President Droupadi Murmu on Sunday virtually flagged off the President’s Bodyguards (PBG) Soldierathon from the Forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan, reaffirming support for the nation’s Armed Forces and encouraging greater civilian participation in honouring military personnel.
The ceremony was attended by General (Dr.) V.K. Singh (Retd.), Mizoram Governor, who is the patron of the initiative. On the occasion, the President also released a Special Postal Cover to commemorate the event. The race was held at the Cariappa Parade Ground in Delhi Cantonment.
Organised under the theme “Supporting Real Heroes – the Armed Forces of India,” the Soldierathon seeks to strengthen the bond between civilians and the Armed Forces through the vision of “Run for Soldiers, Run with Soldiers.”
The event pays tribute to the dedication, courage and sacrifice of India’s soldiers while encouraging citizens to express their solidarity with the Armed Forces through active participation.
The Soldierathon featured races in three categories – 3 km, 5 km and 10 km -allowing participants from different age groups and fitness levels to take part in the initiative.
According to the President’s Secretariat, proceeds from the Soldierathon will be utilised for the Paraplegic Rehabilitation Centre of the Armed Forces, the welfare of the wards of battle casualties and other welfare initiatives for soldiers. The PBG Soldierathon will also support the horses and troops of the President’s Bodyguards.
