Marathon held to observe ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’
Aligarh : A total of 70 Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) students today jogged across the breadth of the roads from the University Athletics Ground swerving to the Bab-e-Syed Gate and the I G Khan Circle in a Mini Marathon of the ‘Fit India Movement’ held to observe the Nation-wide ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’.
Mohammad Qamar (M M Hall) was the first to reach the I G Khan Circle to win the senior men’s category. Mohammad Ansar (M M Hall) finished second and Mohammad Rihan (Allama Iqbal Hall) secured the third place among senior male students.
In the women’s category, Neha Kumari (I G Hall) won by reaching the Bab-e-Syed Gate ahead of respective second and third place holders, Aliya (Abdullah Hall) and Abeera (Abdullah Hall).
Meanwhile, Rishi (STS School), Akash (STS School) and M Zubair (ABK School-Boys) were declared the winner, second and third place holders respectively in the junior boys category; while ABK School-Girls students Yasha Mazhar, Zainab Fatima and Prasanna respectively finished first, second and third in the junior girls category.
After the run, AMU Vice Chancellor, Prof Tariq Mansoor appreciated the students for their spirited participation, making the moment a memorable one.
He added: “This marathon shows the hope for the future that a new India represents. Launched by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, the Nation-wide, ‘Fit India Movement’ encourages people to remain healthy and fit by including physical activities and sports in their daily lives”.
The Vice Chancellor also distributed prizes to the marathon winners in a special ceremony with Prof Mohd Mohsin Khan (Finance Officer), Prof Mohd Wasim Ali (Proctor), Prof Masoom Raza, Prof Moinuddin, Prof Mirza Asmer Beg, Prof M Ashraf, Prof Shakil Ahmad, Prof Tariq Murtaza, Prof M Asim Siddiqui, Prof Zaki Anwar Siddiqui and Dr Shafiullah.
Prof Syed Amjad Ali Rizvi (Secretary, Games Committee) extended the vote of thanks.
Mazharul Qamar conducted the programme.
Earlier on August 13, a ‘Fit Indian Movement’ student Marathon to mark the ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’ celebrations of the Centre of Continuing and Adult Education and Extension in collaboration with the Department of Social Work and the University Health Club was also held at the University Athletics Ground.
The Chief Guest, Dr Hamida Tariq (Well known Pediatrician) urged the participants to make fitness their lifestyle.
Physical fitness must be taken seriously so that India becomes stronger with a strong population, she said.
Prof Mohammad Gulrez (Pro Vice Chancellor) discussed how the Fit India Movement will bring behavioural changes and make people adapt to healthy lifestyles.
Attending the programme as the Guest of Honour, Prof Naima Khatoon (Principal, Women’s College) called for equal attention towards academics and physical fitness.
Prof Naseem Ahmad Khan (Chairman, Department of Social Work) encouraged students to participate in more such events.
Prof Amjad Rizvi (Secretary, Games Committee) stressed: “Lifestyle changes can prevent diseases and help people to live a healthy life. The ‘Fit lndia Movement’ is an effort to bring these lifestyle changes”.
Prof M Asmer Beg, Prof Asim Siddiqui, Prof Zamirullah Khan, Prof Aysha Munira Rasheed, Prof F S Sherani, Dr Shariq Aqil, Dr Shamim Akhtar, Dr Urus Fatima, Dr Arif, Dr Andaleeb, Dr Quratul Ain, Dr Tahir, Dr Uzair and Dr Samira emphasised the importance of physical fitness.
A total of 65 Girls and 49 Boys participated in the Marathon.