Celebrating a Decade of Friendship - 1 India Friendship Campaign's 10th Anniversary

We are thrilled to share the heartwarming success of the 10th-anniversary celebration of the '1 India Friendship Campaign.' In collaboration with Yuvsatta (youth for peace)-NGO, Peace Clubs from over 20 local schools, KBDAV Sr. Sec. Public School, the Indian Army, and CREST (Chandigarh Renewable Energy and Science & Technology Promotion Society), the campaign reached a significant milestone this year.

A Gift of Warmth and Knowledge: On December 12, 2023, an Army truck flagged-off by Mayor Mr. Anup Gupta, Municipal Corporation, Chandigarh, carried a generous donation of 3516 new woolens and books for children in Kashmir. The initiative aimed to spread warmth and knowledge, fostering a sense of friendship and compassion among the young minds.

Distinguished Participants: Prominent dignitaries, including Mrs. Shipra Bansal, Chairperson, CCPCR, Mr. Surender Kumar, Additional District & Sessions Judge cum Member Secretary, State Legal Services Authority, U.T. Chandigarh, and Mr. Arulrajan P, IFS, CEO, CREST & CF, Department of Forests & Wildlife, Chandigarh Administration, graced the occasion.

Nurturing Patriotism and Compassion: Mrs. Pooja Prakash, Principal of KBDAV Sr. Sec. Public School, commended the students and teachers for instilling virtues of patriotism and compassion. Mrs. Shipra Bansal highlighted the significance of initiatives bridging armed forces and students, emphasizing the strengthening of a united India.

A Decade of Friendship and Giving: Mr. Pramod Sharma , Founder of Yuvsatta, shared that for the past ten years, the '1 India Friendship Campaign' has been collecting woolens and distributing New Year Greeting Cards and 'Thank You' cards to Indian Army soldiers in border areas. This year, partner schools also contributed valuable new books alongside woolens, with a total of 3516 items sent to the Kashmir valley.

Acknowledging Exemplary Service: Mr. Arulrajan P., CEO, CREST & Conservator of Forests, Chandigarh Administration, was honored for his outstanding work in promoting solar energy in Chandigarh. His exemplary service was acknowledged as he prepares for his next posting in Pondicherry.

Standing for Justice and Equality: Mr. Surinder Kumar stressed the importance of standing for justice and equality, aligning with the spirit of the Indian Constitution. He emphasized the imperative role each individual plays in building a united and strong India.

Unity is Strength: Mr. Baljinder Singh Bittoo, Chairman of FOSWAC, shared the story "The Bundle Of Sticks," symbolizing unity's strength. He underlined the power that comes from unity, echoing the sentiment that together, we are unbreakable.

Gratitude to Our Armed Forces: Mayor Anup Gupta praised the children's gesture of expressing gratitude to soldiers through 'THANK YOU CARDS.' He acknowledged the vital role of the Indian Armed Forces in safeguarding the nation and appreciated the three decades of peace-building and volunteering activities by NGO-Yuvsatta.

A Heartfelt Thank You: The event concluded with the felicitation of partner schools' representatives and Principals by Mayor Anup Gupta and other dignitaries. The entire community expressed gratitude for the schools' active participation and Mrs. Usha Saboo's generous donation of new woolens worth rupees ten thousand.

Spreading Love, Friendship, and Patriotism: The program concluded with the singing of the national anthem and the flag-off of an Army truck carrying the message of love, friendship, and patriotism from Chandigarh to the children of Kashmir.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to making this initiative a grand success. Let's continue spreading warmth, knowledge, and goodwill as we embark on another decade of friendship.