Tribute to Rani Laxmibai Through Marathon

New Delhi: Remembering the patriotism, courage and heroism of Rani Laxmibai, Delhi unit of the Rashtra Sevika Samiti organised a Marathon on November 24. Named as ‘Manikarnika’, the marathon was a tribute to Lakshmibai who has been a guiding light for all Indians almost for the last two centuries. “She was a hero of the first war of Independence and fought many battles against the British courageously. She was just twenty-three when she died fighting in a battle,” said Sushri Vijaya, Delhi Prant Pracharika of the Samiti while addressing the young girls who participated in the marathon.

The event was attended by Sushri Tina Sharma (bodybuilder) as chief guest and special guests including president of Yashoda Hospital Dr Upasana Arora, president of AIIMS Dr Tanuja Jain, NITI Aayog member Bindu Dalmia, biker and weightlifter Raj Laxmi Munda, NCC instructor Lt Manju, wrestler Bibi Bulbul, mountaineer Santos Yadav, Dr Rajni Sareen, Smt Asha Sharma, Radha Mehta, advocate Monika Arora. More than 2000 young girls participated in the 4.8 km long marathon. First 45 girls who completed the marathon in time were awarded gold, silver and bronze respectively and Rs 500 each.

Rashtra Sevika Samiti is the largest women organisation upholding Indian culture, values and traditions. It has 4356 Shakas in 546 districts and more than three lakh Sevikas actively involved in socio-cultural activities. Samiti also runs more than 855 service projects all over the country for the underprivileged. It is also undertaking several projects in tribal and Naxal-affected areas for violence-hit underprivileged girls. Samiti transforms their lives by empowering them.