KD NEWS SERVICE
SRINAGAR, Dec 16: In a heartwarming gesture of unity and compassion, an Army truck carrying 1300 new woolens for marginalized children in Jammu and Kashmir was flagged off on December 13 from KB DAV Senior Secondary Public School, Sector 7B, Chandigarh.
The event marked the 11th anniversary of the unique 1 India Children’s Friendship Campaign, a joint initiative by Yuvsatta (Youth for Peace)-NGO, Peace Clubs of 17 prominent schools, and the Western Command of the Indian Army.
Mayor Kuldeep Kumar and Mr. Navneet Kumar Srivastava, CEO of CREST (Chandigarh Renewable Energy and Science & Technology Promotion Society), officiated the ceremony. The program was organized with the support of CREST, the Chandigarh Administration, the Independent Schools Association (ISA), and the Peace Club of KB DAV Senior Secondary Public School.
In her welcome address, Mrs. Pooja Prakash, Principal of KB DAV School, lauded the efforts of partner schools, students, and teachers involved in the initiative. She emphasized that fostering values of patriotism, friendship, and compassion among young learners not only helps build good citizens but also shapes them into empathetic human beings.
As part of Yuvsatta’s Girls India initiative, Mr. Sukhwinder Sarang, a music teacher from PM Shri Government Girls Model Senior Secondary School, Sector 18C, performed a soul-stirring song celebrating the strength and dignity of women in society. Mayor Kuldeep Kumar, impressed by the initiative, highlighted that bridging the gap between the armed forces and students would strengthen the nation’s unity and deepen respect for India’s rich heritage, affectionately referred to as Maa Bharati.
Pramod Sharma, founder of Yuvsatta, shared that the 1 India Children’s Friendship Campaign has been a success for 11 years. Every year, woolens are collected through Peace Clubs in schools across the tri-city and sent to children in Jammu and Kashmir, with logistical support provided by the Indian Army. The initiative also redistributes used woolens to slum settlements in Chandigarh.
Mr. Navneet P. Srivastava, CEO of CREST, underscored the importance of promoting a spirit of giving and national integration. He also highlighted CREST’s efforts in making Chandigarh a Solar City and achieving carbon neutrality. Educational institutions, he suggested, should collaborate with the administration to realize this vision.
Environmental concerns were echoed by Sh. Rajeev Bahuguna, son of legendary environmentalist Padma Vibhushan Late Sh. Sunder Lal Bahuguna. He urged attendees to practice biodiversity preservation, pollution reduction, and sustainable resource use, emphasizing the urgent need to “Be the Change” for a healthier planet.
Mr. Sham Dev, IDAS, concluded the event by praising the collaboration between students and the armed forces, highlighting shared values of patriotism, selfless service, and unity. He remarked that such initiatives empower the youth to carry the torch for a stronger, more harmonious India.
The event concluded with the facilitation of partner schools, including Ankur School, ATS Valley School, CL Aggarwal DAV Model School, DAV Public School, Sector 39, Delhi Public School, Chandigarh, Gurukul Global School, IS Dev Samaj Sr. Sec. School, Kids-R-Kids School, KB DAV Sr. Sec. Public School, New Public School, St. Anne’s Convent School, Sacred Heart Sr. Sec. School, Shivalik Public School, SD Public School, St. Joseph’s Sr. Sec. School, and Yadavindra Public School, SAS Nagar.
The program ended with the national anthem, symbolizing the collective spirit of love, friendship, and patriotism. The Army truck, carrying gifts of warmth and goodwill, embarked on its journey to Jammu and Kashmir, bearing a message of unity and hope.
