Every Indian is a soldier: Former army officers and soldiers will run 1000 KM for the martyrs, will protect the country from external as well as internal enemies.
To pay tribute to the military officers and soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the country and to make people aware, about 18 retired military veterans led by Colonel Mandeep Singh Mann, Colonel Rajesh Dutta and Master Warrant Officer Sunil Kumar Sharma donated Rs. 1000 in 40 days. Kimi is determined to complete the historic ultra marathon. Out of this, he has also completed a race of more than 600 km. This ultra marathon will be completed in 5 stages (legs).
This ultra marathon started from Diu in Gujarat in the first week of March and will end in Kashmir in the second week of April. In the Kashmir leg, the marathon will start from Udhampur and end there. The special thing about this ultra marathon is that only retired military officers or soldiers are taking part in it. The age of every runner participating in this is more than 60 years.
After 60 years we will have to prepare ourselves again: Colonel Mandeep Singh Mann
Colonel Mandeep Singh Mann told Jansatta.com, ‘Apart from paying tribute to the soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the country, the aim of this marathon is also to give the message of a healthy and fit India. Also to connect with the border population and promote adventure tourism. The aim is to make retired people believe that such adventurous activities can be done even after the age of 60. At the age of 60, you should not consider yourself retired, but should prepare yourself again.
There is a special reason for choosing the border area
On the question of any special reason for choosing the border area for the ultra marathon, Colonel Mann said, ‘The border area is quite open. There is not much pollution there. There is not much traffic. Is open. If needed, we can also take help from our military brothers there. There is so much pollution and traffic in the cities that one has to face a lot of problems there.
Difficulties come, but they have to be overcome: Colonel Mandeep Singh Mann
Talking about the challenges faced during the marathon, Colonel Mann said, ‘Yes, there are problems because some people’s feet get swollen. Someone needs medical help. So all this happens, but it is not something that cannot be controlled. There were many people who were not able to complete the race, so we made them sit in the car.
Colonel Rajesh Dutta said, ‘This marathon gave me an opportunity to convey the message of ‘Every Indian is a soldier’ to the people. I believe that every Indian can protect the country and humanity not only from external threats, but also from internal enemies (corruption, pollution and other evils).
Colonel Mandeep Singh Mann, Colonel Rajesh Dutta and Master Warrant Officer SK Sharma will participate in all the legs of this ultra marathon, meaning all three will complete the 1000 kilometer race. Whereas, during the Gujarat leg, Major General Devendra Kapoor, Colonel PKS Ghumman, Dr. Sandhya Eleti completed the race of about 300 km. Due to paucity of time, the Major General could participate in the Gujarat leg only for two days. Colonel Suresh Rana and Major Manoj are also taking part in the race in the Rajasthan leg. Suresh Rana will also be a part of the Kashmir leg.
