The Spirit of Panipat Raahgiri

 It was after great hesitation and with fingers crossed I mooted the proposal of the event 'Raahgiri' to the handful of Panipat residents. The greatest apprehension was regarding receptivity of the people for this concept and fear pertained to its sustainability. May 6,2018 was the D day when the maiden Raahgiri was organised in sector 13-17, Panipat. A few of us cycled to the venue to send the message ' ab sunday na hogi motorgiri/ chalenge apni Raahgiri' for Mera Panipat, Fit Panipat- the tagline coined unanimously by the core group consisting officers, School Principals, NGO representatives and renowned citizens. The theme song was musically composed by Vikas Of Rehmaan waves just the night preceding the date with Raahgiri. The whole area was teeming with hordes of activities skating, cycling, Badminton, Volley ball, Yoga, Aerobics, Horse riding, Zumba, Games, cultural performances, kanchas, Pithoogram, archery, painting, rangoli, Gatka performance,musical chairs and hordes of games where thre target was to be hit in order to win a plant or a frooty. There were people people everywhere- senior citizens, kids, parents accompanying their kids dancing, doing workouts, re-living childhood through games of the yore, flying kites, riding rikshaw or e rikshaw for sheer fun of it. The whole atmosphere was electrifying soaked in spirit of conviviality, togetherness of a city was so apparently visible as if Panipat was just waiting for the Raahgiri. The slum children, the kids from Bal Ashram, the aged people from the Special Home were all there to revel in the joyous environs breathing the fresh air of early morning. I was set athinking whether I myself or anyone else in core team had imagined such tremendous response. The RWA of the venue sector had organised drinking water facility in traditional matkas . A 'neki ki deewar' collection counter had been set uo by youth enthusiasts to cater to the needs of the downtrodden. The sudden pour from the sky,when the event was about to end, was received as blessing from above and in no way it could dampen the spirit. Rather the dancing crowds cheered and soaked in the blessedness.

Raahgiri has become a platform for getting together of the positive force of the town. All the youth organisations' aim to make the difference for the better in Panipat has got vent; the comraderie shown by NGOs manned by the renowned citizens is commendable and their pro active support through mass participation is strength of Raahgiri. It is not just about coming forward with logistic support but it is the zeal and enthusiasm with which they energise the event makes Panipat Raahgiri unique from other districts. Imagine the core team consisting school heads, businessmen, Corporates, Lawyers and Media men overseeing arrangements till late on Saturday for the fun and frolic packed Sunday morning bespeaks their love for 'Mera Panipat Fit Panipat'. I visualise the million plus population of Panipat imbibing this spirit of my, mera for their city, will it not become a much better, more clean, morw managed, more disciplined Panipat?

The creditable aspect is that Panipat Raahgiri spirit is gradually spreading beyond the event and nogainsaying the fact that bonhemie shown by the citizens in painting and protecting the painted pillars from defacement is an example in itself. Besides, the institution of 'Ek Prayas' - the citizens' voluntary initiative for managing Parking without any payment burden on common citizens also depicts the spirit raahgiri represents. And the way organisations are gearing up all the residents for 'swachhta survekshan' and 'safaeegiri' has also emerged from the commitment and perseverance of people who want to become the harbingers of the change they want. Kudos to spirit Raahgiri!!

The role of Panipat police in making Raahgiri huge success cannot be undermined. It is the presence of SP/ DSP and the vigilant presnece in plain clothes as well as in dress which inculcates a sense of confidence amongst the parents and their wards/ school children. Apart from this the role of Police officers in Raahgiri meetings, route planning and ensuring spick and span bandobast is laudable. I salute my counterpart SP, Panipat and his team for paving way for feel of safety and ensuring mass participation without an iota of apprehension. Big thanks to , Mr Sumit and also his predecessor Mr Manvir Singh. Just as Mr Satish, the present DSP is keenly participating, it was Mr Doon, his predecessor who put his wholehearted efforts in initial stages and instilled the confidence that nothing would be allowed to slacken the feel of security during the event. Thanks is such a small word, forbour police team.

Media and social media - all have played a very positive role in projecting the spirit of Panipat Raahgiri in the right perspective. Their own participation as citizens and as protectors of public interest has heightened the stature and widened the expanse of coverage. My sincere gratitude !

Raahgiri aims to impart sensitivity for our own being, enhance our own aspiration to be happy, healthy, positive and fit, provide a safe, aesthetically pleasing avenue to allow ourselves be what we are and so what we miss out in day to day mundaneness- workout, exercises, aerobics, open hearted laughters, togetherness with like minded individuals, be out as a family and let worries, prwssures, burdens go. The joyous moments we cherish in selfies and photos we are so fond of taking and at the same time also carry home the message of how important it is to enjoy the gaiety, the abundance we are blessed with, the sacred blessedness of a healthy and happy family outing.

Panipat Raahgiri, for me, symbolises the spirit of Panipat and may this joie de vivre continue to increase and envelop e v e r y one in the fold of 'Mera Panipat, fit Panipat'. Amen