Srinagar, Mar 31: The Jain International Trade Organisation (JITO) and Jito Administrative Training Foundation (JATF) jointly organised the Second ‘Ahimsa Run’ here on Sunday, which received an overwhelming response, particularly from local runners.
The run was supported by Sarhad Pune and Spring Buds School, Budgam, Kashmir. The organisers want to hold the run across the country and the world to promote the values of peace and non-violence (Shanti aur Ahimsa).
This was the first run in Kashmir, organised with support from Sarhad, Pune, an NGO, working in the strife-torn areas for over 35 years to provide relief to distressed people.
The run was held in two categories of 3 km and 5 km.
It started from Lal Chowk and ended at Budgam. Over 500 local athletes participated in the event, whose motto was ‘Jito aur Jitne do’ (Be a winner and help others win). Besides, 225 members of JITO from across the country took part in the run. Also, the students from Darpura and Bandipur ran in the marathon. It ended at Spring Buds School Budgam. A huge participation of local runners underlined the message that the people of Kashmir are peace-loving and hospitable.
The run has been inspired by the Jain humanitarian principles of ‘Jio aur jino do’ (Live and let live) and non-violence (Ahimsa). The word ‘Ahimsa’ immediately rings a bell in our mind of forgiveness, positivity, cosmic love, strength, and brotherhood. Ahimsa is Shakti (strength). In today’s trying and turbulent times, we all need to come together and show our strength.
The Ahimsa Run aims at creating awareness for a better world, to stop wars, hatred and attempts to bring peace and non–violence in our surroundings.
Kantilalji Oswal, President, JITO Apex, Vinodji Dugar, Chairman, JATF, Indraji Jain, Vice-President, JATF, Indraji Chajjed, Chairman, JATF-ROM, Sanjay Nahar, President, Sarhad, Dr Shailesh Pagariya, President, Arham Foundation, Motilalji Oswal, Narendraji Mehta, President, JATF, and Mohammad Shafi Quraishi, President, Spring Buds School were present.