MAD completes 4 years with a Madathon

Tribune News Service

Dehradun, June 8

Making a Difference by Being the Difference (MAD), Dehradun’s student activist group, celebrated with fanfare its four years of existence here today. The group organised a mini marathon on the occasion with the theme of reviving the dying streams of Doon valley. The group also collected 2,000 signatures on its petition to the Chief Minister requesting implementation of the National institute of Hydrology (NIH) report which had stated that streams in Doon valley could be revived.

The difference in this Madathon was the sheer strength, where over 1,900 participants came forward to participate. A large number of students gathered at the main venue for celebrations, Summer Valley School, where Mayor Vinod Chamoli flagged off the Madathon. Adequate arrangements were in place as requisite permission was obtained from district authorities.

As the marathon completed the circular route from Summer Valley School via Clock Tower and back to the same venue, members of Team MAD, who had stationed themselves at six check-points, cleaned up the waste left behind by the participants.

In the cultural programme that followed, the Madathon was praised by many residents. Dr Anil Joshi from Hesco called MAD, a movement of the youth, which should also think about rural areas. The chief guest at the function and eminent environmentalist Sundar Lal Bahuguna wished the group well.

The winners of the Madathon, Harish Koronga, was awarded a cash prize of Rs 5,000 while the first runner-up Rajesh Kumar was given a cash prize of Rs 3,000. Tulsi came first in the women’s category while Himani came second. MAD also distributed special cash prizes on the occasion.

MAD: A group of student activists 

Age group: All 

Agenda: Making Doon clean