IAF’s K2K Glory Run culminates in Kohima

The Indian Air Force's K2K Glory Run culminated in Kohima today in the presence of Nagaland Governor, RN Ravi. 
 

Morung Express News 
Kohima | November 6

The Kargil to Kohima (K2K) - Glory Run culminated on November 6 with the flagged-in ceremony held at the Kohima War Cemetery. 

Governor of Nagaland, RN Ravi graced the ceremony as the chief guest.  

The K2K Glory Run was undertaken by 25 Air Warriors who covered a distance of 4500 km to commemorate the 20th year of Kargil Victory, and with the aim to live up to the motto of the Indian Air Force (IAF) - “Touch the Sky with Glory.”

A unique expedition organised by the IAF, the ultra-marathon began on September 21 at Kargil War Memorial, Drass (J&K) and culminated today at Kohima War Cemetery, Kohima. Besides paying tribute to the brave hearts of the Kargil War and WWII, the expedition hoped to promote awareness for ‘Pedestrian Safety’ and the recently launched ‘Fit India Movement’ by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Kohima and Kargil are the two forward most outposts of India in the East and in the North where two most fierce battles of modern India were fought in 1944 and 1999 respectively.

The 25 Air Warriors covered a distance of over 4500 Km in 45 days by running an average of 100 Km per day, undergoing extreme climate conditions across the vast terrains of Ladakh, HP, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West-Bengal, Assam and Nagaland. The team undertook various adventure activities involving camping and living outdoors, managing and surviving in snow, rain and extreme heat.

The K2K Glory Run team was selected after selection trials. The composite team consists of officers and airmen, including one woman officer Flight Lieutenant  Rishab Jeet Kaur and the oldest marathon runner being 51 years old Warrant Officer Indra Pal Singh. The expedition was led by Squadron Leader Suresh Razdan, a Su-30 aircraft pilot.

"Nothing could have been more befitting than creating another history by the Air warriors who took this journey from the land of the Hind warriors to the Naga warriors. You have created history. The IAF has always made the country proud at every occasion when the need arose," complimented Nagaland Governor, RN Ravi, while congratulating the team and its Squadron Leader Suresh Razdan.

Stressing on the importance of documentations, Ravi stated that the 45 days journey on foot has created a wealth of materials which can be used by the various Ministries of the Indian Government. "If well documented it will be a valuable learning and teaching material for the young," said Ravi urging the team to adequately document the expedition and share it across the country.

‘British colonisers created a perverted narrative of Nagas and Naga society’

While speaking on the need for documentations, Nagaland Governor, RN Ravi blamed the British for creating misconceptions and demonizing the Naga society. "Unfortunately, the British period has demonised headhunting. And they have created a perverted narrative about Naga society," said Ravi.

The Governor viewed that there is a vast illiteracy in the country about Nagaland and its heritage which needs to be changed. In this regard, Ravi requested the ultra marathon team to adequately document about the Nagas.

Ravi stated that the "Naga civilization is one of the richest, ancient civilizations in the world", and considered Nagas as one of "the most evolved and civilised people".

"This fact has to be brought out to the country. A Naga village which has met its economic, social, political and defence needs and sustained and survived for hundreds and hundreds of years. There is something incredible about it," said Ravi.