Pune ( Maharashtra ): An 11.5 km mini-Marathon Run entitled ‘Mateshwari Saraswati YogaThon’ was organised in Pune by the Brahma Kumaris of Jagdamba Bhawan Retreat centre located in the Pisoli area of Pune city.
The objective of this run was to spread the message that empowerment both physically as well as mentally is the need of the hour for holistic fitness of an individual. Some 1,300 participants — a variety of both national and international excellence related to the world of sports, including players, coaches, fitness trainers, sports officials, sports associations and health clubs — participated in the run. The mini-marathon was followed by a short programme to enlighten sportspersons on the relationship between body and soul and the need to revitalise one’s physique through meditation and spiritual practices rather than drugs.
The race commenced with some warm-up exercised conducted by BK Jagbir Singh from Mt. Abu, Sports Wing. The following guests graced the occasion with their inspirational words:
- Umesh Zirpe from the Giripremi Institute of Mountaineering
- Prasad Patil, director of Happy Running Joyful Running
- Pravin Deshpande, International well-known skater and coach
- Shri. Patil, Surpanch of Pisoli
- Shri. Deepak Dhavde, Dy. Surpanch of Pisoli
- Bhaskar Bhosle, winner of the Dronachariya award
- Kakasaheb Pawar, winner of the Arjun award
- Seniors from the Brahma Kumaris
The men’s and women’s races started one after the other at 6:30 am. The route was from the retreat centre in Pisoli to NIBM road, and then back to the retreat centre. This run had the unique characteristic that it was organised entry-free for all participants. The first three male and first three female winners were awarded Rs. 21,000; Rs. 15,000 and Rs. 11,000 respectively, while all participants were given a free T-shirt, Medal, Certificate, Meditation Tips and breakfast.
The closing programme was conducted in Janak Stadium, an open-air Auditorium in the natural beauty of Jagdamba Bhawan having a capacity of 3,000+ participants. The following dignitaries graced the occasion with their presence on Stage:
- Sambaji Patil from Sakal Newspaper, a media partner of the Yogathon
- Sukumar Pandit from Godrej Prana, Undri, Ambassador of the Yogathon
- Shivgarkar, President of Maharashtra Olympics Association
- BK Jagbir, Sports Wing Coordinator and Psychology trainer from Mt. Abu
- BK Bharat, Social Service Wing coordinator from Mt. Abu
- BK Mohan, Transport Wing coordinator from Mt. Abu
- BK Bhanu Prasad, Social Service wing member from Mt. Abu
- BK Sunanda, Director of the Brahma Kumaris, Jagdamba Bhawan, Pune
- BK Urmila, Director of GPO Sub-zone, Pune
- Shrikant Sable, reporter from Punya Nagari newspaper
BK Sunanda, Director of Brahma Kumaris, Jagdamba Bhawan, Pune, welcomed all the participants and guests, and said that the aim of the programme is not mere competition. It’s a happy run promoting the message of physical and mental fitness. Running with soul-consciousness and God-consciousness not only lightens the body but also lightens the soul from different bondages and stress.
BK Dashrath, Senior Teacher from Jagdamba Bhawan, said that Jagdamba Bhawan is a dream project of Dadi Janki, Chief of the Brahma Kumaris, where all the participants are now assembled for the Yogathon. Everyone will receive a medal. However it is important that all participants also become heroes in spirituality.
BK Jagbir, Sports Wing Coordinator and Psychology Trainer from Mt. Abu, said that in a Marathon, 25 percent of the effort is based on body power. While up to 75 percent effort is both mental and physical power — together. Beyond 80 percent success is dependent on spiritual powers. Rajayoga helps in developing spiritual powers. Practice it as soon as one wakes up, when the sub-conscious mind is most active and receptive.
Mr. Patil, Coordinator from Sakal newspaper, said that Spirituality, Yoga and the Marathon has indeed made the morning very happy and exciting for all. Jagdamba Bhawan is giving positive energy to all of us.
BK Bharat, Social Service Wing coordinator from Mt. Abu, spoke about the importance of positivity for youth.
There was also a parallel programme held for the family and friends accompanying the runners who had not participated in the run. The session was conducted by BK Mohan from Mt. Abu.
The first male runner, Kiran Matre, completed the run in 36 minutes. The second winner, Henry Togum, was from Kenya. The third runner was Kishore Jadhav, and the fourth and fifth place runners were Anuj Kumar and Ganesh Jadhva.
The first female runner was International Runner Swati Gadhave, while the second and third female runners were Prajakta Godebole and Swati Wanawade. The fourth and fifth place runners were Stola Kighan from Kenya and Nayan Kiradak from Pune.
This event was of a special significance as June 23rd, 2019, is celebrated as International Olympic Day for the promotion of participation of people in sports all across the world. Additionally, June 21st is declared as International Yoga Day by the United Nations General Assembly. Also, Brahma Kumari Jagdamba Saraswati (popularly known as ‘Mamma’), the first administrative head of the Brahma Kumaris, attained spiritual perfection and left her mortal coil on June 24th 1965. It is in her remembrance that the retreat centre ‘Jagdamba Bhawan’ was constructed and has been serving thousands of individuals since January 2018.
