New Delhi. 15 August 2016. India’s Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, Kiren Rijiju, led the massive Tri-colour Yatra from Leh to Khardungla in Leh district, as a part of the Tiranga Yatra. Earlier in the day, the Minister hoisted the National Flag at ITBP Headquarters at Leh to celebrate the Independence Day.

In his address on the occasion,  Kiren Rijiju recalled the great contributions that our Freedom Fighters made so selflessly for the Independence of our country and how nation shall always be grateful and in their debt. The Minister also gave special acknowledgement for the people of border areas like Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh who voluntarily take part with the forces during emergency and has shown tremendous valour in adversities. He acknowledged special contribution of the forces and people of border areas in the defence of our borders.

Kiren also flagged in the para-cycling team of amputees of Border Security Force which had started off from Manali in Himachal Pradesh. The objective of the para-cycling rally had been to bolster the morale of the Force Personnel who had been victims of various attacks or accidents during their duties and synchronous with the Prime Minister’s vision of empowerment of Divyaang’s.

The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan) (DEPwD) is running the Accessible India Campaign (Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan) for creating universal accessibility in built environment, public transportation and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) eco-system.

The Border Security Force (BSF) has resolved to mark the year 2016 as the year of “Divyang Yodha”. A Para Cycling Expedition, led by R K Negi, Commandant BSF, with the name ‘Infinity Ride-2016’ has started from Manali, Himachal Pradesh on 5th Aug 2016 to kick start the drive of empowerment of Divyangjan.

The expedition has covered 583 Kms of Himalayan heights to exhibit the commitment of BSF that nothing is impossible. The infinity ride team had nine divyangjan of BSF, other CAPFs and of Aditya Mehta Foundation which were duly supported by BSF Institute of Advance Adventure Training (BIAAT) and AMF. The total team of 34 members have successfully rode through tough terrain, in difficult weather conditions, crossing many treacherous mountain passes and reached Khardung La on 15th Aug 2016, the 70th Independence Day, to celebrate the victory of divyangjan over their inhibitions within.