The youth wing of the Friends of Tribals Society (FTS) successfully hosted its annual flagship event, the Ekal Run, on Sunday, drawing an impressive crowd of over 5000 enthusiastic participants. The event, now in its seventh edition, saw people from all age groups come together to run for a cause, blending fitness with a powerful social purpose.
Olympic Glory Ignites the Run
The marathon was given a grand inauguration by none other than Saina Nehwal, the first Indian badminton player to win an Olympic medal. Her presence added a significant dose of inspiration and prestige to the occasion. The event also saw the participation of notable personalities including actor Rahul Dev Bose, Debadrita Basu, and Payel Mukherjee, who lent their support to the noble initiative.
A Run for Every Stride
Participants had the opportunity to choose from multiple categories based on their fitness levels and goals. The event featured timed runs of 21km, 10km, and 5km, alongside a non-timed, fun run of 3km. This inclusive structure ensured that everyone, from seasoned runners to families looking for a healthy outing, could contribute to the cause.
Voices from the Organizers
Rishabh Saraogi, President of FTS Yuva, Kolkata Chapter, expressed his enthusiasm about the event's growth. He stated that the Ekal Run has evolved into a powerful movement where collective efforts create meaningful change. He emphasized that every step taken during the run directly contributes to educating children in the remotest parts of India, thanking every participant, volunteer, and supporter for being part of this impactful journey.
Gaurav Bagla, the National Coordinator of Ekal Run, shared his pride in having Saina Nehwal inaugurate the event. He highlighted that her presence energized thousands of runners and reinforced the powerful message that sports, discipline, and education together can drive substantial social change. Bagla reiterated the organization's deep gratitude for her support in their mission to educate children in rural and tribal India.
The overwhelming success of the 2024 Ekal Run underscores a growing community commitment to fitness intertwined with social responsibility. It stands as a testament to how public events can mobilize resources and awareness for critical causes like education in underserved regions.
