DU Viksit Bharat Run 2024: Over 5000 Students Participate, Celebrities Arrive in Support

Content Curator | Updated On - May 12, 2024

DU organized a running event for voting awareness and increased voter participation among the students. The run took place on May 08 from 7 AM onwards as a part of the ‘Viksit Bharat’ initiative.

DU Viksit Bharat Run 2024

New Delhi: Delhi University recently organized a ‘Run for Viksit Bharat’ event to encourage voter turnout on May 08, 2024. The event started at 7 AM, and over 5000 students ran for 2.5 km from Gate No. 1 of DU to the sports complex.

DU organized the event despite protests from teachers and some members of the Congress Party, who deemed it against the Model Code of Conduct and deemed it a propaganda event for the Bharatiya Janata Party.

The run was part of ‘Viksit Bharat’ program, which was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2023 as part of his to make India a fully developed nation by 2047. Actor Rajkumar Rao and badminton champion Saina Nehwal, both alumnae of DU, also visited the campus to show their support for the event and encourage DU students to vote during the ongoing Lok Sabha elections.

The run was initiated by DU Vic Chancellor Yogesh Singh and saw many students in the National Cadet Corps (NCC) and National Service Scheme (NSS) participate in the event. Speaking about the motive behind the event, Yogesh Singh said, “This run is for all the students to come forward and be aware of their rights and march towards the nation’s vikas by casting your vote. We must all contribute to Bharat moving forward and progressing. All students should vote and also motivate 10 others to vote so democracy is strengthened.”

Celebrities Address Students at DU Viksit Bharat 2024 Run

Rajkumar Road and Saina Nehwal Making an Appearance at the DU Viksit Bharat Run

Saina Nehwal addressed the crowd of students, saying, “This run is for us, for all out future…We all need to vote so the country may continue to develop. We are doing so well in every field, but I want us to work even harder to become one of the best countries by 2047. Vote and one day you may be number one in my field like me!” She also talked about the achievements of female athletes and the scope of sports for women.

Rajkumar Rao, who is the ambassador for the Election Commission of India, also addressed the students in a style similar to his movie Stree, starting with ‘Doston, pleej!’ He also encourages the students to vote. “When we reach 2047, we should have a ‘Viksit Bharat’. I appeal to all of you to go and cast your vote,” he said.

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