Student power at Kharghar marathon

KHARGHAR: An overwhelming number of 2,573 students from different city colleges and Mumbai participated in Saraswati Education Society (SES) Marathon 2013 that was held on Tuesday in Kharghar to support the cause of women's safety and empowerment, along with student wellness. Even the heavy rains Though it was raining quite heavily in the morning, it in the morning could not dampen the spirits of the runners.
The run started late around 10 am from Kharghar gurudwara to Owe camp and back. The male runners covered a distance of 6 kms and the women traversed 4 kms. Nilam Rajput from a college in Uran bagged the first prize in the women's category while Paras Kumar won in the men's section. Apart from women safety issues.
Views on suicide, depression, drug addiction and rash driving affecting students were also addressed at the inaugural meet. A signature campaign, titled 'Nirbhaya' and a street play were held on September 12 at various city stations. "
A petition demanding more stringent punishment against rape has been drafted to be submitted to the state authority. The day-long campaign yielded over 5000 signatures," said Swapnil Shivtarkar, president of the college Rotaract Club. A self-defence workshop for collegians and the faculty was conducted on September 16 with more than 200 girls taking part.
Mayor Sagar Naik and Vijay Patil, DCP (Traffic) were present along with other guests.