Keeping in mind the decline in awareness of health amongst the affluent section of the society, RUN POWAI RUN was conceptualized by the Lakers (that’s what the members of the Rotary Club of Mumbai Lakers are popularly called) for the society’s benefit. The moment the Lakers sounded off this idea to Dr. Sujit Chatterjee, CEO, HiranandaniHospital, Powai, he lapped up the idea with the enthusiasm of a school boy. Without much ado, a few brainstorming sessions helped RUN POWAI RUN move from the drawing boards to Posters, Banners, etc. At this point of time, Mr. Niranjan Hiranandani of the Hiranandani Group decided to step in as Principal Sponsors for the event. The Striders group came in to handle the logistics of the run professionally. Unanimously it was decided to split the event into two – a 4 Km Walk around the periphery of the picturesque Hiranandani Gardens and a 10km Run within the boundaries of Powai.
Soon, extending beyond what the name suggests, RUN POWAI RUN was being marketed all across Mumbai. ‘Jashn Sarees’, having outlets all over Mumbai, threw open its doors for registrations at all its outlets. Online registration was activated on the ‘Book My Show’ portal which arguably would be the most surfed website for online movie bookings, etc. Schools from in and around Hiranandani Gardens (Powai) have been invited to participate. A couple of NGOs too will be bringing their kids for the event. ‘Out of the Blue’ (Powai), who are the Food Partners for the event, have promised a take-away breakfast for each of these NGO kids. ‘Digit 9.0’ has contributed immensely to the Internet Publicity. ‘Planet Powai’ has done its bit in order to promote the event comprehensively through its weekly newsletter. ‘Printhouse India’ is printing the Publicity Newsletter free of cost. ‘XXX’ is giving out Energy Drinks for the Event.
Rotary Club of Mumbai Lakers, being a charitable organization, is using this event as a fund raiser to support all the projects it carries out through the year. A lot of generous contributions have come in cash or kind from well-wishers like: Gioseppo, R&M International, Jashn Sarees, L&T, Ranbaxy, Colgate-Palmolive, Fresh& Daily, Parmar Investments, Birla Veda, Nature Valley and Fitness One.
The event, slated for the 8th of January 2012 at 06.00 am, promises to be an event to remember. Though in its first year, the event organizers are confident of having a crowd in excess of 1200 people. The organizers (RCML) are keen to keep the run going through the years on the 2nd Sunday of January, every year.
RUN POWAI RUN showcases a unique model where the affluent strata of the society will run for health and will directly and/or indirectly assist in the fortification of the not-so-fortunate. It is an event that is here to stay, and grow bigger and better with each passing year, and touch as many lives as it possibly can along the way.
