Sri Vijaya Puram, June 14: As part of the nationwide Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA), the Integrated Rehabilitation Centre for Addicts (IRCA), ICDS (Tribal Project), Nicobar under Directorate of Social Welfare in collaboration with the District Administration, Nicobar organized an 8-km marathon from HQ Edward Kutchat Park to Kinuyka Fire Station and back. The marathon was conducted under the theme “Say No to Jung (Junglee Sharab), Choose Life, Choose Freedom,” given by the District Administration, Nicobar. The event was organized to promote a healthy, drug-free society and to create awareness among youth and the community about the harmful effects of substance abuse while encouraging fitness, positive lifestyles, and social responsibility.
Mr. Amit Kale, IAS, Deputy Commissioner, Nicobar District and Chairperson, IRCA, as the chief guest flagged off the marathon from Edward Kutchat Park. Mr. Rahul L. Nair, IPS, Superintendent of Police, Nicobar District, was the guest of honour.
The event which witnessed enthusiastic participation from students, youth, officials, sportspersons, and members of the local community was also attended by Dr. Naveen Kumar, Assistant Commissioner, Nicobar, members of the Tribal Councils of Car Nicobar, and dignitaries from various departments.
The marathon was conducted in separate categories for men and women. In the men’s category, Mr. Sumit Das (SAI) secured the first position, followed by Mr. Amit Ekka (SAI) in second place and Mr. Sydney Enock (ITI, Car Nicobar) in third place, while Mr. Gaurav Kumar (ITI, Car Nicobar) received the consolation prize. In the women’s category, Ms. Janki (SAI) secured the first position, followed by Ms. Shamiksha (SAI) in second place and Ms. Mohini of Kinuyka Village in third place, while Ms. Gloria Malacca Village received the consolation prize.
The winners were awarded cash prizes and trophies. The prizes were distributed by Mr. Rahul L. Nair, IPS, SP, Nicobar District, and Dr. Naveen Kumar, AC (HQ), Car Nicobar.
Earlier, Mr. Tanesh Indwar, Project Coordinator, IRCA Nicobar, welcomed the gathering while the vote of thanks was proposed by Mrs. Sheela Kar, CDPO, ICDS (Tribal Project), Car Nicobar.
As part of the continuing activities under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA) in Nicobar District, a series of awareness programmes will be conducting in the coming days, including the screening of short films on “Nasha Mukt Nicobar” and “Nasha Mukt Bharat,” awareness sessions on substance abuse prevention, capacity-building programmes, Nukkad Natak (street plays), banner and poster display, community outreach activities, Table Tennis tournament.
