Raj Bhavan Shillong experienced an unprecedented flow of visitors as early as 5AM today as runners of different age groups turned up to register themselves for the 5.5 km Swachhata Run under the banner of Swachhata Hi Seva to celebrate Gandhi Jayanti. More than 1500 Shillongites participated in today’s Swachhata Run hosted by the Raj Bhavan and Central Bureau of Communication (CBC) Shillong in association with the District Sports Office, East Khasi Hills, Government of Meghalaya.
The run was flagged off by the Governor of Meghalaya Shri C. H. Vijayashankar. Today’s Swachhata Run is being organized with the objective to raise awareness on cleanliness and promote the Central Government’s Swachhata Hi Seva among the people, said the Governor. He appreciated the huge turnout of people braving the rain to participate in the marathon.
The 5.5-km Swachhata Run started from Raj Bhavan, through St. Anthony’s College, Shillong College, St. Mary’s College, Don Bosco Square, Laitumkhrah Market, Fire Brigade, St. Edmund’s School, Malki Point, Barik Point, Civil Hospital, Main Secretariat, DC Office and ended at Raj Bhavan, Shillong.
In the Open Category (Men), Daniel L Walang, Nahtei Wangnao and Dasaman Khyndait came first, second and third respectively, while in the Open Category (Women), Marqueenless Ramsiej, Phyrnai Khyndait and Dapliss Wahlang bagged the first, second and third positions respectively. Daniel L Wahlang completed the race in 17.15 minutes while Marqueenless Ramsiej completed the race in 22.25 minutes. Prizes were also given to the runners above 50 years of age in both men and women categories.
The Swachhata Run was followed by a tree plantation drive under the banner of Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam, where the Governor planted saplings at Ward’s Lake and Raj Bhavan. This nationwide campaign aims to protect the environment and contribute to building a greener and more prosperous future.
During the Gandhi Jayanti celebrations at the Durbar Hall later in the day, the Governor paid floral tribute to Mahatma Gandhi and Lal Bahadur Shastri on their birth anniversaries. The Governor handed over cheques worth Rs 1, 11,000 each of financial assistance to the four Gandhi Kendras – Laitkroh Kasturba Gram Seva Kendra, Tuber Kasturba Gram Seva Kendra, Jambal Kasturba Gram Seva Kendra and Magupara Kasturba Gram Seva Kendra as part of Gandhi Jayanti.
Paying homage to the builders of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi and Lal Bahadur Shastri, Shri Vijayashankar stated that we are motivated to fulfill the dream for India as envisioned by Gandhiji and other prominent figures of the country. He expressed his delight to see the number of people of Meghalaya who visited the Raj Bhavan during the day. He added that more such meaningful programmes will be organized in the days to come at the Raj Bhavan for the benefit of the general public.
Editor of The Shillong Times, Smt. Patricia Mukhim gave the keynote address at today’s event. She applauded the efforts of the Raj Bhavan in organizing such a programme celebrating Swachhata Hi Seva and Gandhi Jayanti. She emphasized on integrating cleanliness into daily habits and cultural practices, encouraging a modified attitude towards Swachhata as a core part of everyday life. She said that the Swachhata Diwas should be celebrated throughout the year so that everyone is on their toes to keep their surroundings clean while embracing a ‘whole of society’ approach, making sanitation and cleanliness everyone’s business.
The Governor gave away the prizes and certificates to the winners of Essay Writing and Art Competitions organized by CBC Shillong, National Book Trust of India (NBT) in association with the District Education Office, on the themes of Swachhata and Poshan (nutrition) among the students of schools of East Khasi Hills.
Additionally, the Governor flagged off a Mobile Library of National Book Trust from the premises of the Raj Bhavan. It is a part of the mobile book exhibition program that brings books to remote, rural, and difficult areas of the country. The National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) Shillong and the State Sericulture department also exhibited their handlooms and other tools of weaving as well as Khadi products on the occasion.
Meghalaya Minister for Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, Shri AL Hek and other senior officials of the State and Central Governments participated in today’s day-long programme.