Freedom Run for Underprivileged Indians
As part of the 8th Festival of India (FOI) and India's 57th Independence Day celebrations, the IACA and Asha for Education organized a Freedom Walk/Run at the Georgia Institute of Technology on August 15. This was the first time for such an event to be included in the FOI.
In spite of an early morning start, over 50 people displayed patriotism and drive to participate in the event. The run kicked-off at 7:30 a.m. from the Student Center Campanile. Ranging from students wanting to test their running skills to working professionals taking a power walk ? the participants charged ahead for a noble cause.
Volunteers along the route cheered and directed the runners along a five km route that snaked through the campus. The best male runner was Deena Bhandu from Marietta who finished in a little over 18 minutes. Diane Dutcher bagged the best female runner prize finishing in just under 28 minutes Refreshments awaited the participants at the finish line.
All funds raised from the event will benefit Asha projects in India. Asha is a non-profit organization with more than 51 chapters in the US. It works closely with NGOs and other support groups in India to catalyze socioeconomic change primarily through the medium of education. The organization is committed to empowering underprivileged women and children in India through education, health care, social justice and equal opportunity in their daily lives. For information on Asha for, visit: www.ashanet.org/atlanta or email: ashaatlanta@yahoo.com.
-Gaurav Bakshi
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