On the day of the Indian Constitution Day, 26^th November, 2021, offices of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs based at Surat celebrated “Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav” by organising Relay Cycle Rally from Surat to National Salt Satyagrah Memorial, Dandi.

The Directorate General of GST Intelligence (DGGI), Surat Zonal Unit co-ordinated the event and officers of the following offices based at Surat participated in the event.

• CGST and Central Excise Commissionerate, Surat
• CGST Commissionerate, Audit, Surat
• CGST Commissionerate, Appeals, Surat
• Customs, Surat
• DRI, Surat Regional Unit   and
• DGGI, Surat Zonal Unit

The distance of 67 kms. from Surat to the National Salt Satyagrah Memorial, Dandi was covered by 60 officers as a Relay Cycle Rally event. 12 officers from the rank of Joint Commissioner to Inspector completed the route by riding the full distance and other riders were identified for specific parts of the route. Four Switch Over Points in the route were identified as Relay Points or Switch Over Points. Necessary refreshments, energy drinks, water, etc. were organised at each of the Switch Over points. Cyclists changed cycles at these points and marched towards Dandi.

The event was inaugurated by flag off at sharp 6am by Dr. D. K. Srinivas, Principal Commissioner, Dr. Shivaji H. Dange, Commissioner, Shri Pramod Vasave, Commissioner, Dr. Satish Dhavale, Additional Director General. The cycle rally was accompanied by Ambulance, Cycle Mechanics and vehicle with patriotic songs & music to encourage the riders throughout the route. Message of importance of GST compliance in nation building along with celebrating Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav were spread during the Cycle Rally.

Complete route passes through three police jurisdictions – Surat City Police, Surat District Police and Navsari District Police. All the three offices co-operated and organised police bandobast for the entire route. Also, they provided Pilot and Escort vehicles for their respective jurisdictions to ensure safety of the riders.

Officers from the rank of Commissioner to Havaldar participated in the cycle rally enthusiastically. The Cycle Rally reached the National Salt Satyagrah Memorial, Dandi at 10:45am which was welcomed by traditional musical instruments. Mahatma Gandhiji was paid tribute by all the officers. Dignitaries addressed the gathering by remembering the contribution of all freedom fighters. Today’s day is more special being the Constitution Day of India. Framers of the Indian Constitution were remembered and emphasis was given to the values laid down by the Indian Constitution. Martyrs of 26/11 were also remembered and paid homage to them. All participants were awarded with Medals and Certificates of Participation.

The event was followed by the visit of ‘Saifee Villa’ where Gandhiji stayed during the Dandi March. The management of the National Salt Satyagrah Memorial, Dandi arranged for the guided visit of the memorial. Small documentary on freedom struggle and Dandi March was shown to all the officers. The sculptures at the memorial were explained in detail by them.

Indian Constitution Day being historically important day was celebrated by six offices of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs in a special and unique manner.

 

SD/GP/JD

 

 

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