Lucknow: As the first light of dawn brushed the skyline of Vrindavan Yojna, Lucknow woke up not just to another Sunday morning, but to the rhythm of running feet and the beating hearts of thousands determined to make a difference. The city, steeped in its Ganga-Jamuni tehzeeb, came together in a rare display of unity and purpose for ‘Amity Bhaag India – Race for Girl Child Education’, an initiative of Amitasha in collaboration with Amity International Schools.
The theme “Run for Her Right to Learn” echoed across the streets as participants — from schoolchildren to senior citizens, professionals to homemakers — took to the tracks. For them, each stride was more than a physical act; it was a symbolic push against inequality, a pledge to uplift underprivileged girls through the power of education.
The Flag-Off: A Morning of Inspiration
At precisely 5:30 AM, the marathon was flagged off from Amity International School, Vrindavan Yojna. The sight was breathtaking: thousands of runners stretching, warming up, and readying themselves, many wearing slogans and badges that read “Let Her Learn, Let Her Lead.”
The flag-off ceremony was graced by Dr. Anil Vashishth, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Amity University Lucknow, alongside Wing Commander Dr. Anil Kumar Tiwari, Deputy Pro VC, Dr. Rajesh Tiwari, Dean Academics, and convener Ruchika Krishnani. Their presence underscored the commitment of the Amity fraternity to not just academic excellence, but also to social empowerment.
A Gathering of Dignitaries
The event drew eminent personalities from across diverse walks of life. Among them were Gaurav Prakash, Chairman, MSME Confederation; Dr. T. Damodaran, Director, Central Institute of Sub-tropical Horticulture; V. P. Sharma, Chief Scientist, CSIR-IITR; Dr. Arun K. Srivastava, Senior Surgeon, SGPGI Lucknow; and Anil Vashishth, Pro VC, Amity University Lucknow.
Civic leaders, police officials, educationists, social workers, and celebrated authors added weight to the occasion. The presence of Dr. Madhu Chaturvedi, cancer survivor and social worker, and Alka Pramod, award-winning children’s author, brought emotional resonance to the cause, reminding all that resilience and determination can transform lives.
Amitasha: A Dream for Every Girl
At the heart of this marathon was Amitasha, a project born out of the vision of Dr. (Mrs.) Amita Chauhan, Chairperson, Amity Group of Schools. What began in 2000 with just 35 girls has now blossomed into three schools across Delhi/NCR, where over 1000 underprivileged girls receive free education, meals, books, uniforms, and healthcare.
Beyond academics, Amitasha nurtures its students with vocational training, cultural platforms, and global exposure. The resounding success of its alumni in board examinations and careers stands as proof that, with the right support, every girl child can rise to her fullest potential.
The Race and the Runners
Two categories — 3 km and 5 km — made the marathon inclusive for all age groups. The atmosphere was festive yet purposeful. Families ran together, young children sprinted ahead with enthusiasm, while senior citizens walked with quiet determination. Hand-painted posters, cheering squads, and volunteers lining the route infused the morning with energy.
Cash prizes were awarded to the winners, but the true triumph lay not in crossing the finish line, but in reinforcing the message: education is every girl’s right, not a privilege.
Voices from the Track
For 16-year-old Radhika, a student participant, the run was deeply personal. “My house help’s daughter studies in Amitasha. Seeing her learn and dream big inspires me. Today I ran for her and for thousands like her,” she said, breathless but smiling after finishing the 5 km race.
Parents and teachers echoed similar sentiments, highlighting how such initiatives not only spread awareness but also sow seeds of empathy among the younger generation.
A City’s Commitment to Change
Lucknow has long been known for its cultural richness, but events like Amity Bhaag India reveal another facet of the city — its ability to come together for progressive change. The marathon did more than raise awareness; it created a movement, a collective push towards building an India where no girl is denied the opportunity to learn.
Conclusion: Running Towards Hope
As the morning sun grew brighter and participants dispersed with medals, certificates, and memories, one message lingered — the run was only a beginning. The real race continues until every girl child in India receives the education she deserves.
With Amity Bhaag India – Race for Girl Child Education, Amity has not only carried forward the dream of Amitasha but has also mobilized a city to believe in a shared vision: an empowered, educated future where every girl runs her own race with dignity and determination.
