The serene environs of the City Beautiful's Capitol Complex and Lake Club early Sunday morning mirrored the palpable enthusiasm and excitement of budding fitness freaks and nature lovers who took part in the Kids Green Run and Bird Watching Workshop respectively. The two events, held with the explicit aim to inculcate and disseminate the message of environment protection and conservation were part of the exciting series of events being sculpted in the run-up to the 3rd essay of Military Literature Festival, to be held in the city from December 13 to 15.The Military Literature Festival is a joint initiative pioneered by the Punjab Government, led by Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh, and the Chandigarh Administration led by V P Singh Badnore, in collaboration with the Indian Army.The Kids Green Run, which was open to children of 5 to 18 years age bracket, witnessed infectious enthusiasm and gusto in over 550 students of different city schools taking over the mantle to save mother earth on their tiny yet formidable shoulders. Bringing out the joy of running in the lap of nature, the young crusaders sprightly dressed in green teas amplified the urgent need to rid our planet off plastic waste. The Run was thoughtfully designed encouraging participants to adopt Eco friendly ways in day to day life besides urging them to reach the venue on a cycle or car pool as much as they could.The other attraction of the day, the Bird Watching Workshop saw around 250 nature enthusiasts explore the joy of unearthing fascinating world of over 400 winged birds species.
Guided by eminent group of expert birders, the twelve teams fanned across the city introducing themselves to diverse bird life across various habitats.Carefully crafted to initiate a deeper nature connect in times of evident climate change, the guide tour aimed to realign participants with natural environment besides fostering awareness and love for natural places through bird watching. Succeeding in its endeavour, the workshop invoked them to adopt empathetic attitudes towards these vital organs of nature chain to ensure sustainable future for all.Earlier, the run was flagged off by member organising committee Komal Chaddha. Complementing the participants Chief Guest Chandigarh UT DGP Sanjay Benipal urged them to imbibe the culture of fitness and environment protection a part of their lifestyle.Director Principal YPS Major General (Retd.) TPS Waraich gave away the prizes to the winners with a word of appreciation for their wholehearted efforts. Chairman PESCO Major General A P Singh handed over the certificates to participants of the Bird Watching event.In the 10 KMs Male (10-15 years) category run, Daivik Shamra with bib number 1016 breached the finishing line first clocking 42:00 Minutes leaving behind Sushil and Gursagar who finished second and third respectively. Ayushi with bib number 1001 clinched the pole position in the female 10 KMs category.Shivam and Soumya Bhardawaj were adjudged winners in the 5 KMs (upto 12 years) bracket with Akshat Sidhu and Vandana taking the first positions in 13-15 years slots. Ashtha Sharma and Dixit Yadav won the 16-18 years competitions. In other prizes to be won, Ram Nivas, Gagan, Saurabh, Dixit Yadav and Navneet got bicycles in the overall fastest category. Today's events will lead towards a spate of engaging encounters to be held in city, including much awaited another essay of two day Military Carnival kicking off from November 30, followed by Bravehearts Motorcycle Ride on December 7 and more. All the participants were awarded certificates and enjoyed refreshments after completion of events.