Chhattisgarh celebrated the completion of two years of Bhupesh Baghel-led state government by participating in the virtual marathon campaign. More than one lakh people hailing from 28 districts took part in the virtual race. The Chief Minister Baghel also took part in the event.
The allocated time for the marathon was set from 6 am till 11 am, but the enthusiasm filled statesman continued the marathon even after the deadline had passed. It was organised by the Sports and Youth Welfare and Public Relations Department of the state. Unlike the commonly held marathon, participants in this virtual marathon had to upload their running photos or videos on social media.
The theme of the event was — Baat Hai Abhiman Kee, Chhattisgarh Ke Swabhimaan Kee.
Approximately 71,000 people registered to participate in the event but by 11 am more than one lakh people joined the campaign. Baghel uploaded his photos on social media while sporting a special t-shirt. He said that the entire state and its zeal is running with me. He motivated others to run as well.
The Food Minister Amarjeet Bhagat, School Education Minister Dr Premsai Singh Tekam, Forest Minister Mohammad Akbar, Women and Child Development Minister Anila Bhedia, Excise Minister Kavasi Lakhma, Rajya Sabha MP Chhaya Verma, Raipur (Rural) MLA Satyanarayana Sharma, Raipur Mayor Ejaz Dhebar and many other public representatives attended the event and participated with enthusiasm.
Several bureaucrats including Chief Secretary Amitabh Jain and Director General of Police DM Avasthi, Additional Chief Secretary Subrat Sahu, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Rakesh Chaturvedi and Secretary to Chief Minister Siddharth Komal Singh Pardeshi also took part in the campaign. People from all age groups, gender and diverse sections of society participated in the campaign and made it a huge success. Women, children, old-aged and elderly people uploaded their pictures on social media with the #RunwithChhattisgarh hashtag.