Dieticians, ambulances to accompany 81 runners on symbolic Dandi March
On the 91st anniversary of the Dandi march, the event will be recreated by 81 runners, to coincide with the number of participants in the 1930 march led by Mahatma Gandhi, who will be escorted by ambulances, dietitians and a vehicle that will transport other necessities of emergency. including hydration supplements, under the supervision of professional coaches from the Gujarat Sports Authority (SAG).
The march, along the 386 kilometer route of the Salt March from Sabarmati Ashram to the coastal town of Dandi, will be marked by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to kick off the celebrations of the 75th year of Independence, titled “Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav “. .
The list of 81 runners who will join the symbolic march includes doctors, businessmen, athletes, sports coaches and pharmaceutical executives, among others, all regular marathon runners. In addition, a list of coaches from various SAG sports academies has also been compiled.
“The plan is to cover around 20 km per day,” said a Gujarat government official. Government officials confirmed that various departments are involved in tour planning and logistics.
A senior official said: “There will be a coach assigned for a group of 10 people. They will guarantee the physical condition of the runners during the 25-day event. There will also be dietitians and physiotherapists, some of whom will also be participants ”.
There will also be reserve coaches to intervene if necessary. The march, which will pass through the villages of Kheda, Anand, Vadodara, Bharuch, Surat and Navsari, will have 21 stops. Authorities said the exact route map will be prepared as the march begins and the plan is “open to change.”
One official added: “It is going to take place right when the summer comes and therefore the need for experts along with runners is significant. There will be sufficient logistical support to ensure the supply of energy drinks, rehydration supplements, fruits and other essentials for the runners. The night stops will be almost daily, but in some sections, the group can also undertake some symbolic night walks ”.
On Tuesday, Chief Minister Vijay Rupani chaired a meeting to finalize the plan that includes broadcasting the flagging event by Prime Minister Modi on Friday, at 75 venues, including those related to Mahatma Gandhi, such as Dandi, Porbandar, Rajkot. , Bardoli and Vadodara. which will also host cultural programs with the theme of Independence Day.
In addition to government officials and ministers, opposition leader Paresh Dhanani, Sahitya Akademi President Vishnu Pandya, and Sabarmati Ashram Preservation and Memorial Trust (SAPMT) trustee Kartikeya Sarabhai participated in the meeting.
Dhanani told this document: “Congress will support the program that will be carried out in the state for 75 weeks to show an independent and united India.” He welcomed the initiative to remember the proud history of Gujarat, the land of Gandhi and Sardar, where the foundations of an independent and united India were laid.
A tourism official confirmed that the overnight stops will eventually become part of the Dandi Heritage Corridor Project planned to commemorate the Dandi Yatra. “There will be cabins with basic facilities at these night stops for the participants. Night stops along the route include Nadiad, Anand, Navsari and the Tapi river bank near Surat … There will be memorial stones at these places with Gandhi’s words engraved … A sidewalk will also be developed along of the route for people who want to join the march. ”
Last year, the Gujarat government launched an initiative to preserve about 100 trees along the route that became part of the Gandhi walk. “They are common trees like mango and banyan tree that were prominent on Gandhi’s journey during the freedom struggle. This symbolic event will help the project, ”said the tourism official.
(With input from ENS Gandhinagar)
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