PASIGHAT, SEP 13:
Arunachal Pradesh University (APU), Pasighat, organised a 5.5-km mini marathon, ‘Run for Vande Mataram @ 150 (VM150)’, on Sunday as part of its month-long celebration marking 150 years of Vande Mataram. The programme is sponsored by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India.
Organised by the Department of Mass Communication as a prelude to the three-day grand finale scheduled from October 7 to 9, the run aimed to promote patriotism, physical fitness and social responsibility.
The marathon was flagged off at 5.45 am from Gandhi Chowk by BJP Arunachal Pradesh State President Kaling Moyong and culminated at the main entrance of APU. Despite light drizzle, 209 male and female runners from across East Siang district participated enthusiastically.
In the male category, BIB Nos. 76, 37 and 91 secured the first, second and third positions respectively, while BIB Nos. 92, 177 and 216 emerged as the top three finishers in the female category.
Addressing the participants, Kaling Moyong recalled the historic role of Vande Mataram in India’s freedom struggle and paid tribute to the sacrifices of freedom fighters. He said the song, composed by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, continued to inspire nation-building.
Moyong emphasised the need to harness the country’s youth power to transform India from a consumer-driven economy into a producer-driven and self-reliant nation, guided by the spirit of Vande Mataram.
APU Registrar Narmi Darang stressed the importance of physical fitness in building a healthy nation and reiterated the university’s commitment to promoting sports and wellness among students and faculty. He urged participants to make fitness a daily habit and invited them to join the ‘Swachh Nadi, Swachh Bharat’ River Cleanliness Drive at Siang on September 19 under the VM150 celebrations.
The flag-off ceremony was attended by APU Dean Academics Prof. P.C. Jena, heads of departments, faculty members, staff, scholars and students, besides representatives of the BJP and Pasighat civic bodies.
The event was organised in collaboration with Itanagar-based NGO Trigonometry. Its members, including Nun Pertin and Prem Camdir, encouraged young people to embrace fitness, discipline and community service.
Marathon Committee chairman Dr Yab Rajiv Camdir said cash prizes for the winners would be presented on October 7 during the main VM150 function, while all participants who completed the race would receive e-certificates.
VM150 Celebrations-APU convenor Dr Kombong Darang thanked the chief guest, district administration, Pasighat Press Club, university administration, volunteers, Trigonometry and participants for their support.
He said the celebrations would continue with a river-cleanup drive, a national seminar on ‘Vande Mataram: Cultural, Historical and National Perspectives’, cultural performances, art and craft and photography exhibitions, an ‘Ek Ped Ek Bharat’ plantation drive and outreach programmes across East Siang, culminating in the grand finale from October 7 to 9.
