The baton is for everyone; Common men become proud batonbearers in the land of five rivers, Punjab

The baton is for everyone; Common men become proud batonbearers in the land of five rivers, Punjab
The Queen’s Baton 2010 Delhi has travelled across the land of five rivers – Punjab. Common man got the chance to see, touch and feel the prized baton. From an old farmer in the vast farmlands of the state to its, traditional dancers and martial artists, everyone became the proud Batonbearer. They felt part of the mega-event to be organised in the national capital.

After completing its international leg of journey covering 170,000 kilometres, the baton entered India through the Wagah Border amidst a spectacular ceremony on 25 June 2010.

Next day, the baton left Amritsar (Khasa) Army Cantt for Jallandhar. At Jallandhar baton was welcomed at Hans Raj Maha Vidalya Jallandhar followed by a visit to CRPF divisional Headquarters and a battalion of ITBP. All senior officers of these forces along with other staff were present to greet the baton. Punjab Armed Police (PAP) Rama Mandi and Maharaja Ranjit Singh Police Academy, Phillaur were the next destinations where-in baton was received by retired and serving police officers. Batonbearers were applauded by garlands and bouquets; their creativity was visible in the way the relay was organised with mounted horses with Bhangra and Gidda performers dancing in front of the Batonbearers. This was the place where Maharaja Ranjit Singh built his magazine to ensure victory over Lahore, and the troops marched towards west to conquer his next destination.

The baton halted at Punjab Agriculture University Ludhiana, immediately after which there was tree plantation. Ms. Alka Lamba accompanied by baton crew planted medicinal plant’s saplings to boost the green revolution. In Ludhiana, the baton visited Bharat Nagar Chowk.

The baton’s next destination was Patiala where the baton was received by famous cricketer, commentator and MP Mr. Navjot Singh Sidhu who later joined the relay at Patiala Polo Ground. The sport city had organised a fabulous relay where-in about 20 Arjuna Awardee participated. The relay ended at NIS (National Institute Sports) of Patiala. Here the baton was joined by the community of Patiala for a cultural show followed by dinner.

In Patiala, the prominent Batonbearers were, Mr. Bahadur Singh, Brig. Labh Singh, Mr. Garbax Singh Sanhu, Ms. Rupa Saini (Hockey), Mr. Jugraj Singh (Athletic), Mr. Satbir Singh, Capt. HDS Brar (Car Race), Sub. Sham Singh, Mr. Deepak Patiala, Wg. Cdr. Gurpreet Singh Cheema (Defance Flyer), Mr. Harveen Saroa (Shooting), Mr. Sukchain Sing Cheema (Wrestler), Ms. Sunita Devi (Athletic), Mr. Shudeep Singh (Athletics), Mr. Balkar Singh (Atheletics), Mr. Variender Singh (Boxing), Mr. Gurmukh Singh Sandhu (Wrestling), Mr. Ram Singh (Boxing), Mr. Palwinder Singh Cheema, Mr. Gaganjit Singh, Mr. Shamsher Singh Bhoparai (Volley Ball), Mr. Satnam Sing Maan (Cycling), Mr. Sandeep Kaur (Hockey) and Mr. Jagmohan Singh (Athletic).

On 27 June 2010, the baton visited Pathankot in north Punjab. The baton is heading towards Kashmir Valley via Jammu.