I&B minister Rathore marks I-Day with soldiers in Ladakh

Union minister Rajyavardhan Rathore today observed Independence Day with the defence forces in Jammu and Kashmir, and also received an all-women biking group at Ladakh's Khardung La, which is believed to be the world's highest motorable road.
The 'Biking Queens', who started from Surat in Gujarat, are travelling 10,000 kms through 15 states to raise awareness about 'Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao' initiative and distributing education kits along the way.
"The spirit of the 'Biking Queens' fills us with hope about the future of our nation and reminds us about the stellar role that women play in sustaining and taking this great country forward," said the minister of state for information and broadcasting.

The 50-strong group of women bikers successfully attempted the record feat of carrying the national flag on Independence Day to 5,359-metre-high Khardung La.
On their arrival in Khardung La, the group was received enthusiastically by Rathore, local citizens, and the Army.
They unfurled the tricolour and observed Independence Day creating the record.

Rathore reached Leh yesterday and reviewed the local media units of the I&B ministry.
He also administered the pledge for 'New India' to 14 Corps officers and jawans, and local residents of Leh.
Rathore said, "Ladakh is not only the world's most rare and fragile ecosystem and cultural hotspot but also a place of great strategic importance. Its physical, emotional and cultural connectivity with the rest of country is a matter of pride and continued priority for us".