Sikh basketball players in India protested FIBA's ban on turbans by playing a local match wearing turbans. FIBA rules prohibited two Indian Sikh players from competing in the Asian Championships because of their turbans. Another under-18 player was also told he could not play for India unless he removed his turban. The students criticized FIBA for claiming turbans could cause injuries without explanation, as turbans are an important part of Sikh religious and cultural identity.
Sikh basketball players in India protested FIBA's ban on turbans by playing a local match wearing turbans. FIBA rules prohibited two Indian Sikh players from competing in the Asian Championships because of their turbans. Another under-18 player was also told he could not play for India unless he removed his turban. The students criticized FIBA for claiming turbans could cause injuries without explanation, as turbans are an important part of Sikh religious and cultural identity.
US lawmakers and Sikh community groups have protested the FIBA's decision to delay reviewing its discriminatory policy that bans basketball players from wearing turbans. The policy prevents Sikh players from participating. Two US Congressmen criticized the delay, noting other sports leagues like FIFA and NCAA allow turbans. They urged FIBA to stop delaying and update its policies to allow religious freedom and stop requiring Sikhs to remove turbans to play. Sikh advocacy groups expressed disappointment in FIBA for letting bureaucracy stand in the way of progress and criticized its lack of representation of global sports given the forced choice for Sikh players between their religion and playing the game they love.
The International Basketball Federation will review its ban on religious headgear like hijabs, turbans, and yarmulkes on Wednesday. The ban has forced Sikh athletes to remove their turbans and patkas at recent events, which the athletes found humiliating. While FIBA claims the headgear could injure other players, several athletes have played successfully while wearing religious headgear in other leagues. Ending its discriminatory ban would allow FIBA to increase participation and accommodate athletes of many faiths, including women athletes who wear hijabs. The ban unfairly limits religious freedom and sends a message that faith and sports cannot coexist.
The document provides information on various scholarship schemes and education loans for minority students offered by state governments, corporations, NGOs and banks in India. It summarizes 8 key scholarship schemes for pre-matric, post-matric, merit-based scholarships and reimbursement of tuition fees for students from minority communities. The schemes offer financial assistance for school, college and professional education to students belonging to religious minority groups with an annual family income below certain thresholds. The booklet aims to increase awareness of these welfare schemes among minority students so that they can avail the opportunities and contribute to nation building through education.
Members of Kalgidhar Society will protest against the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) at their world congress in Seville, Spain over FIBA's ban on turbans for Sikh players in basketball matches. The society launched an online petition against FIBA's discriminatory actions towards Sikh players in China and Qatar who were forced to remove their turbans, which are an important article of faith. The petition has received over 53,000 signatures so far but FIBA has delayed making a decision on the issue. The protest aims to pressure FIBA to be more sensitive to religious rights and create an exemption for turbans in their rules.
Padma Shri, Vidya Martand, Shiromani Panth Ratan Sant Baba Iqbal Singh ji has preserved the rich legacy of Sikhism in these books. With scholarly acumen, Baba ji has penned down the captivating Sakhis (moral and spiritual anecdotes) and life stories of the revered Saints whose sacred compositions are enshrined in Shri Guru Granth Sahib ji. Through his insightful writings, Sant Baba Iqbal Singh ji endeavors to educate future generations by illuminating the path of Sikh History for those who seek to deepen their understanding and connection with the Sikh faith.
Padma Shri, Vidya Martand, Shiromani Panth Ratan Sant Baba Iqbal Singh ji has preserved the rich legacy of Sikhism in these books. With scholarly acumen, Baba ji has penned down the captivating Sakhis (moral and spiritual anecdotes) and life stories of the revered Saints whose sacred compositions are enshrined in Shri Guru Granth Sahib ji. Through his insightful writings, Sant Baba Iqbal Singh ji endeavors to educate future generations by illuminating the path of Sikh History for those who seek to deepen their understanding and connection with the Sikh faith.
Padma Shri, Vidya Martand, Shiromani Panth Ratan Sant Baba Iqbal Singh ji has preserved the rich legacy of Sikhism in these books. With scholarly acumen, Baba ji has penned down the captivating Sakhis (moral and spiritual anecdotes) and life stories of the revered Saints whose sacred compositions are enshrined in Shri Guru Granth Sahib ji. Through his insightful writings, Sant Baba Iqbal Singh ji endeavors to educate future generations by illuminating the path of Sikh History for those who seek to deepen their understanding and connection with the Sikh faith.
Padma Shri, Vidya Martand, Shiromani Panth Ratan Sant Baba Iqbal Singh ji has preserved the rich legacy of Sikhism in these books. With scholarly acumen, Baba ji has penned down the captivating Sakhis (moral and spiritual anecdotes) and life stories of the revered Saints whose sacred compositions are enshrined in Shri Guru Granth Sahib ji. Through his insightful writings, Sant Baba Iqbal Singh ji endeavors to educate future generations by illuminating the path of Sikh History for those who seek to deepen their understanding and connection with the Sikh faith.
Japji Sahib in English by Sant Teja Singh Ji, AM Harvard, founder Baru Sahib
Sant Teja Singh Ji, renowned visionary and scholar of 21st Century, also famous as the First ambassador of Sikhism to the Western World, dedicated his life to merging science and spirituality as was directed by his mentor Sant Attar Singh ji.
Sant Teja Singh ji instructed his disciple Sant Baba Iqbal Singh ji to sow the seed of education from the auspicious land of Baru Sahib. This tree has now spread into 129 Academies and 2 universities in the rural areas of Punjab, Haryana and H.P. This exemplifies his commitment to bridging knowledge and spirituality, aiming to create a harmonious and enlightened world for all.
As part of this mission, Sant Teja Singh ji translated Japji Sahib, a sacred composition by Guru Nanak Dev Ji, into English, allowing people from all over the world to have access to its profound wisdom.
The venerable Sant Baba Iqbal Singh Ji was born on May 1, 1926 in village Bharial Lahri, Tehsil Pathankot, District Gurdaspur (now Pathankot) to father Sanwal Singh Ji and mother Gulab Kaur Ji. Baba Ji had two elder brothers Bhai Daulat Singh Ji and Bhai Harbans Singh Ji and an elder sister. From very childhood, he was inclined towards deep devotion to the Eternal Lord and used to go in the forests for recitation of the Divine Name without informing anyone at home. He would very often join the company of the saintly and divine people and get blessed by listening to their discourses about the Eternal Lord. While learning from his teacher of history in 6th Grade about the daughter and son of Emperor Ashoka remaining unmarried and propagating Buddhism, Baba Ji made a resolve to dedicate his life towards serving humanity and propagate Sikhi. Although his family later forced him several times to get married, he remained steadfast in his resolve. Being afraid of the British rule, when his family didn’t allow him to become Amritdhari (get him initiated into the Khalsa fold with Amrit), he went on a hunger strike to persuade his family; and then got blessed by Amrit at Akal Takht Sahib, Amritsar. He passed Grade VIII from Government School, Dina Nagar and Grade X from Government High School, Gurdaspur. His mother passed away while he was in Grade X. But due to his state of devotion towards the Eternal Lord, he accepted the Divine Will and didn’t shed a single tear. After matriculation, he completed B.Sc. Agriculture from Khalsa College, Lyallpur. Later, at the time of Partition of the country, when Punjab Agriculture University Ludhiana had not been established, the government temporarily started Agriculture College in Khalsa College, Amritsar.
Niranjan Singh Mehta, who came to be known as Sant Teja Singh Ji later, was born to Bhai Ralla Singh and Ram Kaur at Balowali village (in Pakistan) on 14 May 1877.
Bhai Ralla Singh was a medical doctor working in Central Jail, Lahore. Sant Teja Singh Ji passed his postgraduate studies with distinction and followed it up with a degree in law.
He then went to Harvard University in the United States for further studies. At the centre of his world was an abiding respect for his mentor a belief that education has to holistically blend science with spirituality in order to make the world a better place to live in.
Sant Teja Singh Ji established the Kalgidhar Trust, Baru Sahib in 1963 to spread the message of universal brotherhood.
Sant Attar Singh Ji, the most widely known and respected Sant in modern times, was born at Cheema, a village in the erstwhile Jind State (now in Sangrur district of Punjab, India) on 28 March 1866.
His advocacy of education for the girl-child, and blending education with spirituality show his sense of foresightedness. Even a century back, he knew that mere scientific education would only lead to destruction, and education of the girl-child would result in the whole family getting educated.
Towards that end, he first set up a school for girls in 1906. He did that even before establishing a school for boys and Akal Degree College at Mastuana, Punjab. Eventually he established a chain of schools and colleges. He also took part in several educational conferences motivating others to establish many more schools and colleges.
Such was his goodwill and popularity as a messenger of Universal Brotherhood and Oneness, he was personally invited by Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya to lay the foundation stone of the Banaras Hindu University on 24 December 1914.
What is that which can empower our nation? The obvious answer is Education. Education enhances livelihood but education that is Value Based gives root and wings as well Our Vision H.E. (Late) Padma Shri Baba Igbal Singh .11 Founder Chancebh Akal University Founder Chanceiar, Eternal University Founder President. Kalgidhar Trust. Baru Sahlblndia Shiromani Panth Rattan Award by Takht Sri Harmandloahtb. Patna Vidya Alartand Award by Sri Aka( Takht Sahib Sikh Lifetime AcNevernent Award (London) -2012 Former Diedor. Agriculture (Government of Himachal Pradesh India)
Amid the outbreak of the pandemic of the Corona Virus, we are here with a piece of great news and a Proud Moment to share with you all.
To honor Sant Teja Singh Ji and the history and Culture of Sikhs in British Columbia, the 1st of July has been declared as ‘Sant Teja Singh Day’ by the Government of British Columbia, Canada
Sant Teja Singh Ji was a humanitarian, scholar, and tireless advocate for Sikhs in Canada who dedicated his life to challenging inequality, fighting for a just society, and serving without discrimination in accordance with the tenets of Sikhism.
Sant Teja Singh Ji was one of the Founders of The Kalgidhar Trust, Baru Sahib, and was also the ‘First Ambassador of Sikhism to the Western World’.
About
BARU SAHIB: Rural Transformation in rural North India through value-based Education. Chain of 129 rural schools~60,000 Students~6450 Villages covered!
Mission
To create a value chain of 500 rural schools by 2020.
Company Overview
The Kalgidhar Trust is a humanitarian charity organization that primarily builds educational institutions for the deprived kids in rural areas of North India thereby bringing in RURAL TRANSFORMATION in North India. Education is a big necessity with these youth who otherwise are getting wasted in Drugs Alcohol Abuse. Unfortunately, states like Punjab have 67% Rural Households with atleast 1 Drug ad...See More
Description
Rural Transformation happens here! Educate-Enshrine-Empower.
To build superior human character and high moral values in youth as a way to establish permanent world peace and universal brotherhood.
General Information
The Kalgidhar Trust is an international organization with headquarters in North India. We have branch offices in USA, Europe, Canada, Australia, Singapore. With the Kalgidhar Society’s trusted & transparent methodology of working, individual and corporate donors are increasingly willing to provide ongoing support. Around 90% of all contributors to The Kalgidhar Society are annually contributing members.
US lawmakers and Sikh community groups have protested the FIBA's decision to delay reviewing its discriminatory policy that bans basketball players from wearing turbans. The policy prevents Sikh players from participating. Two US Congressmen criticized the delay, noting other sports leagues like FIFA and NCAA allow turbans. They urged FIBA to stop delaying and update its policies to allow religious freedom and stop requiring Sikhs to remove turbans to play. Sikh advocacy groups expressed disappointment in FIBA for letting bureaucracy stand in the way of progress and criticized its lack of representation of global sports given the forced choice for Sikh players between their religion and playing the game they love.
The International Basketball Federation will review its ban on religious headgear like hijabs, turbans, and yarmulkes on Wednesday. The ban has forced Sikh athletes to remove their turbans and patkas at recent events, which the athletes found humiliating. While FIBA claims the headgear could injure other players, several athletes have played successfully while wearing religious headgear in other leagues. Ending its discriminatory ban would allow FIBA to increase participation and accommodate athletes of many faiths, including women athletes who wear hijabs. The ban unfairly limits religious freedom and sends a message that faith and sports cannot coexist.
The document provides information on various scholarship schemes and education loans for minority students offered by state governments, corporations, NGOs and banks in India. It summarizes 8 key scholarship schemes for pre-matric, post-matric, merit-based scholarships and reimbursement of tuition fees for students from minority communities. The schemes offer financial assistance for school, college and professional education to students belonging to religious minority groups with an annual family income below certain thresholds. The booklet aims to increase awareness of these welfare schemes among minority students so that they can avail the opportunities and contribute to nation building through education.
Members of Kalgidhar Society will protest against the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) at their world congress in Seville, Spain over FIBA's ban on turbans for Sikh players in basketball matches. The society launched an online petition against FIBA's discriminatory actions towards Sikh players in China and Qatar who were forced to remove their turbans, which are an important article of faith. The petition has received over 53,000 signatures so far but FIBA has delayed making a decision on the issue. The protest aims to pressure FIBA to be more sensitive to religious rights and create an exemption for turbans in their rules.
Padma Shri, Vidya Martand, Shiromani Panth Ratan Sant Baba Iqbal Singh ji has preserved the rich legacy of Sikhism in these books. With scholarly acumen, Baba ji has penned down the captivating Sakhis (moral and spiritual anecdotes) and life stories of the revered Saints whose sacred compositions are enshrined in Shri Guru Granth Sahib ji. Through his insightful writings, Sant Baba Iqbal Singh ji endeavors to educate future generations by illuminating the path of Sikh History for those who seek to deepen their understanding and connection with the Sikh faith.
Padma Shri, Vidya Martand, Shiromani Panth Ratan Sant Baba Iqbal Singh ji has preserved the rich legacy of Sikhism in these books. With scholarly acumen, Baba ji has penned down the captivating Sakhis (moral and spiritual anecdotes) and life stories of the revered Saints whose sacred compositions are enshrined in Shri Guru Granth Sahib ji. Through his insightful writings, Sant Baba Iqbal Singh ji endeavors to educate future generations by illuminating the path of Sikh History for those who seek to deepen their understanding and connection with the Sikh faith.
Padma Shri, Vidya Martand, Shiromani Panth Ratan Sant Baba Iqbal Singh ji has preserved the rich legacy of Sikhism in these books. With scholarly acumen, Baba ji has penned down the captivating Sakhis (moral and spiritual anecdotes) and life stories of the revered Saints whose sacred compositions are enshrined in Shri Guru Granth Sahib ji. Through his insightful writings, Sant Baba Iqbal Singh ji endeavors to educate future generations by illuminating the path of Sikh History for those who seek to deepen their understanding and connection with the Sikh faith.
Padma Shri, Vidya Martand, Shiromani Panth Ratan Sant Baba Iqbal Singh ji has preserved the rich legacy of Sikhism in these books. With scholarly acumen, Baba ji has penned down the captivating Sakhis (moral and spiritual anecdotes) and life stories of the revered Saints whose sacred compositions are enshrined in Shri Guru Granth Sahib ji. Through his insightful writings, Sant Baba Iqbal Singh ji endeavors to educate future generations by illuminating the path of Sikh History for those who seek to deepen their understanding and connection with the Sikh faith.
Japji Sahib in English by Sant Teja Singh Ji, AM Harvard, founder Baru Sahib
Sant Teja Singh Ji, renowned visionary and scholar of 21st Century, also famous as the First ambassador of Sikhism to the Western World, dedicated his life to merging science and spirituality as was directed by his mentor Sant Attar Singh ji.
Sant Teja Singh ji instructed his disciple Sant Baba Iqbal Singh ji to sow the seed of education from the auspicious land of Baru Sahib. This tree has now spread into 129 Academies and 2 universities in the rural areas of Punjab, Haryana and H.P. This exemplifies his commitment to bridging knowledge and spirituality, aiming to create a harmonious and enlightened world for all.
As part of this mission, Sant Teja Singh ji translated Japji Sahib, a sacred composition by Guru Nanak Dev Ji, into English, allowing people from all over the world to have access to its profound wisdom.
The venerable Sant Baba Iqbal Singh Ji was born on May 1, 1926 in village Bharial Lahri, Tehsil Pathankot, District Gurdaspur (now Pathankot) to father Sanwal Singh Ji and mother Gulab Kaur Ji. Baba Ji had two elder brothers Bhai Daulat Singh Ji and Bhai Harbans Singh Ji and an elder sister. From very childhood, he was inclined towards deep devotion to the Eternal Lord and used to go in the forests for recitation of the Divine Name without informing anyone at home. He would very often join the company of the saintly and divine people and get blessed by listening to their discourses about the Eternal Lord. While learning from his teacher of history in 6th Grade about the daughter and son of Emperor Ashoka remaining unmarried and propagating Buddhism, Baba Ji made a resolve to dedicate his life towards serving humanity and propagate Sikhi. Although his family later forced him several times to get married, he remained steadfast in his resolve. Being afraid of the British rule, when his family didn’t allow him to become Amritdhari (get him initiated into the Khalsa fold with Amrit), he went on a hunger strike to persuade his family; and then got blessed by Amrit at Akal Takht Sahib, Amritsar. He passed Grade VIII from Government School, Dina Nagar and Grade X from Government High School, Gurdaspur. His mother passed away while he was in Grade X. But due to his state of devotion towards the Eternal Lord, he accepted the Divine Will and didn’t shed a single tear. After matriculation, he completed B.Sc. Agriculture from Khalsa College, Lyallpur. Later, at the time of Partition of the country, when Punjab Agriculture University Ludhiana had not been established, the government temporarily started Agriculture College in Khalsa College, Amritsar.
Niranjan Singh Mehta, who came to be known as Sant Teja Singh Ji later, was born to Bhai Ralla Singh and Ram Kaur at Balowali village (in Pakistan) on 14 May 1877.
Bhai Ralla Singh was a medical doctor working in Central Jail, Lahore. Sant Teja Singh Ji passed his postgraduate studies with distinction and followed it up with a degree in law.
He then went to Harvard University in the United States for further studies. At the centre of his world was an abiding respect for his mentor a belief that education has to holistically blend science with spirituality in order to make the world a better place to live in.
Sant Teja Singh Ji established the Kalgidhar Trust, Baru Sahib in 1963 to spread the message of universal brotherhood.
Sant Attar Singh Ji, the most widely known and respected Sant in modern times, was born at Cheema, a village in the erstwhile Jind State (now in Sangrur district of Punjab, India) on 28 March 1866.
His advocacy of education for the girl-child, and blending education with spirituality show his sense of foresightedness. Even a century back, he knew that mere scientific education would only lead to destruction, and education of the girl-child would result in the whole family getting educated.
Towards that end, he first set up a school for girls in 1906. He did that even before establishing a school for boys and Akal Degree College at Mastuana, Punjab. Eventually he established a chain of schools and colleges. He also took part in several educational conferences motivating others to establish many more schools and colleges.
Such was his goodwill and popularity as a messenger of Universal Brotherhood and Oneness, he was personally invited by Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya to lay the foundation stone of the Banaras Hindu University on 24 December 1914.
What is that which can empower our nation? The obvious answer is Education. Education enhances livelihood but education that is Value Based gives root and wings as well Our Vision H.E. (Late) Padma Shri Baba Igbal Singh .11 Founder Chancebh Akal University Founder Chanceiar, Eternal University Founder President. Kalgidhar Trust. Baru Sahlblndia Shiromani Panth Rattan Award by Takht Sri Harmandloahtb. Patna Vidya Alartand Award by Sri Aka( Takht Sahib Sikh Lifetime AcNevernent Award (London) -2012 Former Diedor. Agriculture (Government of Himachal Pradesh India)
Amid the outbreak of the pandemic of the Corona Virus, we are here with a piece of great news and a Proud Moment to share with you all.
To honor Sant Teja Singh Ji and the history and Culture of Sikhs in British Columbia, the 1st of July has been declared as ‘Sant Teja Singh Day’ by the Government of British Columbia, Canada
Sant Teja Singh Ji was a humanitarian, scholar, and tireless advocate for Sikhs in Canada who dedicated his life to challenging inequality, fighting for a just society, and serving without discrimination in accordance with the tenets of Sikhism.
Sant Teja Singh Ji was one of the Founders of The Kalgidhar Trust, Baru Sahib, and was also the ‘First Ambassador of Sikhism to the Western World’.
About
BARU SAHIB: Rural Transformation in rural North India through value-based Education. Chain of 129 rural schools~60,000 Students~6450 Villages covered!
Mission
To create a value chain of 500 rural schools by 2020.
Company Overview
The Kalgidhar Trust is a humanitarian charity organization that primarily builds educational institutions for the deprived kids in rural areas of North India thereby bringing in RURAL TRANSFORMATION in North India. Education is a big necessity with these youth who otherwise are getting wasted in Drugs Alcohol Abuse. Unfortunately, states like Punjab have 67% Rural Households with atleast 1 Drug ad...See More
Description
Rural Transformation happens here! Educate-Enshrine-Empower.
To build superior human character and high moral values in youth as a way to establish permanent world peace and universal brotherhood.
General Information
The Kalgidhar Trust is an international organization with headquarters in North India. We have branch offices in USA, Europe, Canada, Australia, Singapore. With the Kalgidhar Society’s trusted & transparent methodology of working, individual and corporate donors are increasingly willing to provide ongoing support. Around 90% of all contributors to The Kalgidhar Society are annually contributing members.
The Kalgidhar Society, a non-profit charitable organisation that promotes education, led by Baba Iqbal Singh, and Gurugram-based artists Jiten Thukral and Samir Tagra, pay creative tribute to the Sikh Guru on the occasion of Guru Nanak’s 551st Prakash Utsav. “Over a period of 24 years, Nanak Dev had undertaken four Udasis, spiritual journeys, with his companion, Bhai Mardana, to deliver the message of peace, love, and compassion to humanity. His mission was to educate people living in all four directions of the Indian subcontinent and other countries. He travelled afar to restore humanity in the midst of growing ignorance and worldly attachments,” says Jaspreet Singh, speaking on behalf of The Kalgidhar Society.
Managing Director of SECI – Solar Energy Corporation of India, Jatindra Nath Swain, IAS inaugurated the 1.2 MWp solar power project at Akal University in Bathinda. In his address, Mr. Swain said that this solar project, which is the largest for any rural educational institution, displays the forward thinking of an educational organization like Kalgidhar Society.
The Project was inaugurated by Mr. Swain by pressing a button. He was accompanied by Baba Balbir Singh Seechewal, Dr. Davinder Singh (Secretary of Kalgidhar Society) and Dr. Gurmail Singh, Vice chancellor of Akal University. This Project would generate more than 80% of power requirements of the Akal University and 13 Akal Academies. This project has been built at a total cost of Rs. 5.2 crores, out of which the Ministry of non-conventional energy has provided a total subsidy of around Rs. 1.7 crores.
Akal University Talwandi Sabo is run by the Kalgidhar Society headquartered at Baru Sahib near Rajgarh in Sirmour, Himachal Pradesh. The Kalgidhar Society, is presently running 129 Akal Academies and 3 universities in rural areas of in north Indian states of Himachal, Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh.
Mr. Swain further added that Solar Energy Corporation of India has made a great progress for the vision of 100 GW by 2022. He said “Solar power generation is a measure of sustainability and I am happy to see that Kalgidhar Society is harnessing the sun for making education system more sustainable. Along with Solar, we also need to pay attention towards water conservation and rain water harvesting to tackle the problem of climate change.”
This Solar power plant project will reduce 35,000 metric tons of Carbon emission over 25 years thus making the planet more green. Annual savings in power bills will be more than Rs. 1 crore. The carbon reduction impact of the project during its life time is equivalent to planting of 82,000 Trees which will add to conservation of energy and environment, said J.P. Singh, Solar Consultant for the project.
The Kalgidhar Society, has so far set up a total of 59 solar power plants in its Akal Academies in the region, in order to meet its energy demand from clean fuel. The society is well known for its sustainability approach, green initiatives and solar village at Baru Sahib campus and has commissioned this particular project in 14 locations, including Akal University and 13 Akal Academies. The Kalgidhar Society was bestowed with the Solar Award as well in 2016 by Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, said Dr. Davinder Singh, Secretary of Kalgidhar Society.
The Kalgidhar Society in Baru Sahib released its year end report detailing its rural transformation efforts. The Society believes rural transformation is critical for Punjab and that the "war" cannot be lost. The report highlights the Society's work in various areas that have benefited over 67 villages in the region.
With an aim to eradicate the drug menace in the country, the Kalgidhar Trust, headquartered at Baru Sahib, Sirmour, Himachal Pradesh, organised a marathon titled as “Race against Drugs’’.
Flying Sikh Milkha Singh flagged off the marathon at Sukhna Lake, Chandigarh, today morning.
As many as 300 runners, including school and college students, senior citizens, fire marshals and those who have been getting treatment for drug addiction and who have recovered from the same, participated.
The marathon commenced from Sukhna Lake at 7:15 am crossing Rock Garden and ended back at Sukhna Lake at 8 pm. Runners raised slogans for drug free society. All runners were given T-shirts and certificates.
While appealing to youth to stay away from drugs and stay healthy, Milkha Singh said, “Drug addiction was ruining our society and youth were getting financially, physically and mentally affected.” He gave call to all sections of society to understand the gravity of situation and should come forward to fight against the drug menace.
Addressing the gathering, Dr (Col) Rajinder Singh, Director, the Kalgidhar Trust run Akal Drug De-Addiction Centres, said, “The goal of the campaign is to mobilise support and inspire people to act against drug abuse and trafficking. The marathon is a way to encourage young people to put their health first and never take support of drugs as a solution to their problems.”
The event culminated with oath taken by participants to make society free of drug and alcohol addiction.