The Arunachal Pradesh University (APU) in Pasighat organised a 5.5-km mini marathon on Sunday as part of its month-long ‘Run for Vande Mataram @ 150’ celebrations, with 209 participants from across East Siang district taking part despite light rain.
The event was organised by the Department of Mass Communication as a prelude to the three-day grand finale of the celebrations scheduled from October 7 to 9, 2026. The programme is being sponsored by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India.
The run was flagged off at 5:45 am from Gandhi Chowk by Arunachal Pradesh BJP president Kaling Moyong. It concluded at the main entrance of Arunachal Pradesh University.
In the men’s category, participants carrying BIB numbers 76, 37 and 91 finished first, second and third, respectively. In the women’s category, BIB numbers 92, 177 and 216 secured the top three positions.
Addressing the participants, Moyong spoke about the historical importance of Vande Mataram and its role during India’s freedom movement. He paid tribute to the freedom fighters associated with the struggle and said the song, composed by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, continues to serve as an inspiration for nation-building.
Moyong also spoke about the need to make better use of the potential of India’s youth. He said the country should work towards building a producer-driven and self-reliant economy.
APU Registrar Narmi Darang highlighted the importance of physical fitness and said the university would continue to encourage sports and wellness among its students and faculty members.
She urged participants to make physical activity and fitness part of their daily routine. Darang also appealed to them to participate in the ‘Swachh Nadi, Swachh Bharat’ River Cleanliness Drive along the Siang on September 19, which is being organised as part of the Vande Mataram 150 celebrations.
The event was attended by APU Dean Academics Prof P C Jena, heads of departments, faculty members, staff, research scholars and students. Representatives of the district administration, BJP, Pasighat civic bodies and other stakeholders also participated in the programme.
The mini marathon was conducted in collaboration with Itanagar-based NGO Trigonometry. Its members, including Nun Pertin and Prem Camdir, encouraged the young participants to focus on fitness, discipline and community service.
Dr Yab Rajiv Camdir, chairman of the Marathon Committee, said cash prizes for the winners would be handed over during the main Vande Mataram 150 function on October 7. All participants who completed the race will also receive e-certificates.
Dr Kombong Darang, convenor of the Vande Mataram 150 celebrations at APU, thanked the chief guest, district administration, Pasighat Press Club, university administration, volunteers, Trigonometry and the participants for their support in organising the event.
The celebrations will continue with a series of programmes across East Siang district. These include a river-cleaning drive, a national seminar on ‘Vande Mataram: Cultural, Historical and National Perspectives’, cultural programmes, art and craft and photography exhibitions, and the ‘Ek Ped Ek Bharat’ plantation drive.
The university will also conduct outreach activities as part of the month-long programme. The celebrations will culminate with a three-day grand finale from October 7 to 9, 2026.
