PASIGHAT, 13 Sep: Arunachal Pradesh University (APU) here in East Siang district on Sunday organised a mini marathon themed 'Run for Vande Mataram@150 (VM150)' as part of its month-long celebration commemorating 150 years of Vande Mataram, sponsored by the Union Culture Ministry.
Organised by APU's department of mass communication as a prelude to the three-day grand finale scheduled from 7-9 October, the run aimed to blend patriotism with fitness and social responsibility.
The marathon was flagged off at 5:45 am from Gandhi Chowk by state BJP president Kaling Moyong, and culminated at the main entrance gate of APU, covering a distance of 5.5 kilometres. Despite light drizzle, 209 runners - males and females - from across East Siang district participated with great enthusiasm, creating a vibrant atmosphere of unity and national pride.
In the male category, runners with Bib Nos 76, 37 and 91 secured the first, second and third position, respectively, while in the female category, Bib Nos 92, 177 and 216 emerged the top three winners.
Addressing the participants, Moyong recalled the historic role of Vande Mataram in India's freedom struggle, and paid tributes to the sacrifices of freedom fighters. He said the song, composed by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, continues to be a source of inspiration for nation-building. He emphasised that India must leverage its vast youth power to transform from a consumer-driven economy to a producer-driven, self-reliant nation, guided by the spirit of Vande Mataram.
APU Registrar Narmi Darang underscored the importance of physical fitness for a healthy nation, and reiterated the university's commitment to promoting sports and wellness among students and faculty members. He urged the participants to make fitness a daily habit, and appealed to them to join the 'Swachh Nadi, Swachh Bharat' river cleanliness drive at Siang scheduled on 19 September under VM150.
The flag-off ceremony was attended by APU Academics Dean Prof PC Jena, heads of various departments, faculty members, staff, scholars and students of the university.
The event was conducted in collaboration with Itanagar-based NGO Trigonometry. Its members Nun Pertin and Prem Camdir and others encouraged the youths to embrace fitness, discipline and community service.
Marathon committee chairman Dr Yab Rajiv Camdir informed that cash prizes for the winners will be awarded on 7 October during the main function of VM150, and all the participants who completed the race will receive e-certificates.
VM150 convener Dr Kombong Darang informed that the celebrations will continue with a river cleanup drive, a national seminar on 'Vande Mataram: Cultural, Historical and National Perspectives', cultural performances, art & craft and photography exhibitions, a plantation drive, and outreach programmes across East Siang, leading to the grand finale from 7-9 October.
