Darjeeling joins battle against breast cancer

Townsfolk today witnessed the first-ever MEGA PINK marathon, an initiative to fight breast cancer launched by model-turned-actor and social worker Milind Soman.

More than 100 runners, mostly school children, were seen early in the cold winter morning running from Dali Gumba to Chowrastha.

MARG (Mankind in Action for Rural Growth), who is supporting ‘We Run’, a core group of girl child runners, had organised the marathon on Soman’s request.

“We all ran for our mothers, daughters, sisters and female friends to let them know we care and to never give up. It was a surprise that so many people participated in the run,” said MARG member Nirnay John Chhetri.

More than 160 female and male students participated in the run that was held simultaneously across 40 cities under the MEGA PINK banner. Not only school and college students, but teachers, NGOs, media persons as well as elderly citizens participated in the run that was flagged off by district welfare officer Dawa Phinjo in the presence of Darjeeling Municipality chairman Amar Singh Rai.

At the run’s culminating point in Chowrastha, an all girl’s pipe band from St. Philomena’s School in Kalimpong mesmerised the gathering with soulful tunes.

In the female category, Stella Rai from St. Teresa’s Girls Higher Secondary School, who is a member of WE RUN, took the first position, Teresa Gurung from St. Michael’s Higher Secondary School bagged the second spot, while Poonam Prasad from Municipal Girl’s High School stood third. Incidentally, Poonam is also the ambassador for MEGAPINK-Darjeeling besides being a WE RUN member.

In the male category, Joseph Chettri of St. Michael’s High School Singamari stood first, Angphu Dorjee Sherpa from St. Joseph’s School came second and Rahul Rai from Gyanoday Niketan bagged the third position.

Prizes comprised gift coupons sponsored by Glenary’s Confectionery, The Park, Keventers, Chopstick Restaurant and Off Roads. The event was supported by Hotel Cedar Inn, Darjeeling Municipality, Darjeeling En-fielders Club and Renaissance Photography Club with active support of the Darjeeling Press Guild (DPG).

“MARG has done a commendable job by organising this event in Darjeeling. For me it was a memorable experience to run along with children and be part of an event that is close to my heart,” said Vikram Rai, a DPG member.

The organisers also released more than 200 pink coloured hydrogen balloons carrying the legends ‘MEGAPINK-Darjeeling’ and ‘NEVER GIVE UP’.(EOIC)