- 5Km, 10Km and 21Km Marathon will be held under the able mentorship of Race Director Surpreet Singh Khalsa
- The run supported by Indian Coast Guard and Gujarat police is an initiative of Sneh Shilp Foundation.
- Kargil war veteran and India’s first blade runner Major (Rtd) D P Singh is the brand ambassador.
- The registration fees for the run have been fixed as Rs 250 for 5 kms, Rs 450 for 10 kms and Rs 650 for 21 kms.
NE NEWS SERVICE
AHMEDABAD, FEB 21
Sneh Shilp Fioundation, a non-governmental organization that envisions the transformation of India into a drug-free country, announced that to inspire and educate the kids and youth to stay away from the perils of drug abuse and its devastating consequences it is holding Shilp Aarambh marathon on Sunday, February 26.
To commemorate the strong resolve of “Drugs-Free India” on the occasion of 75th year of our Independence and in order to adopt a Zero Tolerance Policy against Narcotics which the Ministry of Home Affairs has adopted under the able leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, it is organising the Shilp Aarambh Gift City Run 2023, the organisers said.
Shilp Aarambh marathon is an Initiative of Sneh Shilp Foundation which is supported by the Indian Coast Guard, Gujarat Police, Union and State Governments, Narcotics Control Bureau of India, Development Commissioner, Gift SEZ and from Gift City, Gandhinagar.
Under the mentorship of Race Director Surpreet Singh Khalsa, more than 20,000 marathoners are expected to participate in the 5Kms, 10Kms and 21Kms Marathon which is to be held from 5.30 am onwards on Sunday, February 26 at Gift City, Gandhinagar.
Sharing his views about the event road map, Suri Paaji akka Surpreet Singh Khalsa, Race Director of Shilp Aarambh – 2023, said, “I am happy to be associated with Shilp Aarambh as the Technical director and I heartily congratulate Sneh Shilp Foundation on this wonderful initiative to raise anti-addiction awareness. I always share that if we chase our passion then success will be always ours. Kargil war veteran and India’s first blade runner Major (Rtd) D P Singh is the brand ambassador. So far no foreign marathoner has registered.”
Founder of Sneh Shilp Foundation – Snehal Brahmbhatt said, “For the past couple of years, Sneh Shilp Foundation has been working relentlessly for supporting the society in every possible way – be it child education, women uplift, health and hygiene, tree plantation, blood donation and much more. During our journey we realised drug addiction is a major issue which is affecting majorly the Indian youth who form the backbone of the country and we feel we must do something about it at a big level. Shilp Aarambh – GIFT City Run is an Aarambh and the first step initiated by us on the road to recovery and to create a nation where youth can have access to adequate knowledge and awareness about drug abuse.”
“We want maximum youth of the city to join us for this run. We have our road map for the next year also ready with us. We have made expert panels which include psychologists, psychiatrists, counsellors and therapists who will support us in creating awareness about this societal evil. We are also launching our initiative of ‘Heal on Wheels’ which is a van that will run across the city and nearby areas spreading awareness and helping those who are already reeling under the effect of drugs,” added Snehal further.
CEO of Shilp Group, Yash Brahmbhatt said “Shilp has been building the city’s skyline for almost two decades now and we have received love and trust from everyone around. It is now time to do something for the society. That’s why we have Shilp & Sneh Shilp foundation is happy to present Shilp Aarambh which is a run for a drugs-free society. India has a huge young population which is going to determine the future of the country. Shilp Aarambh is an initiative for the Indian youth where we want to spread awareness about the ill-effects of drug addiction and substance abuse.”
Dhruv A Pandit, Certified Cyber Security Expert and Co-Founder Heritage Cyber World LLP spoke at length on the ills of online drug trafficking, terrorism activities using drugs, online drugs racket and digital drugs mafia world. He lamented that post pandemic this menace has gone up in the country.
Dr Twinkal Patel said, “I have been working with schools, colleges, and other educational institutes to tackle the root causes of drug abuse, spread awareness, build positive peer pressure, and provide essential support to the young. As I believe these are the places where the youth undergo formative experiences of their lives. My main focus is on creating a positive aura by enlightening young Indians, especially those aged between 10 to 35 years, with the right information, advice, and support to help them stay away & get free from the clutches of drug abuse. Further, I proactively identify addicted individuals and encourage & guide them in counseling and treatment ”
Sociopreneurs Chiranjiv Patel, Ruzan Khambatta & Founder of Motherhood Foundation also said that India is today the World’s Youngest Country and we have a joint responsibility to ensure that Young People get the resources they need to succeed and they are protected from the ill effects of drug abuse. It’s a pity if we lose our Youth who are future of our nation to the menaces of drug addiction.
