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Gangtok, (IPR) : The 6th edition of Sikkim Run Marathon – Run for Better Tomorrow with the theme “No Voters To Be Left Behind” was organized in the capital on October 31. The event was organized by the office of Chief Electoral Officer, Election Department, in association with a few social organizations, to raise awareness about voter rights and to promote accessible elections. The Run was flagged off from M.G Marg, Gangtok.
Justice A.P. Subba, Chairperson Law Commission and Lokayukta graced the event as the Chief Guest, in the presence of Pema Laden, Joint Election Commissioner, Kiran Rasaily, retired Secretary and Padmashree Draupada Ghimirey, a social worker.
The officials from Chief Electoral Office, renowned athletes of Sikkim, members of Old Age Home, members of Sikkim Viklang Sahayata Samiti (SVSS) were present too.
The marathon had over four hundred participants comprising runners from Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Kurseong, Uttarkhand, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Kolkata, Goa, Mumbai, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal and Nepal. From Sikkim, the standard regular runners of 4th and 5th Sikkim Run participated.
Members from 10 Electronic Literacy Club Schools also took part in the marathon drive.
Dream walk of five km where anyone can participate to promote the awareness of “No Voters To Be left Behind” was flagged off by Sangay Physically disabled Child from Sikkim Viklang Sahayata Samiti(SVSS).
Later there was a Valedictory event where all the winners, participants were felicitated with a Memento, Medal, Certificate and a cash prize by the Chief Guest, Justice A.P. Subba, Smt Pema Laden along with Retired Secretary Kiran Rasaily.
In 21 kms Male Run:
1st Bikash Bhujel (Kalimpong)
2nd Neeraj Kunar Maurya (Delhi, UP)
3rd Purna Rai (Kalimpong)
21km Women
1st Sabita Pal (Ranchi)
2nd Samjana Subba (Darjeeling)
3rd Arpita Sani (Uttar Pradesh)
From fourth till ten they were awarded with a consolation prize along with medals and certificate.
In Great Run 10 Km 17 years and above Men
1st Sachin (Haryana)
2nd Sangam Rai (Kalimgpong)
3rd Mohammad Majarudin (Kalimpong)
In Great Run 10 km Women
1st Binita Gujar (Uttar Pradesh)
2nd Sanjana Rai Nischal (Baghdogra)
3rd Susmita Rai (Bermoik)
In the Veterans Run 45 years and above Men
1st Subarna Subba (West Bengal)
2nd Sher Bdr. Chettri (Sikkim)
3rd Karma Tshering Bhutia (Darjeeling)
Veterans Run Women
1st Passang Doma Bhutia (Darjeeling)
2nd Tashi Lhamu (Sikkim)
3rd Tshering Zangmu Rufus (Sikkim)
Earlier in the valedictory event, the Chief Guest Justice A.P. Subba in his short address lauded the Service To mankind (NGO) for their selfless service to society. He said that he was pleased to see the participants from different States as it has given a different dimension to this mega event. He stated that the event also focussed on many social issues like drugs, gender issues that highlights our Fundamental Duties along with our Fundamental Rights.
He further mentioned that such events should be held in order to encourage fitness approaches in sports which emphasizes the importance of healthy lifestyle. Furthermore, he urged all the athletes to participate with enthusiasm in this type of marathon event.
Pema Laden congratulated all the participants and thanked the athletes who had travelled so far outside Sikkim despite the COVID situation to support the cause and their belief in the Service To Mankind which made them to participate heartily.
She said that the Service To Mankind Service (NGO) has being doing a good work as the NGO is having a consecutive success with their every programme.
Later she informed that the of the Chief Electoral Office had started the campaign called “Reaching the Unreached” last year when they reached out to all the destitute homes, old age Homes, Rehabilitation Centres, Child Care Institution etc. She added that it is very heartening to see the participants from the destitute homes and that NGO group deserves a credit on their shoulder for their selfless contribution.
Lastly, she reminded about summary revision of the future voter and urged all the younger eligible ones to enrol themselves as a voter and also highlighted that anyone who has the voter card issues can do what is necessary via online or by visiting the Office.
All the participants who completed their runs were felicitated with a medal along with a certificate.
The 6th Sikkim Run Marathon was organized by the Service To Mankind (NGO) event management group in associations with the Chief Electoral Office, Sikkim.
Thupden Bhutia and his technical team helped in the smooth functioning of the marathon in co-ordination with the assigned medical staffs and the police personnel.
