Bandipora, Sept 18: To spread awareness on environmental protection and promote values of peace and coexistence, the Kashmir Environmental and Social Organization (KESO) in collaboration with Gopi Chand Rathore Memorial Army Goodwill School, Bandipora, on Thursday organised a Run for Peace and Natural Conservation.
The event was flagged off by the school Principal Mrs. Shabnum Kounser at Aytmullah in presence of hundreds of students, staff, and local community members. The run concluded at Ajar, covering a distance of 2 kilometres.
Speaking at the inaugural function, Vice Chairperson and Programme Coordinator of KESO, Mrs. Rukhsan, underlined the importance of peace and conservation. “Nothing is more precious than peace. It is the most basic starting point for the advancement of humankind and protection of nature. By participating in the Run for Peace, people from all walks of life unite to build a culture of empathy, coexistence, and responsibility towards the environment,” she said.
The run witnessed enthusiastic participation from students of different houses of the Army Goodwill School, with both boys and girls competing in separate categories.
In the girls’ category, Zoha Irshad (Class 6th, Jehlum House) emerged as champion, followed by Labeebah (Class 5th, Madhumati House) in second place and Arizo Hameed (Class 8th, Wular House) in third. In the boys’ category, Shahid Mohidin (Class 10th, Jehlum House) secured first position, while Farhad Nazir (Class 9th, Wular House) and Aman Farooq (Class 8th, Tawi House) bagged second and third positions respectively.
At the valedictory function, Principal Mrs. Shabnum Kounser expressed gratitude to KESO for conducting the event. “It is the need of the hour to work for the conservation of our forests, wildlife, and natural resources, as our survival is directly dependent on them,” she said.
Winners were later felicitated with prizes, while participants pledged to continue working towards a sustainable and peaceful future. The programme was conducted by Sajid Salam, Physical Education Teacher and noted conservationist from Bandipora.
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