Bhubaneswar: IIT Bhubaneswar conducted a Mini-Marathon as part of the Fit India Freedom Run drive 2.0 on 25th September, 2021 (Saturday). The Freedom Run is a new initiative under the aegis of the Fit India Movement and is conceived with a vision to keep ourselves fit while maintaining social distancing during the event. The event was inaugurated and flagged of by Prof. R.V. Raja Kumar, Director, IIT Bhubaneswar.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof. R.V. Raja Kumar, Director, IIT Bhubaneswar says, “Physical and mental fitness and wellbeing is very essential for every citizen for leading quality life. In times of pandemic, keeping fit has become an even more important requirement. IIT Bhubaneswar is designed to be a spread campus and adopted cycling culture for movement within the campus. A wellness environment has been created at the institute by giving equal importance to health and fitness among the campsites by regular practise of sports, cycling and yoga. Besides, a clean and green campus environment has been created. The Institute celebrates events such as the Freedom Run, Mini-Marathon and the International Yoga Day in its endeavour to create the awareness amongst all the stakeholders. The “Fit India Movement” initiative by Shri Narendra Modi, Hon’ble Prime Minister of India in making India a Fit Nation is truly a visionary step in this direction and the nation needs to be reminded about it in these times. On this occasion, I would urge the students, faculty, and staff members to continue to practise exercise in their daily routine”.
The Institute saw enthusiastic participation of a moderate number of participants comprising of faculty, officers, staff and student community of the institute, the number which was restricted due to Covid-19. The event was organized with strict observation of social distancing norms and COVID-19 protocols in view of the ongoing pandemic. The event was also attended by Dr. Rajan Jha, PIC-Examination, Associate Professor, School of Basic Sciences, Dr. Syed Hilal Farooq, Head, School of Earth Ocean and Climate Sciences, Dr. Olive Ray, Advisor, Sports and Games, Student Gymkhana including other faculty and staff members of IIT Bhubaneswar. The event was coordinated by Dr. Srikant Gollapudi, and Dr. Bankim Chandra Mandal, EAA Coordinator.