Gandhi Jayanti: 1,500+ participate in 5.5 km Swachhata Run at Raj Bhavan Shillong
Raj Bhavan Shillong experienced an unprecedented flow of visitors as early as 5 AM on October 2, as runners of different age groups turned up to register for the 5.5 km Swachhata Run under the banner of Swachhata Hi Seva to celebrate Gandhi Jayanti. More than 1,500 Shillongites participated in the event hosted by Raj Bhavan and the Central Bureau of Communication (CBC) Shillong in association with the District Sports Office, East Khasi Hills, Government of Meghalaya.
The run was flagged off by the Governor of Meghalaya, CH Vijayashankar. The Swachhata Run aimed to raise awareness about cleanliness and promote the Central Government’s Swachhata Hi Seva among the people. The Governor appreciated the huge turnout of participants who braved the rain to join the marathon.
The 5.5 km Swachhata Run started at Raj Bhavan, passing through St. Anthony’s College, Shillong College, St. Mary’s College, Don Bosco Square, Laitumkhrah Market, Fire Brigade, St. Edmund’s School, Malki Point, Barik Point, Civil Hospital, Main Secretariat, and DC Office before ending back at Raj Bhavan.
In the Open Category (Men), Daniel L Walang, Nahtei Wangnao, and Dasaman Khyndait secured the first, second, and third positions, respectively. In the Open Category (Women), Marqueenless Ramsiej, Phyrnai Khyndait, and Dapliss Wahlang took home the top three spots. Daniel L Walang completed the race in 17.15 minutes, while Marqueenless Ramsiej finished in 22.25 minutes. Prizes were also awarded to runners above 50 years of age in both men’s and women’s categories.
Following the Swachhata Run, a tree plantation drive was held under the banner of Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam, during which the Governor planted saplings at Ward’s Lake and Raj Bhavan. This nationwide campaign aims to protect the environment and contribute to a greener and more prosperous future.
During the Gandhi Jayanti celebrations at the Durbar Hall later in the day, the Governor paid floral tribute to Mahatma Gandhi and Lal Bahadur Shastri on their birth anniversaries. He also handed over cheques worth Rs 1,11,000 each to four Gandhi Kendras—Laitkroh Kasturba Gram Seva Kendra, Tuber Kasturba Gram Seva Kendra, Jambal Kasturba Gram Seva Kendra, and Magupara Kasturba Gram Seva Kendra—as part of the Gandhi Jayanti observance.
Paying homage to the nation’s builders, Mahatma Gandhi and Lal Bahadur Shastri, Vijayashankar emphasized the motivation to fulfill the vision for India as envisioned by Gandhiji and other prominent figures. He expressed delight at the turnout of people from Meghalaya who visited Raj Bhavan throughout the day and added that more meaningful programs would be organized at Raj Bhavan for the benefit of the general public.
The Editor of The Shillong Times, Patricia Mukhim, delivered the keynote address at the event. She praised the efforts of Raj Bhavan in organizing this program celebrating Swachhata Hi Seva and Gandhi Jayanti. Mukhim emphasized the need to integrate cleanliness into daily habits and cultural practices, advocating for a modified attitude toward Swachhata as a core part of everyday life. She stated that Swachhata Diwas should be celebrated throughout the year to keep everyone engaged in maintaining clean surroundings, fostering a ‘whole of society’ approach to sanitation and cleanliness.
The Governor also presented prizes and certificates to the winners of the Essay Writing and Art Competitions organized by CBC Shillong and the National Book Trust of India (NBT), in collaboration with the District Education Office, focusing on the themes of Swachhata and Poshan (nutrition) among East Khasi Hills school students.
Additionally, the Governor flagged off a Mobile Library of the National Book Trust from the premises of Raj Bhavan. This initiative is part of a mobile book exhibition program that brings books to remote, rural, and difficult areas of the country. The National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) Shillong and the State Sericulture Department also showcased their handlooms, weaving tools, and Khadi products during the event.
Meghalaya Minister for Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, AL Hek, and other senior officials from the State and Central Governments participated in the day-long program.
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