'18-km marathon to create awareness on voting'

To create awareness on poll issues and increase voting percentage in DK Lok Sabha constituency (which is going to polls on April 18), the district Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) committee will organise an 18-km marathon in Mangaluru on March 31.

Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, SVEEP Chairman and ZP CEO R Selvamani said that the marathon was for all people aged above 16 years.

“Those aged below 16 years will take part in a 6-km run/walk. It is an attempt to remind voters the day of the election. The run/walk will be flagged off from Mangala Stadium at 7 am,” he added.

Two runs

The 6-km marathon will pass through Mangala Stadium-Mannagudda Road-Newchitra, Carstreet, Mangaluru Central Market, Hampankatte-PVS Circle-Ballalbagh-Lalbagh-Divyadeepa Towers-Mangala Stadium.

The 18-km marathon will pass through Mannagudda-New Chitra-Carstreet-Sharavu Temple-KS Rao Road-Navbharath Circle-PVS Circle-Selma Arcade-Kadri Temple Road-Bejai-KSRTC-Lalbagh Circle-Panchami Complex-Kapikad-Daddalakadu-Urwastore-Ashok Nagara, Urwa Market-Ladyhill-Mangala Stadium.

Cash prizes

Banks and other sponsors have come forward to participate in the run, Selvamani said adding that the winners would receive attractive cash prizes. He did not, however, disclose the prize amount and added that the event was open to all.

The slogan for the run is: “Mathadanada Kadege Namma Nade 2019” (Our walk is towards voting). Educational institutions would take an active part in this SVEEP initiative, he added.

The marathon was jointly organised by Dakshina Kannada district administration, DK Zilla Panchayat, Mangaluru City Corporation, department of youth empowerment and sports and Nehru Yuva Kendra.

MCC Commissioner Mohammed Nazeer said that for those who cannot run, the committee had organised a walk for a shorter distance.

Rangoli contest

The SVEEP committee would also organise a rangoli, drawing and photography contest on the theme of election and democracy at Town Hall on April 4. Rangoli and drawing will be organised for women and senior citizens. A photography contest open to all would be held.

To a query on the boycott of polls threatened by a few villagers, Selvamani said that officials had visited such villages and assured that their demands would be met. “They have withdrawn their protest and will vote in the polls,” he added.

Registration

Those interested in participating in the event may contact the Deputy Director, Department of Youth Empowerment and Sports, Dakshina Kannada, Mangala Stadium, Mangaluru on or before March 29.

The email is [e-mail]. The participants should report to the venue by 6.30 am on March 31.

Details can be had by calling on 0824-2451264 or 9480146144.