STATE TIMES NEWS
Jammu: Jagti Migrant mini township housing more than 4200 families of displaced Kashmiris for the past 11 years, saw the inauguration of its first ever sports festival organized here from December 22 to 27.
The fest is organized by Global Solace (Regd society) under the banner of the Rising Athletes of Jagti, and is supported by Vishwa Kashmiri Samaj, a community platform.
Hundreds of children, youth and their families joined the inaugural ceremony.
Prof Ashok Aima, VC, Central University was the Chief Guest.
The festival will see children and youth participate in games of badminton, football, volleyball, chess, carom, art and power lifting among others.
Lauding the effort of organizers, Prof Aima said that such an event will give hope to children and channelise their energies into constructive way. He also assured of support to these activities.
The opening ceremony was hosted by Pintoo ji Pandita and among those who spoke included Prof B.L Zutshi, M.K Yogi, Prem Sharma, Sanjay Tickoo, M.K Bangroo, Behari Kak, Kuldeep Thusoo, R.K Tikoo, A.K Sadhu, R.L Bhat, Kuldip Luthra, Ashok Dazy and Priya Bhat.
The program started by a welcome by Sonali Garoo and concluded by vote of thanks by Amit Dhar.
The programme was coordinated by Surinder and Vijay Raina.
The initiative has got positive response and appreciation from several eminent citizens and groups.
Dr Agnishekar, noted activist and poet, has called upon the whole Kashmiri Pandit community to join the effort and support it.
Pintoo ji, President of Global Solace added that his group and other volunteers will make sports activities, physical fitness and recreation part of daily life at Jagti so that the youth grow as positive individuals and realize their potential.
Sahil Pandita, president of the sports committee overseeing the arrangements and organization of this carnival thanked people for their support.
“It is after 32 years that our youth are seeing light at the end of tunnel. Sports was a no go for them as survival and education being part of it were running on everybody’s mind. This will certainly unleash adventure and sports spirit in them and we will see sports persons emerging also,” he added.
We are thankful to J&K Sports Council for their support in organising this event, he said.
Organizers also express thanks to J K Bhoomi, Sahil Notebook, Sai Traders, Lepsquard Group, Kashmir as it is, KP Startup , Canom and others for their support to the festival.
