Open Marathon in Dharamshala Initiated by Health Department and World Health Day activities in Tibetan Settlements across India

Dharamshala: Every year April 7 is internationally observed as World Health Day and this year’s theme is ‘Health for all’. Through this initiation, the Department hoped to encourage everyone to take this marathon as a path towards healthier and happier life ahead.

World Health Day is celebrated on April 7 each year, and the theme for this year is “Health for everyone.” As per the theme, the Department of Health, CTA has organized an open marathon in Dharamshala from a parking lot near Tsuglakhang to TCV Upper with one round trip.

The purpose of this marathon is to raise awareness of the value of physical exercise in daily life. Most of us are occupied with a sedentary lifestyle which leads to various health complications like obesity, restricted mobility, heart disease, diabetes and others.

The day started with an opening remark by the Health Education officer Ms Tenzin Tashi which was followed by a welcome speech by the Department of Health, Additional Secretary Mr Jampa Phuntsok.  He also expressed gratitude to the funders USAID and the Tibet Fund, as well as to TSO, Dharamshala, and Delek Hospital for their assistance. The event would not have been possible without all of the participants and donors, he added.

Mr Jampa Phuntsok and Tibetan Settlement Officer, Mr Kunchok Migmar honoured the marathon by cutting the ribbon. Later on, the winners were awarded with a cash prize by Mr Jampa Phuntsok, Joint Secretary, Mrs Deckyi Dolkar and Mr Kunchok Migmar. To empower the women, the female participants were given lead time of two minutes.

There were 101 participants in total (71 male and 30 female) from different nationalities for the event.

For instance, Mr. Evegeni from Russia took first place with a time of 30 minutes, followed by Mr. Lobsang Tengyal, a Tibetan student, in second place with a time of 35 minutes, and Mr. Sahil Kumar, a local Indian citizen, in third place with 36 minutes. The following ten competitors got consolation prizes.

The oldest participant, Mr. Phurbu Tsering, age 55, and the youngest participant, Mr. Tenzin Jamchen Dorjee, age 11, both earned appreciation awards.

Likewise, six other settlements too have initiated similar marathons namely Bir, Odisha, Herbertpur, Bandhara, Hunsur and Bylkop. The remaining settlements have also carried out various health-related awareness activities as per their situations i.e cycling, football match, health camps, health awareness talks.

On April 7, 2023 the Department of Health hosted a panel discussion, on Tibet.tv with nutritionist Dr. Bianca-Maria as a guest panelist. The conversation focused on the relationship between nutrition, health, and how these interrelate. It was broadcast on several social media sites, including the Department’s Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube channels.

You can view the panel discussion by https://fb.watch/jLc8JHZgk6/?mibextid=qC1gEa

Open Marathon Participants, Dharamshala
Mr Evegini from Russia, first position holder in Dharamshala marathon
Top three winners, Dharamshala
Prizes holders , Dharamshala
Two minutes of lead time were given to women to empower, Dharamshala
Open Marathon in Bylakuppee
Free Medical camp in Delhi
Open Marathon in Bir
Health Awareness talk in Gangtok
Health Awareness talk in Kollegal
Open Marathon in Orissa
Cycling race in Mundgod
Foot ball match in Hunsur
Health awareness talk in Clementown