New Delhi: As part of its efforts to promote women-led development and strengthen citizen participation in the vision of a ‘Developed India’ (Viksit Bharat), the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports announced a nationwide “Nari Shakti Vandan Run” on April 17 and 18 in seven major cities, including Cuttack in Odisha.
The event, centred on the theme Nari Shakti Bandan, will also be held in Delhi, Patna, Mumbai, Indore, Bengaluru, and Jaipur. The runs in Patna and Jaipur are scheduled for April 17, and in the remaining cities on April 18.
According to an official release, the programme will begin with participant registration in the early morning, followed by an inaugural session featuring the felicitation of distinguished personalities, an address by the chief guest, and the administration of the ‘Nari Shakti’ pledge. A run of approximately 2 to 3 km will then be organised at prominent public locations in each city. The event will conclude with the distribution of certificates to participants.
The initiative aims to ensure large-scale participation by women from diverse backgrounds, including students, professionals, entrepreneurs, sportspersons, and members of civil society.
It further stated that participation is being facilitated through My Bharat, the National Service Scheme (NSS), the Sports Authority of India (SAI), and other partner organisations.
The event is being organised coinciding with the special session of Parliament scheduled, during which important discussions on women’s representation and the delimitation process will take place. It seeks to generate widespread national awareness and engagement on women’s participation in governance and democratic processes, in alignment with the broader discourse on inclusive representation, it added.