Hyderabad: Arts College, Osmania University, the epicenter of the Telangana agitation, for a change, witnessed an event of a different kind here today when over 10,000 people participated in the Centenary Run flagged off by OU Vice-Chancellor Prof. S. Ramachandram.
Even as pro Telangana songs echoed the campus and the early morning rays of the sun kissed the College, the pink granite structure, a sea of humanity sporting white t-shirts and caps converged in front of college and waited for the word “go.”
They jogged their way on the University Road, crossed the Law College, Women’s hostel and touched the Engineering College. Later, they returned from the NCC gate. Earlier, tri-colour balloons were released to mark the occasion.
The University had made elaborate arrangements for the event as Governor ESL Narasimhan was to inaugurate the event. The precincts of the Arts College wore a festive look with colourful flags and buntings. Drinking water and snacks were distributed at select places along the route.
A posse of policemen was posted at different places .Local traffic was diverted to make way for the joggers and parking slots were clearly earmarked. Stalls were setup enroute to the NCC gate to provide drinking water and refreshments.
Participants included students from the university and affiliated colleges, Teaching and Non Teaching Staff, alumni and joggers from the neighbourhood. Around 200 NSS volunteers, 500 NCC cadets and 150 Sports officials from different colleges were present to ensure an incident free event.
Members of 14 organisations, including the faculty, non teaching staff, research scholars, students, alumni, NSS, and NCC, former Vice-Chancellors, and Vice-Chancellors of other Universities in Telangana were also present.
Sports officials from the Sports Authority of India, physical instructors from affiliated colleges, medics were in attendance to meet any emergencies.
Yoga Instructor Aruna conducted a warm up session for the participants. Singer Balu and Kandhikonda who composed the Centenary song participated in the cultural programmes organized by the Physical Education Department of the University.
The proceedings were enlivened by the celebrities and singers. Police nixed the minor commotion when a group of students raised slogans demanding better facilities on campus.
Prof. Rathod Principal, College of Physical Education, Prof. Satyanarayana, Head, Department of Physical Education, Prof. Sunil, Director, Prof. Rajesh, Prof. Hashmi, Retired Principal, College of Physical Education, Prof. Shyam, Major Shiva Prasad, A. Venkateshwar Reddy President, Sports Authority of Telangana and all Physical Education Directors took part in coordinating this event.
Prof. Vishnu Dev, NSS Coordinator, Osmania University successfully coordinated the participation of 5000 NSS volunteers and 200 NCC cadets in the Run. Also the program officers and other officials of NSS participated in the Run. (INN)