Run for safe, clean F’bad a big draw

Bijendra Ahlawat

Tribune News Service

Faridabad, February 19

Hundreds of residents, mostly the youth, took part in a special marathon organised to promote safety and cleanliness here this morning.

The event was organised by the Police Department as part of the the ongoing golden jubilee celebrations of the state. It was conducted in three categories — 21 km, 11 km and 5 km.

It was inaugurated by Krishan Pal Gurjar, Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, after Union Sports Minister Vijay Goel, who was scheduled to be the chief guest, gave it a miss.

Gurjar administered the oath to participants to keep their surroundings clean and safe. He claimed that the marathon would promote good health and physical activity among residents.

He said it would make residents, especially the youth, aware of the importance of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan launched by the government. He said around 30,000 persons had registered for the event. He said Goel, who was scheduled to inaugurate the event, could not come due to some other engagements.

The event witnessed performances by Bollywood artistes Shakti Kapoor, Sona Mahapatra, Richa Sharma and Shankar Sahney. Haryanvi singer MDKD enthralled the audience.

The presentations were dominated by messages regarding safety, cleanliness, citizen participation, respect for defence forces and smart city project.

The winners in various categories were felicitated along with Arjuna awardees. The municipal corporation stressed the involvement of the masses in the smart city programme.

Haryana minister Vipul Goel, Chief Parliamentary Secretary Seema Trikha, MLA Moolchand Sharma, MC Commissioner Sonal Goel and Police Commissioner Hanif Qureshi were present.