Navi Mumbai witnessed a vibrant display of women’s participation and civic spirit as over 1,300 women from different age groups took part in a 5-kilometre women’s mini marathon titled ‘Ghe Bharari’ — a Marathi phrase that translates loosely to “take flight” or “soar ahead.”
The event was organised by Dr D.Y. Patil University’s School of Hospitality and Tourism Studies, in collaboration with the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC), to mark International Women’s Day while simultaneously spreading awareness about cleanliness, environmental responsibility and healthy living.
The run began from the Dr D.Y. Patil Stadium, with participants turning the morning into a lively celebration of fitness, community engagement and women’s empowerment.
‘Ghe Bharari’: A Call for Women to Soar
The theme ‘Ghe Bharari’ was central to the spirit of the event. Beyond a marathon, the initiative symbolised the idea of women taking flight in public life — embracing fitness, participation and leadership in civic causes.
Participants described the run not merely as a race, but as an opportunity to step out, engage with the community and contribute to the larger vision of a clean and green Navi Mumbai.
Officials said such initiatives help combine public health awareness with environmental consciousness, encouraging citizens to actively participate in urban improvement efforts.
Civic Leadership and Institutional Support
The marathon was held under the supervision of Dr Vijay D. Patil, Vice-Chancellor of Dr D.Y. Patil University, and conceptualised under the guidance of Dr Shivani Patil.
Several senior civic officials and dignitaries were present at the event, including:
Navi Mumbai Mayor Sujata Patil, NMMC Commissioner Dr Kailas Shinde, Deputy Commissioner (Solid Waste Management) Dr Ajay Gadade, Deputy Commissioner (Sports) Abhilasha Mhatre.
Their presence underscored the civic administration’s efforts to promote public participation in initiatives linked to the Swachh Bharat Mission and environmental awareness campaigns.
A Celebration of Women’s Strength
Addressing the gathering, Mayor Sujata Patil congratulated the participants and emphasised the significance of recognising women’s contributions.
She remarked that International Women’s Day should not be merely a symbolic occasion, adding that women continue to play a central role in shaping families, communities and society at large. Events such as the mini marathon, she said, help bring that collective strength into public spaces.
Winners of the Mini Marathon
The competitive segment of the run also produced clear winners among the enthusiastic participants:
- 1st Place: Nidhi Kanojia
- 2nd Place: Bhumi Mhatre
- 3rd Place: Ekta Rajbhar
However, organisers noted that the real success of the event lay in the sheer scale of participation, with women from varied age groups joining the run to support the message of fitness, environmental awareness and civic pride.
Running Towards a Cleaner City
The mini marathon formed part of a broader series of activities being organised in Navi Mumbai in connection with the Swachh Bharat Mission, following directions from the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.
Officials said programmes promoting cleanliness, sustainability and community participation will continue across the city until March 14, with the ‘Ghe Bharari’ run standing out as one of the most visible public engagements of the campaign.
For the women who participated, the message was simple yet powerful: sometimes, taking flight begins with taking the first step — or in this case, the first run.
