six children of Indian martyrs in a first from Gujarat will participate in a 17,000 km world peace rally. The rally assumes significance in the wake of Pulwama terror attack.
“We will sponsor the trip of six such children in the age group of 15-20 years from Gujarat whose father have laid down their lives for the nation from the Indian Army, IAF, Indian Navy, CRPF, BSF, and police. We are in the process of asking the respective chiefs of these forces to select such children,” said Brijmohan Sood, managing trustee, Shree Sai Women and Children Welfare Trust ahead of a press conference to announce about the rally which will cover 15 countries and 105 cities by road.
Governor OP Kohli will flag off the rally from Gandhi Ashram on May 15. It will conclude after passing through Nepal, China, Russia, Poland, Austria, Germany, France and Netherlands at the Ambedkar House in London. When asked about the significance of the flag off venue, Brijmohan said, “We are celebrating the 150 th birth anniversary of global peace crusader Mahatma Gandhi and the Sabarmati Ashram served as one of the main centres of Indian Freedom struggle. The UN has declared 2019-2028 as the ‘Nelson Mandela Decade of Peace’.”
Sharing details, he said, “The World Peace Rally will consist of 40-50 members in 10-15 SUVs and those interested will have to register with us. The amount collected from the registration fee will be utilised in the welfare of girl child from underprivileged families. The participants will return in June-end by a flight.”
The rally will be led by AK Pawar, a former IRS officer and the organisation is seeking cooperation from the state and central governments. “The registration deadline is March 10 so that the visa process can be completed on time,” he said. A release issued by the organisation stated, “Union Minister of state for external affairs General VK Singh has assured us support through Indian embassies to receive the World Peace rally members and assist in holding interactive sessions with people at micro and macro level.”
