650 athletes join ‘Run for Equality’ marathon to mark 650th Parkash Purab of Sri Guru Ravidas Ji

Cabinet Minister Mohinder Bhagat flags off 5-km run; calls upon youth to embrace equality, social justice and universal brotherhood

Jalandhar, September 1: Punjab Horticulture and Defence Services Welfare Minister Mohinder Bhagat on Tuesday flagged off a 5-km marathon, titled ‘Run for Equality’, to mark the 650th Parkash Purab of Sri Guru Ravidas Ji. As many as 650 athletes participated in the event, which began at Government Arts and Sports College.

The marathon passed through Kapurthala Chowk, Workshop Chowk and the DAV College flyover before returning to the college through the same route. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from athletes, sports clubs and NGOs.

Addressing the gathering, Mr. Bhagat said the Punjab Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, had launched a series of programmes across the state to commemorate the 650th birth anniversary of Sri Guru Ravidas Maharaj Ji. He said grand Kirtan Darbars had been organised across Punjab, while specially designed publicity vans, flagged off by the Chief Minister, are screening documentary films on the life and teachings of Guru Ravidas Ji in more than 12,000 villages.

The Minister said the government had also undertaken a unique campaign to plant 6.50 lakh saplings across the state as part of the celebrations. He added that the Sri Guru Ravidas Ji Bani Adhiyyan Centre was being established near Dera Sachkhand Ballan on 11 acres of land to promote academic research and dissemination of the Guru’s teachings.

Mr. Bhagat also said drone shows would also be organised across Punjab during the next round of Parkash Purab events. He also highlighted the fourth season of ‘Khedan Watan Punjab Diyan’ and urged youngsters to participate in large numbers to make the sporting initiative a grand success.

He said the state government was committed to translating the philosophy of Sri Guru Ravidas Maharaj Ji into reality by promoting equality, social justice and communal harmony. He also urged people to follow the path of righteousness, compassion and universal brotherhood shown by the Guru.

In the boys’ category, Jashan, Deepak Singh, Ranjot Singh, Love Preet and Bhavit secured the top five positions, while Harminder Kaur, Jasleen, Harnoor, Sukhpreet and Khwaish were the top five performers among girls. The athletes were honoured with medals by the Minister. Participating NGOs and sports clubs were also felicitated.

Additional Deputy Commissioner Divya P., SDM Lal Vishwash Bains, DSO Gurpreet Singh, Assistant Director Youth Services Ravi Dara, Secretary Red Cross Society Surjeet Lal and Swimming Coach Umesh Sharma were among those present.