 Santosh Rai |
For most of us, Saturday mornings means sleeping in late but for the people of Dharan, it's a different story. For the past 51 weeks, Dharanes have been gathering at Yalamber Park; participating in a run titled 'Dharan run' which takes place every Saturday at 7am. There is no waiting for anyone, no dilly-dallying. At the blow of the whistle, each participant starts their jog and there is no looking back. But unlike regular jogging, 'Dharan run' is much more than just a group of people running together. It is an initiative taken by Santosh Rai, a resident of UK, originally from Dharan, to make people aware of their health.
 Manish Tamang |
Rai was encouraged and inspired to start the run by his daughter Newa, who was sick and required major operations to get better. To show his gratitude to Great Ormond Street Children Hospital, which treated Newa, Rai took part in a prestigious British 10K race, raising 500 pounds. It was his work manager, Kevin Stone, who told him about Park Run. After a year of participating in the run, he noticed he was physically healthier and mentally fitter. This is how he got the idea to start the Dharan Run. "It is my way of giving back to my country," he tells us in an email interview. The whole purpose behind organizing the run Rai says "is to create an awareness regarding taking care of one's health to prevent diseases."
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In Rai's absence, it is Manish Tamang, 29, who coordinates the Saturday Runs and looks after Newa Fundraising Shop in Bhanu Chowk, Dharan. The shop sells clothing as well as other household items donated by Nepalis living abroad (UK, Hong Kong, Brunei) at very low prices. The fund collected is used for the run as well as to help other organizations that work towards social causes. "I am very happy doing my share of the work. Usually, we just see foreigners helping Nepalis but in this case we are helping one another," Tamang says with a sense of gratification. Not only is this a charitable cause, it is, as Santosh puts it, "implementing the 3 Rs – Reduce, Reuse and Recycle." During the runs, people are also made aware about different environmental causes and encouraged to adopt a more eco-friendly lifestyle.
Dharan Run and Newa Fundraising Shop have been well received by Dharanes. The support and help that have been pouring in has encouraged both Tamang and Rai to continue. While more than 1000 people have registered for the Dharan Run, there are more than 140 regulars who show up each Saturday to run for a healthier life.. Till date, the Saturday runs, Newa Fundraising Shop and donations from well wishers have totaled to 9 lakhs. Dharan Run also organizes a monthly free health camp. Dharan Run has encouraged others to follow suit. Lalitpur Run, which was inspired by Dharan Run, has now completed its 8th week. In Kathmandu, Sency Fashion House in Kumaripati supports the cause by selling the donated goods.
