Naharlagun (Arunachal Pradesh), Nov. 15 (ANI) In all, 1610 registered young and old, men and women and lawmakers ran from the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium to the Arunachal Pradesh Youth Congress (APYC) office at Itanagar, a distance of 18-kilometers, as part of the 'Jaag Arunachal, Bhaag Arunachal' event this morning to send out a louder message of "haam kisise kum nahin (We are not less than anyone).
AICC secretary in-charge of Arunachal Indrani Mishra, who arrived from Kolkata to take part in the event, termed the run as unique, as it aimed to channelise the people's energies, particularly that of the youth, in the right direction. She said Arunachal has achieved yet another record.
The state's Home Minister, Tanga Bylaing, and Bollywood actress, producer and director Neetu Chandra flagged off the run, arranged by APYC president-cum-MLA Nyamar Karbak, by uncorking bottles of champagne.
In his message, Chief Minister Nabam Tuki said, "I convey my best wishes to all the participants, organisers and to Neetu Chandra, the actress from Mumbai for their concern for peace, security, communal harmony and unity amongst all tribes of Arunachal Pradesh. Such a marathon race for youth will definitely strengthen relations between all sections of society. Congratulations to all participants for making this 'Run for Unity' a big success and for sending this message that all Arunachalees are for peace and harmony in and of India."
Byaling earlier exhorted participants to refrain from alcoholism and drugs to maintain lifestyles that were good, healthy, focussed on law and order and discipline.
"Good morning Arunachal. Are you all happy and ready to run for unity," Neetu's question was responded with a chorus 'yes'. She congratulated Karbak for organising such an exemplary event.
'Unity, peace and healthy Arunachal Pradesh' are the objectives of the unity run, Karbak said, and exhorted all to bid good bye to drugs and alcoholism to lead a healthy life and make Arunachal healthy.
Lawmakers Karya Bagang and APYC vice president-cum-MLA Diketo Yekar, political secretary to Chief Minister Nabam Tuki, Bamang Tago, APYCC vice president Nani Rajan and large number of office bearers, were among the runners, bidding for the Rs. 5, 40, 000 in cash prizes.
The first, second and third prizes each for man and woman would be Rs 75,000 each (first), Rs 35,000 (second) each and Rs 20,000 (third) respectively, while there are ten consolation prizes of Rs 10,000 each.
Food and Civil Supply and Mining Minister Tirong Aboh, lawmaker Kumsi Sidisow and former MP Takam Sanjoy, were among the dignitaries, present to encourage the participants.
The runners were escorted by 60 bike riding APYC volunteers followed by two ambulances for medical assistance while drinking water facility was arranged at different places on the way.
