IT Correspondent
Mumbai, Aug 13:
Over 6000 citizens participated in a one-of-its-kind Heritage Run organized by the Indian Navy, to commemorate the 75th anniversary of India’s Independence and as part of the ongoing ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ festivities, in Mumbai on Saturday.
The event comprised of a 10 km ‘Varuna Run’ and a 5 km ‘Samudra Run’ covering 32 and 19-way points of historic interest respectively in South Mumbai. The event was jointly flagged off by Vice Admiral Ajendra Bahadur Singh, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command, and Charu Singh, President, Navy Wives Welfare Association (Western Region).
The participants ran along a historical route through South Mumbai’s heritage precinct that aptly showcased the vibrant legacy of the city. The Indian Navy Mumbai Heritage Run commenced at the Lion Gate, Naval Dockyard, and took the participants along iconic buildings like Asiatic Library, Ballard Estate, CSMT, BMC HQ, Flora Fountain, High Court, Marine Drive, and culminated at the Gateway of India. An engaging first-of-a-kind ‘Companion Mobile App’ created especially for this event narrated relevant nuggets of information as the participants ran along significant landmarks, an Indian Navy statement said.
The event concluded with a flypast by two Navy helicopters that signalled the culmination of a grand event amidst much cheer and fanfare at the iconic Gateway of India.
The FOC-in-C WNC complimented both Naval and civilian participants for displaying patriotism, solidarity, and enthusiasm towards preserving, protecting, and celebrating the city’s rich history and thanked all the associate partners who helped the Navy in conducting an event of this magnitude in a manner befitting the joyous occasion of 75 years of independence. He also reiterated that this maiden Heritage Run is a novel one as it aims to promote the heritage sites of the city and also serves to strengthen the Navy’s bonds with the citizens of Mumbai.
The Admiral also announced that the Western Naval Command will be conducting the Navy Half Marathon on November 20. He also unveiled the logo for this much-awaited yearly activity. The event is intended to be bigger and better and has a much-improved race-day experience.
In another development, a rally was organized by Mahatma Phule Education Trust in collaboration with DSO Dharavi under the leadership of former MLA Baburao Mane in Dharavi, in Central Mumbai on Friday on the eve of Independence Day. Over 1500 school and college students participated in the rally.