Sachin Tendulkar’s planned jog in front of the Secretariat as part of the Run Kerala Run event on Tuesday might not have gone off as expected, thanks to the crowd that surged in and choked the space, but his presence there inspired thousands of others in different parts of the city to run for the cause of a successful National Games.
From film stars to software engineers to the little residents of the child welfare council’s home and students of various schools took part spiritedly in the run simultaneously, resisting a pull to sprint to the Secretariat to catch a glimpse of the legend.
The children of the Kerala State Child Welfare Council’s home in the city came out in the morning dressed in white. Holding the hands of the caretaking staff, the children from three to five years of age, ran from Swathi Thirunal Music College to Government Arts College.
The cabinet officers and staff of the territorial headquarters, training college, Salvation Army Higher Secondary School, boys home, girls home, and Red Shield Guest House Staff of the Salvation Army participated in the Run Kerala Run, led by Corps Commanding Officer Charles C. David at the Kowdiar Square. One of the highlights was a performance by the boys and girls with their tambourines.
Another parallel run of the members of the film fraternity too took place at Kowdiar. Among those who took part were film-maker Shaji Kailas, actors Maniyan Pillai Raju, Menaka and others.
At the Technopark, the staff of various companies came out in large numbers to take part in the run. While one group concluded the run inside the park gates, another group continued until Kazhakuttam Junction, where another run by the local people and students was also being held.
The students and faculty members of the Asian School of Business also took part in the campaign by running from Kaniyapuram to the campus.
