehensive transport plan. Furthermore, the Srinagar City Transport Company Limited (SSCL) and the Road Transport Corporation (RTC) were directed to guarantee the availability of a sufficient number of buses to ferry participants to and from the SKICC venue, ensuring accessibility for all registered runners.
Recognizing the critical need for seamless collaboration, the Divisional Commissioner mandated that all participating departments nominate dedicated Nodal Officers. These officers will serve as the primary points of contact for their respective departments, facilitating efficient communication and problem-solving throughout the planning and execution phases. The Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) of Srinagar and the Joint Commissioner of the SMC were appointed as the overall Nodal Officers, tasked with overseeing the entire coordination effort and ensuring that all departmental efforts were aligned towards the common goal of a successful event.
The Deputy Commissioner of Srinagar was entrusted with overseeing a range of crucial administrative arrangements. This included the meticulous management of invitation cards for dignitaries and guests, the precise deployment of VVIP seating in accordance with the established warrant of precedence, the preparation of nameplates, the deployment of duty magistrates to maintain order, and the installation of robust sound and audio-visual facilities. The aim was to ensure a dignified and well-organized ceremonial aspect to the Foundation Day celebrations.
In parallel, the Director of Information was given the responsibility for enhancing the public address systems at the back lawns and within the auditorium. This department was also tasked with the installation of prominent hoardings, standees, and video display screens to create an engaging atmosphere. The design of backdrops and the screening of relevant documentaries were also part of their mandate, intended to inform and inspire attendees about the significance of the Union Territory’s foundation. The Director of Information was also directed to nominate suitable anchors to professionally conduct the various segments of the program, ensuring smooth transitions and clear communication to the audience.
The Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) was directed to install thematic hoardings in the back lawns, the designated starting point for the ‘Run for Unity’. Additionally, the SMC will facilitate the advance distribution of specially designed, theme-based T-shirts among the participants, adding a visual element of unity and shared identity. Complementing this, J&K Bank was assigned the responsibility of distributing caps to all participants, further enhancing the coordinated look and feel of the event. These measures collectively aim to foster a sense of belonging and shared purpose among all those participating in the day’s festivities, underscoring the theme of unity that the event seeks to promote.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.
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