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Since ancient times, Bihar has been known for its spirituality, rich history and vibrant culture: LG Sinha

From Education, Culture, Science, Literature, Enterprises to Spirituality, there is hardly any area of life where the people of Bihar have not left their mark with their innovative ideas and hard work: LG

Magadha was core part of Bihar, which was known as the centre of education and culture: LG Sinha

First empire of India, Maurya Empire in Bihar established a united India: LG

The presence of many holy places like Baba Baijnath Dham, Gaya, Vishnupad Temple, Janaki Temple, Bodhgaya, Takht Shri Harimandir Sahib Ji, Kundagram, Pawapuri in one state is no less than a divine blessing in itself: LG

In ancient times, Bihar had become a major centre of higher education. Students from all over the world came to study at Nalanda University and Vikramshila University. The library of Nalanda University, which was destroyed in 1193 by barbarian invader Bakhtiyar Khilji, was considered as the largest library in the world: LG

If we look at the history of Bihar after independence, it was one of the most developed states of the country: LG Sinha

The draft of the first five-year plan was prepared in July 1951. The report mentions that during that period, only three regions in the country were the best in providing the necessary training for small industries, financial support and better management of the industry and workers and they were - Bihar, Mumbai and Chennai, earlier known as Bombay and Madras: LG

For many decades, Bihar had maintained the glorious tradition of producing a large number of IAS, IPS and other administrative service officers, who have made immense contribution in the nation-building and inspired many generations: LG Sinha

JAMMU, MARCH 22: Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha attended the Bihar Day Celebrations, hosted by Jammu Kashmir Raj Bhawan at Jammu.


The Lieutenant Governor conveyed his hearty greetings and best wishes to the people of Bihar on the occasion.

 “Since ancient times, Bihar has been known for its spirituality, rich history and vibrant culture. Magadha was core part of Bihar, which was known as the centre of education and culture.

First empire of India, Maurya Empire in Bihar established a united India. From Education, Culture, Science, Literature, Enterprises to Spirituality, there is hardly any area of life where the people of Bihar have not left their mark with their innovative ideas and hard work,” the Lieutenant Governor said.


Addressing the gathering, the Lieutenant Governor highlighted the cultural, educational and spiritual legacy of Bihar, and paid homage to the great personalities of the state.

The Lieutenant Governor said, “The presence of many holy places like Baba Baijnath Dham, Gaya, Vishnupad Temple, Janaki Temple, Bodhgaya, Takht Shri Harimandir Sahib Ji, Kundagram, Pawapuri in one state is no less than a divine blessing in itself.

In ancient times, Bihar had become a major centre of higher education. Students from all over the world came to study at Nalanda University and Vikramshila University. The library of Nalanda University was considered as the largest library in the world.

There is a long list of Buddhism pilgrimage sites, including Bodhgaya, Rajgir and Griddhakuta, where Mahatma Buddha gave most of his sermons.

Bihar is also considered one of the most prosperous states in the field of literature. From Chanakya, Banbhatta, Aryabhatta, Vidyapati to Phanishwarnath Renu, Ramdhari Singh Dinkar and Baba Nagarjun in modern times, Bihar has been the karmbhoomi of great writers”.


The Lieutenant Governor also spoke on the development journey of Bihar, and its contribution to India’s growth.

“If we look at the history of Bihar after independence, it was one of the most developed states of the country. The draft of the first five-year plan was prepared in July 1951. The report mentions that during that period, only three regions in the country were the best in providing the necessary training for small industries, financial support and better management of the industry and workers and they were - Bihar, Mumbai and Chennai.

For many decades, Bihar had maintained the glorious tradition of producing a large number of IAS, IPS and other administrative service officers, who have made immense contribution in the nation-building and inspired many generations”, the Lieutenant Governor said.

The Lieutenant Governor hoped that the people of Bihar continue to work dedicatedly for a developed Bihar and a developed India.

“Bihar has once again become vibrant in the 21st century. Today, Bihar has not only emerged as a major power in developed India but is also competing with developed states in terms of industrial development. I pray for good health, well-being and prosperity of the people of this blessed land,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

Senior officials, Heads of various Educational Institutions, Students and the residents of Bihar living in J&K UT were the special invitees on the occasion.


 JAMMU, MARCH 22: Speaker Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Abdul Rahim Rather, today announced formation of a House Committee to probe the alleged irregularities in implementation of Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) in J&K.

The Speaker said that there had been a constant demand from several Legislators regarding constitution of a House Committee since start of the Budget session.

“House is supreme and there is no harm in formation of a House Committee to Probe the alleged irregularities in JJM,” maintained the Speaker.

 


Jammu, March 22: The Akhil Bharatiya Rashtrya Shakshik Mahasangh has urged the government to implement a transparent transfer policy in the Education Department to ensure fairness and efficiency in teacher placements.

During a meeting held in Ramban, Vippan Sharma, President of the Federation’s Ramban district unit, emphasized the urgent need to address various issues affecting the education sector. He demanded the immediate filling of vacancies for both teaching and non-teaching staff in schools across the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmiri. He also called for the regularization of all cadres within the department at the time of their promotion.

Akhil Bharatiya Rashtrya Shakshik Mahasangh strongly reiterated its demand that teachers should be exempted from extra-academic duties, as previously assured by the Education Department. Members expressed concern that assigning teachers non-teaching tasks hinders the delivery of quality education and disrupts academic schedules.

The meeting also highlighted the failure of the J&K government to implement its own transparent transfer policy, adversely impacting the academic environment in schools. Speakers argued that the lack of a fair transfer mechanism results in unnecessary delays, hardships for teachers, and academic disruptions for students.

Teachers working in remote and far-flung areas of J&K and Ladakh particularly suffer due to irregular transfers, leading to a shortage of staff in these institutions. The Federation stressed that without a well-structured transfer policy, schools in rural areas continue to face severe staff shortages, ultimately affecting the quality of education.

Another key issue raised in the meeting was the infrastructure crisis in educational institutions. Many schools lack basic facilities, proper classrooms, and essential teaching aids. The Federation urged the government to take concrete steps toward improving school infrastructure and ensuring that all institutions are well-equipped to provide quality education.

Additionally, the regularization of all teaching and non-teaching staff at the time of their promotion was emphasized as a critical step in ensuring job security and career progression for employees. The Federation stressed that delays in regularization create uncertainty and discourage skilled individuals from joining the education sector.

Akhil Bharatiya Rashtrya Shakshik Mahasangh has urged the Education Department to address these pressing issues without delay. They called for:

Immediate implementation of a transparent transfer policy.

Filling up of vacant teaching and non-teaching posts to ensure smooth functioning of schools.

Exemption of teachers from extra-academic duties to let them focus solely on academics.

Infrastructure improvement in schools, especially in remote areas.

Regularization of all cadres at the time of promotion to provide job security.

The Federation warned that if these demands are not met, it may resort to peaceful protests and representations before higher authorities to ensure justice for teachers and students alike.


 JAMMU, MARCH 22: The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly today passed the Demands for Grants amounting Rs. 154531.84 lakh for Forest, Ecology & Environment, 157671.32 lakh for Irrigation & Flood Control Department, Rs. 350126.57 lakh for PHE (Jal Shakti) and Rs. 44,299.17 lakh for the Tribal Affairs Department.

The House passed the Demands for Grants through a voice vote on Saturday evening.

Earlier, during the day, the Assembly discussed the Demands for Grants and Members of the House put forth their views and suggestions.

Winding up the discussion on Demands for Grants, Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, extended his gratitude to the MLAs for their valuable suggestions and constructive observations on the demand for grants.

He said that inputs reflect the collective commitment of this House towards ensuring sustainable development, environmental conservation and welfare of the people of Jammu & Kashmir.

He said that the government is fully committed towards addressing the concerns raised while ensuring efficient utilization of resources to meet the aspirations of the people.

While speaking regarding the Jal Shakti department, Rana said that government is determined towards providing "Har Ghar Nal Se Jal" to all rural households and is utilizing resources from Jal Jeevan Mission, NABARD and UT Capex to provide fifty five (55) litres of clean drinking water per capita daily, conforming to BIS 10000 and 10500 standards.

“In order to achieve this objective, J&K has planned the execution of 3253 Water Supply Schemes at an estimated cost of Rs 13344.25 crore to provide new tap water connections as well as to upgrade the existing connections, provided under erstwhile programs, to make them JJM compliant by raising the new infrastructure as well as retrofitting the existing infrastructure, wherever required,” informed the Minister.

Reflecting on the achievements, he informed that major strides have been made in implementation of the Mission during the past 02 ½ years and more than 1400 (43%) Water Supply Schemes have been completed till date and out of remaining 1853 schemes, about 1500 schemes have recorded a progress of more than 50 percent.

Regarding the expenditure incurred, he said that it has picked up from Rs 441 crore on ongoing works in initial 03 years to 6560 on new works, in the past 03 years.

“J&K which languished at the bottom is now figuring at 5th in the overall functionality assessment conducted by the Ministry of Jal Shakti, GoI, through a third-party agency. The overall functionality of J&K has improved from 53 percent in the year 2022 to 74 percent in 2024,” he said. He added that J&K is ranking first in the Water Quality Monitoring and  Surveillance at the National level.

“All the 22 water testing laboratories at the UT and State Level have been NABL accredited for a robust water quality monitoring mechanism,” he added.

Field Testing Kits (FTKs) have been distributed among the local communities for conducting tests of water samples on their own, for which more than 37000 women have been trained for use of FTKs.

Rana said that every measure has been taken to ensure that the quality of pipes is appropriate and the quality check through reputed agencies is being done at the manufacturing site and by the Departmental Committee on receiving the material at the central stores.

The Minister said that transparency, accountability and quality control mechanism in implementation of the Mission has been given top priority and a slew of measures have been taken to ensure the same.

Rana also gave details about the funds allocated for Water Supply Schemes under other sources like NABARD Schemes (PHE Sector), Water Supply Scheme AIIMS Awantipora and AIIMS Vijaypur.

“The department is purchasing 10 fresh tankers to augment the existing fleet to ensure the department is better equipped to tackle water shortages and meet the needs of our citizens” he maintained.

Talking about the Irrigation and Flood Control Sector (I&FC), he said the department is committed towards expanding the irrigation coverage, supporting the farmers who cultivate Kharif and Rabi crops through existing infrastructure upkeep, enhancing irrigation potential, and implementing new projects.

He said that to increase the area under assured irrigation, we're collaborating on strategic initiatives, with Major irrigation projects funded under PMKSY-AIBP and Minor Irrigation Projects covered under PMKSY HKKP.

Rana further said that under NABARD loan assistance, 12 projects amounting Rs 177 crore have been cleared under RIDF 30. These projects comprised 8 irrigation sector projects and 4 flood sector projects, all set to commence in 2025-26. He called for a collaborative approach to work together to create a water-secure future, for the present times and for generations to come.

While talking about the Forest, Ecology & Environment, Javed Rana said that the department is set to achieve the target of planting 150 lakh plants during the year 2024-25 under the programme “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam”, launched by Prime Minister. He said that the department's continuous efforts have led to positive results, as J & K recorded a net increase of 91.25 sq. km in forest and tree cover as per the Indian State of Forest Report 2023.

“During the current financial year, 16.251 lakh cft Timber was extracted and 13.67 lakh cft supplied by the J&K Forest Development Corporation. Further, 1.09 lakh cft timber has been supplied from Concessional Timber Sale depots and Fair Price Supply Divisions in 2024-25,” he said.

The Minister also said that the department is updating the State Action Plan on Climate Change (SAPCC) to address regional climate projections. This included assessing the sector and community vulnerabilities and integrating adaptation and mitigation strategies for resilience. The plan outlines 55 mitigation and 98 adaptation measures to be implemented by various departments by 2030, he said.

Regarding implementation of Forest Rights Act, 2006, Rana said that 6,058 claims have been settled in J&K, comprising 348 individual and 5,710 community forest rights claims.

To ensure systematic forest land diversion for development activities, cases are processed online through the PARIVESH portal. “So far, 2,775 forest clearance cases have been received, with 1,159 Stage-I approvals and 507 final approvals granted, leading to the diversion of 629.95 hectare,” he said.

The Minister said that the J & K Pollution Control Committee (JKPCC) has taken key steps to improve the Ease of Doing Business by extending the Consent validity period for industries and adopting a revised industry classification.

“The validity of Consent to Operate has been increased from 8 to 10 years for Orange category industries and from 12 to 15 years for Green category industries, while Consent to Establish is now valid for 5 years, extendable by 2 years. The revised classification, adopted in January 2025, promotes cleaner industries by reclassifying less polluting units to the Green category and placing pesticide formulation units under the stricter Red category,” he said.

Talking about Wular Lake, the largest freshwater wetland in Asia and a Ramsar site, Rana said that it is undergoing major restoration with a focus on ecotourism and local livelihoods.

Given the growing challenges of soil erosion and water scarcity, the Minister said that soil and water conservation has become crucial. “Check dams, slope stabilization, and water harvesting structures are planned in coordination with Agriculture, Rural Development, and Irrigation & Flood Control Departments to recharge groundwater and prevent erosion,” he asserted.

The Minister also highlighted the need for conservation of Wildlife saying that the Wildlife protected areas are being managed scientifically with approved plans, regular patrolling and strict enforcement of the Wildlife Protection Act.

“The Department of Wildlife Protection has set up 42 control rooms across J&K to prevent poaching and human-wildlife conflicts. To strengthen manpower across all wings, the Forest Department is ensuring timely recruitment through selection agencies and fast-tracking promotions,” he added. 

The Minister said that the Kashmir Forest Training School is being upgraded to improve infrastructure and increase training capacity. A proposal for financial assistance will be submitted to the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Government of India, he added.

Regarding the Tribal Affairs Department, Javed Rana said that the government pursues integrated Social, Economic, Educational, Cultural Development of tribal communities through several schemes. He said that the department is mandated to conduct research studies and document tribal-related matters. He said that the department envisages welfare of tribal population through key schemes and programs.

Rana said that the tentative budget provision for Dharti Abha Janjatiya Gramin Utkarsh Yojana (DA-JGUA) for the financial year 2025-26 is Rs 30.44 crore. “The Scheme included 25 interventions from 17 departments and will initially cover 393 villages in 20 districts with at least 50 percent ST population or 500 ST individuals,” he said.

The Minister said that J&K Tribal Research complex has been established at Khimber Srinagar with a cost of Rs 11.50 crore which aims to serve as a think tank for tribal development with a focus on research, cultural preservation, capacity building, and awareness programs.

In the upcoming financial year, the Tribal Research Institute (TRI) Jammu and Kashmir will expand its efforts in Research, Cultural Preservation, and Socio-economic Development of tribal communities. “Key initiatives included comprehensive ethnographic studies, a digital tribal archive, and a National-level tribal festival to showcase heritage and foster economic opportunities,” maintained the Minister.

He said TRI will also promote Tribal entrepreneurship, integrate tourism with heritage conservation, and strengthen the implementation of the Forest Rights Act through advisory roles.

To promote education among the tribal students, the Minister informed that the department operates 28 hostels housing 2,885 students. “Five new hostels are ready to be functional with 25 more hostels under construction at an estimated cost of Rs 89.21 crore, of which, five shall be completed during 2025-26,” he added.

The Minister said that six Eklavya Model Residential Schools (ERMS) have been made operational in Poonch, Rajouri, Kulgam, Anantnag and Bandipora and 11 more have been proposed for establishment during 2025-26 for providing quality education to ST children in remote areas.

He also said that a scholarship amounting Rs 12 crore shall be provided to  around 16000  ST students  under Post- Matric Scholarship and Rs 2.43 crore  to 8100  ST students under pre-matric scholarship (8th& 9th classes ) and  Rs 12 crore to 1.5 lakh students under pre-matric category.

Javed Rana said that three Transit accommodations for the transhuman tribal population at Thanamandi (Rajouri), Dalwas (Ramban) and Dubjan (Shopian) shall be completed during 2025-26 with a cost of Rs 7.95 crore.

For effective implementation of Pradhan Mantri Van Dhan Yojana (PMVDY) through JKRLM, the Minister said that an amount of Rs  14.57 crore shall be transferred to JKRLM. In order to strengthen medical facilities in Tribal Units, six Mobile Medical Units are being procured at a cost of Rs 4.52 crore.

The Minister informed that 10 Milk Villages are targeted for completion during 2025-26 with an allocation of Rs 800 lakh covering 410 ST beneficiaries.

For providing quality education to the Tribal children on modern lines, the Minister said that 50 schools in tribal areas shall be upgraded as Smart Schools with the facilities of Interactive Whiteboards & LED Panels, Digital Podiums, Smart Libraries, RO Drinking Water & Sports equipment with an estimated cost of Rs 3.0 crore.

The department will work to augment the manpower at all levels and will undertake steps for completion of the Tribal Bhawan and Museum in Jammu during the year 2025-26. He said that the Tribal Affairs Department will also coordinate formulation of Tribal Sub Plan (TSP) by various government departments in terms of guidelines of NITI Aayog.

The cut motions on Demands for Grants were withdrawn by the MLAs.

Legislators, Shamima Firdous, Mian Mehar Ali, Chander Prakash Ganga, Mir Saifullah, Ghulam Ahmad Mir, Choudhry Vikram Randhawa, Abdul Majeed Bhat, Altaf Ahmed Wani, Mohan Lal Bhagat, Engineer Khursheed Ahmed, Vijay Kumar Sharma, Basheer Ahmad Shah Veeri, Dr. Mohammad Sajjad Shafi, Muzaffar Iqbal Khan, Iftikhar Ahmed, Yudhvir Sethi, Javaid Iqbal Choudhary, Mehraj Malik, Choudhary Mohammad Akram, Mohd Shafi Uri, Reyaz Ahmad Khan, Shagun Parihar, Ajaz Ahmed Jan, Thakur Randhir Singh, Dr Rameshwar Singh, Salman Sagar, Arvind Gupta, Peerzada Muhammad Syed, Mir Muhammad Fayaz, Ali Mohammad Dar, Sunil Bhardwaj, Saifuddin Bhat, Sheikh Khursheed, Baldev Raj Sharma, Mohammad Yusuf Tarigami, Zafar Ali Khatana, Dilip Singh Parihar, Irfan Hafiz Lone, Balwant Singh Mankotia spoke on the Demand for Grants and put forth their views and suggestions.

Later, the House passed the Demand for Grants moved by Javed Rana by voice-vote.

 


In an important turn of events, Public Health Engineering (PHE) daily wage workers have started a 72-hour strike to demand regular wages and the release of their long-pending salaries. The protest is happening at many PHE offices and facilities across the region and has caught public attention because it could affect the supply of drinking water. This situation raises a key question: How can we ensure that workers' demands are met while also protecting the community’s need for uninterrupted water supply?

Why Are PHE Workers Protesting?

The PHE Department is responsible for providing clean drinking water to thousands of homes and public places. However, many of its daily wage workers face serious financial difficulties. They work long hours but do not receive a stable monthly salary. Their wages have been delayed for months, and their job status remains uncertain.

After multiple discussions with authorities failed to bring any solution, the workers have now decided to go on strike as a last resort.

Impact of the Strike on Water Supply

This strike affects not just the workers but also the general public. Many areas depend entirely on the PHE Department for water supply. If the strike continues, it could lead to:

  • Water shortages, especially in cities and densely populated areas.
  • Increased costs for families who may have to buy water from private suppliers.
  • Public health risks, as lack of clean water can cause hygiene problems and diseases.

Experts say that when daily wage workers are not paid on time, their motivation and productivity suffer. In the long run, this can cause serious service disruptions and affect low-income communities the most.

Two Sides of the Argument

Some people oppose the strike because stopping water supply services affects public health. They argue that using a strike as pressure puts ordinary citizens at risk.

However, supporters of the workers believe that they had no other choice. They argue that the workers have waited too long and tried other peaceful methods before taking this extreme step. They also point out that timely payment of wages and job security are basic rights of all workers.

The Need for a Quick Solution

This 72-hour strike highlights two important issues:

  1. Water is a basic necessity for everyone.
  2. Workers deserve fair wages and job security.

If the government and authorities do not act quickly, both the workers and the public will suffer.

To avoid such problems in the future, policy makers, local leaders, and administrators must work together to:

  • Ensure timely payment of wages.
  • Offer job security to daily wage workers.
  • Create a long-term solution to prevent repeated strikes.

A balanced approach is necessary—one that respects workers’ rights while ensuring uninterrupted water supply. In the end, taking care of workers also means taking care of the community because water supply services depend on them.


The government and PHE authorities must urgently address the workers’ demands to prevent further disruptions. Fair treatment of workers is not just about justice—it is also about ensuring the smooth functioning of essential services like water supply. If authorities act wisely and quickly, they can resolve the issue in a way that benefits both workers and the public.

 

 


RAMBAN, MARCH 21: The Central Integrated Pest Management Centre (CIPMC), Jammu, under the Union Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, organized a one-day National Pest Surveillance System (NPSS) Training Programme in Ramban. The session was presided over by Chief Agriculture Officer Ram Gopal Sharma.

The CIPMC scientists, including Deputy Director Dr. Mithilesh Arya, Assistant Plant Protection Officer Dr. Haroon Rashid Hakla and Ravi Chhapre gave a PowerPoint presentation demonstrating the NPSS App. Farmers were guided on downloading and using the app to identify harmful pests in their fields and access instant online assistance for effective pest control. This initiative aims to enhance crop productivity and improve farmers' income.

Speaking on the occasion, the CAO emphasized the importance of adopting modern pest surveillance techniques to minimize crop losses and enhance agricultural productivity. He highlighted the Agriculture Department’s commitment to empowering farmers by integrating digital tools like the NPSS App, which helps in early pest detection and effective management. He further stressed that such initiatives are crucial for promoting sustainable farming practices and ensuring better livelihoods for the farming community in Ramban.

Prominent officials present at the event were District Nodal Officer NPSS, Ravi Sharma, Sub-Divisional Agriculture Officer Ramban, Kuldeep Kumar, Soil Conservation Officer, Vikram Jeey Singh and Agriculture Extension Officers from Ramban and Chanderkote.

The training program emphasized the importance of digital tools in modern agriculture, equipping farmers with advanced pest management techniques to ensure sustainable and profitable farming in the region.


DODA, MARCH 21: The ongoing Girls' Sports Competition Week at Government Degree College (GDC) Doda witnessed an exciting Archery Competition, organized under the aegis of ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’ initiative. Held under the guidance of District Development Commissioner Harvinder Singh, the event aimed to promote sports among young women and encourage their participation in athletics. Students from across the district, along with sports enthusiasts, gathered to witness the thrilling competition.

The competition featured multiple categories, ensuring a fair platform for emerging archers to showcase their skills. Winners were honored with medals and certificates in recognition of their dedication and excellence.

Addressing the participants, Tehsildar Dr. Shubu Ahmed Shah lauded their enthusiasm and highlighted the role of sports in shaping confident and disciplined individuals. He also emphasized the significance of the ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’ initiative in ensuring equal opportunities for girls in all fields, including sports.

Among others present were Bharat Bhushan, Chairman DCSA, Dr. Arjun Singh, and Dr. Jaswant Singh, Physical Directors of GDC Kastigarh and GDC Doda, respectively. The competition was conducted by officials from the Department of Youth Services and Sports (DYSS), including Vinod Bandral, Anil Singh, Kamashevar Chandail, and Bandana Kotwal. With several more events lined up, the Girls' Sports Competition Week continues to inspire young women to break barriers and embrace a healthy, active lifestyle.


 KISHTWAR, MARCH 21: The Department of Youth Services & Sports, in collaboration with Department of Social Welfare, organized a series of sports activities under the aegis of "Beti Bachao Beti Padhao" and "Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan.”

The sports events featured Tennis Ball Cricket match(s), Volleyball competitions, Tug of War and Rope Skipping. The primary objective of the program was to encourage girls to participate in sports while raising awareness about their education and empowerment.

 Simultaneously, the activities for boys promoted a drug-free lifestyle, reinforcing the government's mission towards a healthier and addiction free society.

A large number of boys and girls from different schools participated with great enthusiasm and sports spirit.

Participants showcased their athletic abilities while also learning valuable lessons about teamwork, leadership and perseverance.

The initiative aimed to encourage a healthy and active lifestyle while reinforcing social messages of girls' education and drug-free living. The event not only promoted physical fitness but also fostered a sense of community and unity among the participants.