Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav Run Organised by HQ IDS

As part of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations, HQ IDS organised a run from Maharani Laxmi Bai Smarak, Gwalior to National War Memorial in New Delhi from October 15-21, 2021. In the spirit of Jointness and living up tothe motto of ‘Victory through Jointness’, the team comprising of six officers and one NCO from the three Services, covered the distance of 350 kilometres in seven days.The run also commemorated Rani of Jhansi, who laid down her life in 1858 at Gwalior in the First War of Independence.The run finished on 21 October to commemorate declaration of formation of provisional government of free India by Netaji Subash Chandra Bose on October 21, 1943.

The team was led by Commodore Joginder Chandnaan experienced ultra marathoner, who at 56 was the eldest member of the team. The second naval officer in the team was Commander Mandip Kaur, a certified scuba diver and an experienced ultramarathoner. Indian Army was represented by two para troopers: LieutenantColonel Swaroop Singh Kuntal, an ultra marathoner, and Naik Hari Om, who was member of the Battleof KanglaTongbi Platinum Jubilee Run 2019 from Jabalpur to Secunderabad. Indian Air Force was represented by Air Commodore VS Choudary, whohas led the Air Force Ultra Marathon Team and Wing Commander Pankaj Vatsyayan, whose ultra-marathon experience include second position in thetough 160 kilometre-run in Rann of Kutch. The youngest member of the team was Flight Lieutenant Rishabh Jeet Kaur Bhatia, who ran from Kargil to Kohima in 2019 - adistance of 4,500 kilometres in 45 days - to commemorate the 20th Anniversary of Kargil Victory.Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat flagged in the team at the National War Memorial on October 21, 2021.

A painting competition was organised by IDS as part of the celeberations.Children of all age groups took part with enthusiasm and vigour. Winners of the competition were given prizes in different  categories.