Kranti Daud - A dream come true

Kranti Daud – The Finish

Hundreds of students along with degree college teachers, junior college teachers, non-teaching staff of Vedanta College gathered near Powai Chowk at Ulhasnagar – 3 to welcome the Running warriors of Vedanta College who were on the verge of completion of the historic 165kms run from Raigad Fort to Vedanta College. The run started at 6pm from Raigad Fort, continued for the entire night and reached the College at 9am. These 15 hours of hardwork deserved such a warm welcome

 

The Plan – The beginning:

 The idea of Kranti Daud was proposed by Shivraj Bennurkar Sir while the Academic Calendar for 2022-23 was being made. The date was chosen as 15^th August, 2023 and the plan was to start the run after the flag hoisting was completed at the college premises and reach Raigad Fort by evening. When this plan was presented to Principal madam, she was a bit apprehensive regarding the same especially with respect to the road safety. However, since I had done relay runs earlier, I knew the things to be considered for this run. After a series of meeting, we realized that covering a distance of 165kms would take 14-15 hours and reaching Raigad fort would be impossible during the same day. The plan was then revised to start the run from Raigad Fort on 14^th August, 2022 evening and reach Vedanta College on 15^th August, 2022 morning for the flag hoisting. Initially the plan was to dedicate this run for “Save the soil” movement. With rounds of talks, we finally dedicated this run to #Harghartirangaa awareness as expressed by our honourable Prime Minister – Shri Narendra Modiji.

 The Recce:

 For any run to be successful, a preliminary run is very important. A team of 5 students accompanied by Shivraj sir set for Route recce on 7^th August, 2022. They carefully analysed the inclines and made a proper report. This decided to allot slots for the runners who will be running based on their strengths. Also factors like hill running, night running were decided. Before this recce, a time trial was conducted for all those who were interested to be a part of this historic run. 20 students with best timings were selected for this run. Though only 13 students were to be selected as myself and Shivraj run had planned to be a part of the running contingent. The other runners would double up as a volunteer or a back up runner, in case someone was unable to join on the d-day. Everything was set technically.

The ‘M’ Challenge:

The plan was set. The runners were selected. Many rounds of meetings happened on and off the campus to convert this dream into reality. Many challenges arose but they were addressed as well. However, one challenge which was always persisting was the cost of the run. The college management had promised a particular amount for every event to be conducted, but that was going to fall short for this project. We had to find sponsors for make this run possible. The major expenses which were shortlisted were Jersery’s for the run, travel arrangements, water, and food expenses. All basics but still needed funds. Everyone swung into action. The sports committee came up with the beautiful idea of crowd funding from students of college, they could successfully collect some amount but it fell short of the total requirement. The teachers of the college were involved too in this fund raising. My good friend, Mr. Alan D’Abreo, Nature Trust (CEO) promised to sponsor for the t-shirt and a few of my running friends contributed at personal level. The run seemed possible with these worthy contributions.

The D-Day – 14^th August, 2022

The entire squad assembled at 5am in the college on 14^th August, 2022. A checklist of items to be carried and people present and we set off. A few Photographs to make the day memorable was clicked. We were happily surprised when our admin executive, Ms. Sakshi Bhavsar agreed to be a part of the contingent as support staff.

Raigad Fort:

Journey is more beautiful than the destination…. Our journey towards Raigad started at around 6am. Four Bikes and a 20 seater bus was booked for travel. The journey was fun with songs and dances inside the bus. A short breakfast break enroute and we reached Raigad fort base village by 12:15pm. First we took 'darshan' of Mother Jijamata and then we trekked the Fort to seek the blessings of the great Maratha Warrior – Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. It rained in between but our spirits were high. Everyone ascended the fort, took blessings of the Maratha king, and were inspired to achieve their task of relay run. This place is an emotion and full of positive vibes. Anyone who visits the Maharaj’s Samadhi feels rejuvenated.

The Kranti Daud:

The run started from the foothills of Raigad fort. The flag was handed over by myself, Shivraj sir and Sakshi madam to Samiksha, the first runner. The run started at sharp 6pm, everyone gave their best when it came to running. The run was non-stop for 15 hours and ended at 9:00am on 15^th August, 2022.

The Changeover:

Every runner had to handover the flag and the Garmin watch to the subsequent runner. This ensured that the relay run was happening on ground level throughout the 15 hours. The first 16 slots were planned 2.5kms as majority of this patch was hill run, thereafter the slots were 5km each. Every time the runner changed, the garmin and the flag changed hands as well.

 

The Volunteers:

This run could not have been possible without these angel volunteers. They were all there throughout the night cheering, providing water, making adjustments, and riding safely throughout the run. Hats off to these 10 volunteers and Sakshi madam who sticked alongside to make this run happen, turn the dreams into reality. They checked everyone got what they needed, but never were worried that they were getting drenched, feeling sleepy, they were fatigued. The worst part is the cameraman forgot to click their images during action. Such a selfless act!!! Hats off guys to each one of you.

  

The Welcome:

As all runners reached last leg of the run, 4 selected runners were given privilege to run together. 2 fast runners from degree college, 1 runner from Junior college and 1 female runner formed the last squad representing the entire team. As the team covered 3kms, Shivraj sir and myself ran the remaining distance. As we reached Powai huge, a sea of people including Principal madam, all teaching-non teaching staff and around 200 students of Vedanta college welcomed by a huge clap.

 

Independence Day Celebrations:

Before we reached, the Flag hoisting had been done and cultural programs were being conducted. As the running team entered the college, we got a warm welcome with media team waiting for us. One student of SYBAF welcomed the runners in a traditional way by putting ‘Tilak’ and showering petals on all of us. This was a very touching moment for all of us. Our Principal madam showered words of praises for the entire running contingent and congratulated each one of them. As a mark of accomplishment of task, we handed over the flags to Principal madam.

My Experience:

As far as running was concerned, I knew I was the weakest link in the group (slowest runner) but when it came to management of the run, I was the best. The reason I was a part of the team was my event management qualities. When we consider the average pace of students was around 5:40mins per km or even lesser, my average pace was 7mins per km. I ran 4 slots in total - 2 slots of 2.5kms, 1 slot of 5km and the last leg of 2.5kms. It was a satisfying run for me personally. I express my gratitude to all the fellow runners for adjusting me and making me a part of this wonderful team. After completing my run, I doubled up as a volunteer (driver) and gave the much needed rest to the existing drivers. 

Gratitude:

Every event teaches you many things and one real learning for all of us at Kranti Daud was the importance of Team Work. There were hundreds of invisible hands which has played a pivotal role in successful completion of this event. Right from planning of the event to handing over the flag, we had immense support from every corner. A few of my runner friends gave me the Garmin watch, the head light for runners, financial help which was very important for conduct of this run. The Vedanta Foundation and our Principal madam who gave us unconditional support for implementing our plans. The students and teachers who contributed for the event selflessly. The driver of our van, though frustrated, did not express in words or action that he was not enjoying this ride. I take this opportunity to thank each one of them and express my apologies, if I failed to mention any person’s name in particular. Gratitude to all!!!

The Squad