Port Blair, Aug 16: To conclude the ‘Spirit of Freedom Run’, the Andaman and Nicobar Command unfurled the National flag at Saddle Peak in North Andaman yesterday to the tune of the National Anthem played by the Pipe Band of 12 JAT Regiment. Col H J Pandiya, Commanding Officer of 12 JAT Regiment did the honour on behalf of the Andaman Nicobar Command.
On the 72nd Independence Day of the country, the team along with the locals and the personnel of the Indian Coast Guard unit at Diglipur, scaled the 732 m high Saddle peak. On reaching the summit, the National flag was hoisted atop this highest peak of Andamans.
Earlier, the ‘Spirit of Freedom Run’ organised by Andaman Nicobar Command, reached Diglipur in the evening of 14th Aug 18 after three continuous days and nights of running over a distance of 290 km from Port Blair.
During their journey from Port Blair to Diglipur, the team was encouraged and warmly welcomed by the local populace and saw unprecedented show of support by showering of petals and offering of coconut water. It was joined by enthusiastic volunteers at various places through which it passed.
An outreach team of the Command was also part of the run, which interacted with students of schools that were enroute and motivated them to join the defence services. They presented 1200 saplings to the school children as part of ‘Adopt a Tree’ campaign and emphasised on the ill- effects of use of plastic. They also demonstrated their awareness for the environment by collecting plastic waste from a beach which was enroute, upholding the concept of plastic free Island.
