Scores of citizens, especially those aged above 50 years, participated enthusiastically in the Walk for life — from Gandhi Park to Clock Tower and back — organised by The Pioneer, Dehradun edition in association with Rajbhra Medicare Private limited here on Tuesday. Addressing the gathering as chief guest, State Medical Health and Family Welfare Minister Surendra Singh Negi complimented The Pioneer for organising the walk while stressing that improvement in the health of the public through healthful habits like walks would help improve the human resource of the nation.
Negi said that health is a major aspect of life upon which other aspects depend. "Activities like morning walks are important for maintaining good health. Improved health of the public will improve our human resource which in turn will boost national development," he said.
Speaking as the guest of honour, State Forests and Sports Minister Dinesh Aggarwal commended the organisers for an event that had sent a positive message to the public. Inculcating healthful habits like walking help a person face tough situations in a better way, he added. Rajpur Road MlA and parliamentary secretary Rajkumar stressed on the need for organising such events more often while Narendranagar MlA Subodh Uniyal said that people congregating to participate in the Walk for life was a sign of health awareness among citizens. Tharali MlA Prof Jeetram stressed on the importance of events that raise public awareness on health. Mussoorie MlA Ganesh Joshi and DIG, Garhwal Range, Sanjay Gunjyal were also present on the occasion.
Praveen Jolly came first in the walk, followed by JS Sachdeva and Manoj Kumar in the second the third positions respectively. The first, second and third position holders were presented cash prizes of Rs 10,000, Rs 5,000 and Rs 3,000 respectively. Speaking on the occasion, Uttaranchal Athletics Association chief coach Gurpul Singh said that those aged between 20 and 60 years tend to feel insecure about their level of physical fitness. Inculcating healthful habits like walking can help people become fitter and overcome such insecurity. Earlier, the edition's General Manager Mriganka Bhowmick welcomed the invited guests to the event. The programme anchor Kanchan Negi said that the event was also dedicated to the memory of policemen martyred in the line of duty. Rajbhra Medicare Private limited managing director Rajneesh Kashyap,
HelpAge India State head Dr Aapga Singh and UAA chairman KJS Kalsi were also among those present on the occasion. The event's title sponsors were ONGC, Uttaranchal Ayurvedic College and Himalaya Ayurvedic Medical College and Hospital, while State Agriculture Department, University of Energy and Petroleum Studies, life Insurance Corporation of India, Canara Bank, HelpAge India and Investcare were the co-sponsors. Dehradun edition's deputy chief of bureau Sunil Kumar proposed vote of thanks on the occasion.