The Arunachal Pradesh University (APU) in Pasighat organised a 5.5-km mini marathon on September 13. The event formed part of the university’s month-long ‘Run for Vande Mataram @ 150’ celebrations.
The programme marked 150 years of Vande Mataram. The Ministry of Culture, Government of India, sponsors the wider celebration.
APU’s Department of Mass Communication organised the run. The university held the event as a prelude to a three-day grand finale scheduled from October 7 to 9, 2026.
The marathon began early in the morning. Participants gathered at Gandhi Chowk before the start of the race.
209 Participants Join the Run
The mini marathon attracted 209 participants from across East Siang district. Both male and female runners took part in the event.
Light rain did not stop the participants. The runners completed the 5.5-km route with enthusiasm and discipline.
The organisers designed the event to connect physical fitness with the wider message of the Vande Mataram@150 campaign. The programme also promoted community participation and social responsibility among young people.
The run began at 5:45 am from Gandhi Chowk. It ended at the main entrance of Arunachal Pradesh University.
The event also brought together university students, research scholars, faculty members, officials and local participants.
Kaling Moyong Flags Off the Marathon
Arunachal Pradesh BJP president Kaling Moyong flagged off the mini marathon. Representatives from the district administration, Pasighat civic bodies and other groups also attended the programme.
Moyong spoke about the historical role of Vande Mataram during India’s freedom struggle. He also paid tribute to the freedom fighters associated with the movement.
He highlighted the song’s continued relevance in discussions about nation-building. He also spoke about the role of young people in India’s development.
According to reports, Moyong urged the youth to use their potential to contribute to a self-reliant India.
The event therefore combined a sporting activity with a broader cultural and historical theme.
Winners Announced in Male and Female Categories
The organisers recorded separate results for male and female participants.
In the male category, runners carrying BIB numbers 76, 37 and 91 secured the first three positions. In the female category, BIB numbers 92, 177 and 216 finished among the top three.
The organisers will present cash prizes to the winners during the main Vande Mataram@150 programme on October 7.
All participants who completed the race will receive e-certificates.
The award ceremony will form part of the larger celebrations planned at the university campus.
APU Highlights Fitness and Healthy Living
APU Registrar Narmi Darang stressed the importance of physical fitness during the programme.
She said the university would continue to promote sports and wellness among students and faculty members. She also encouraged participants to make physical activity part of their daily lives.
The university linked the mini marathon with its broader focus on youth development. Fitness, discipline and community involvement remained key themes throughout the event.
The programme also encouraged young people to take part in activities beyond the university campus.
Darang invited participants to join the ‘Swachh Nadi, Swachh Bharat’ river cleanliness drive along the Siang on September 19. The drive will also form part of the Vande Mataram@150 celebrations.
NGO Trigonometry Supports the Event
APU conducted the marathon in collaboration with Itanagar-based NGO Trigonometry.
Members of the organisation, including Nun Pertin and Prem Camdir, encouraged young participants to focus on fitness, discipline and community service.
The event also received support from the university administration and local stakeholders. Faculty members, department heads, staff, research scholars and students participated in the programme.
The organisers thanked the district administration, Pasighat Press Club, university officials, volunteers and other groups for their support.
Their participation helped the university conduct the marathon despite the light rain.
More Events Planned Under Vande Mataram@150
The mini marathon represents only one part of APU’s month-long celebration.
The university has planned several other programmes across East Siang district. These include a river-cleaning campaign, a national seminar and cultural programmes.
The university will also organise art and craft activities, photography exhibitions and a plantation drive. Outreach programmes will also take place as part of the campaign.
The national seminar will focus on ‘Vande Mataram: Cultural, Historical and National Perspectives’. It will examine the song’s history and its place in India’s cultural and national narrative.
APU has already conducted literary and fine arts competitions under the same campaign. Around 160 students from East Siang district participated in painting, poster-making, essay writing, poetry writing and Vande Mataram singing competitions.
Grand Finale Scheduled for October
The Vande Mataram@150 celebrations at APU will reach their main phase in October.
The university has scheduled the three-day grand finale from October 7 to 9. The programme will bring together cultural, academic and community activities at the APU campus.
The university’s official website has also listed a notification for a two-day national seminar on 150 years of Vande Mataram, reflecting the academic component of the celebrations.
The celebrations aim to involve students and communities across East Siang. Through sports, cultural programmes, academic discussions and social initiatives, APU plans to create wider participation around the 150-year commemoration.
The Pasighat mini marathon has now set the pace for the upcoming programmes. It brought together hundreds of participants while placing fitness, youth participation and the historical significance of Vande Mataram at the centre of the event.