Media Release
Mumbai, Oct 14: As every year, the Jalaja Charitable Foundation (Mumbai) organized the 8th annual Sardar Patel Run for Unity 2025 Marathon at Powai on October 12 to commemorate the birth anniversary of India’s “Iron Man” Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
With the motto “One Step Towards Building a Better World,” the marathon began early in the morning in front of DMart, City Park Building, Hiranandani, Powai. Jagdambika Pal, member of parliament from Domariyaganj constituency in Uttar Pradesh, inaugurated the event by lighting the ceremonial lamp and flagging off the marathon. He also addressed the participants with inspiring words and encouraged all the runners.
The marathon started from DMart, passed through Forest Park, Chitrarth Studio, Chandrabhan Sharma College, Meluha the Fern Ecotel Hotel, Samsung Smart Café, HE Center, BMC Nirvana Park, Kanakia Silicon Valley, and Central Avenue-completing a total distance of about 10 kilometres - and concluded back at the D-Mart venue.
Several dignitaries graced the event, including Rajya Sabha MP Satnam Singh Sandhu, MLA Sanjay Upadhyay (Borivali), UP minister Danish Azad Ansari, Mumbai BJP North Central District president Virendra Mhatre, industrialists, celebrities, and other prominent figures. Many participants from various NGOs for the differently abled, senior citizens, children, and fitness enthusiasts joined the unity run. About 5,000 participants took part in the marathon, which included 10 km and 5 km timed runs, and a 3 km Family Fun Run.
The valedictory function was held, during which Jalaja Foundation’s founder-president Adv. Jayaprakash Shetty, and trustees Prof Shilpa J Shetty, Mahesh Shetty Kalyanpur, and Sujata M Shetty Sood, along with other dignitaries, distributed prizes to the winners and congratulated them.
The event began with participant registrations at 5:30 am, followed by distribution of bibs and kits, a warm-up and Zumba session, line-up, and flag-off. The marathon proceeded according to the organizers’ rules and safety measures. Special arrangements, including wheelchairs, were made for senior citizens and those in need. Children under the age of seven participated joyfully alongside their parents. At the end, e-certificates and medals were distributed to all participants.
Adv. Jayaprakash Shetty delivered the welcome address. Pooja Yadav, Saurabh Ghosh, and Manoj Dubey introduced the guests and compered the programme. Mahesh Shetty Kalyanpur proposed a vote of thanks.