Rourkela: The relationship with our National Flag, the tricolour or Tiranga has always been more formal and institutional than personal. In a bid to bridge this gap, the ‘Har-Ghar Tiranga’ campaign was announced to mark ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ (AKAM) or the Diamond Jubilee of Indian Independence.
Being an active participant in the campaign, smart city Rourkela saw several events and marathons organised on Independence Day eve. Held under the aegis of Rourkela Municipal Corporation (RMC), people, especially youths and children, from different places, age groups, and backgrounds actively participated in these events.
Two Marathons – ‘Long and Mini’, titled – ‘ROURKELA RUNS’, were highlights of the celebrations. While the mini-marathon of 5 km was held between Hanuman Vatika square and Abhigyan Chowk, participants covered a distance of 10 km for the major marathon held from Hanuman Vatika to Airport Square.
The ‘Rourkela Runs’ was held in two categories, male and female. Cash prizes ranging between Rs 10,000 and Rs 2,500 were awarded to winners in both categories. Consolation prizes were also given away to 4th – 10th position holders in the marathons.
The results of the Rourkela Runs marathon are as below:
Women (10 km) –
1st – Sandhya Murmu
2nd – Susmita Tigga
3rd – China Gope
Women (5 km) –
1st – Pooja
2nd – Laxmipriya
3rd – Itishree
Men (10 km) –
1st – Rasmi Ranjan Nayak
2nd – Arjun Indu
3rd – Lokhan Soren
Men (5 km) –
1st – Vijendra Kumar
2nd – Harlal Mandavi
3rd – Pankaj Mondal
Rourkela MLA Sarada Nayak and Municipal Commissioner-cum-Additional District Magistrate Dr Subhankar Mohapatra, present on the occasion, gave away the cash prizes and gifts to participants of the Marathons and other events like – Zumba, Oddisi, Kids Dance, Drama, etc.
The pre-Independence Day programme was held amid great fun and fervour at ‘I Love Rourkela’ plaza near Hanuman Vatika and the RMC office.
“Despite adverse weather conditions, Rourkela Runs marathon, organised by the RMC, in both categories for men and women, witnessed a very spirited response. The footfall was at least one thousand,” said Dr Mohapatra.
The Municipal Commissioner added, “It was soul-satisfying to see participants flocking in from different states like Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand, other districts apart from Sundergarh. We are very happy that elderly women in the age group of 80+ participated and completed Rourkela Runs.”
Another highlight of the celebrations was the activity of a Rourkela-based ultra-runner Sumit, who completed four rounds of the Ring Road, running 75 kilometre in one stretch on the occasion of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.
“The teams of RMC and Rourkela Smart City Limited lent full support to Sumit and all other participants to make the proramme a success. I would also thank the people of this great City to help us in our endeavour for making the AKAM celebrations a grand success,” Dr Mohapatra added.
Speaking about the events, local Legislator Nayak said that it was a historic moment as people from different States, and districts congregated in the Steel City to participate in the programmes. “A young man running 75 km amid rains and challenging weather conditions to mark Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav is also a record, People of Rourkela made this programme a success.”
