BNCMC’s ‘Run for Leprosy’ marathon educates citizens on disease

On the occasion of Mahatma Gandhi's death anniversary, the Bhiwandi Nizampur City Municipal Corporation (BNCMC) organized a “Run for Leprosy” marathon on February 4, 2025, under the National Leprosy Eradication and Touch Awareness Campaign. The event was held at Raji BNN College, with the support and guidance of Ajay Vaidya (Administrator and Commissioner) and Dr. Gita Kakade (Assistant Director, Health Department, Leprosy, Thane), along with Dr. Sandeep Gadekar (Chief Medical Health Officer).

The marathon kicked off with an informative session on leprosy, delivered to the participating students. Dr. Bushra Syed (City Tuberculosis Medical Officer) flagged off the competition, which saw participation from 60 students, both boys and girls.

The winners of the competition were honoured with awards. The first-place winners were Divya Chaurasia (girls) and Saif Ali (boys), while Anjali Yadav (girls) and Bharati Suraj (boys) bagged second place, and Shilpa Kumawat (girls) and Gupta Abhishek (boys) secured third place. The awards were presented by Surendra Bhaskar Bhoir (Assistant Commissioner), Dr. Bushra Syed, and Mr. Suraj Gaikwad (BIT Inspector, Bhiwandi Nizampur City M.N.P.).

The event also featured a wreath-laying ceremony at the statue of Mahatma Gandhi, followed by a pledge to raise awareness about leprosy.

Through this marathon and other programs organized by the government, efforts are being made to dispel misconceptions about leprosy. The disease, caused by bacteria, is a slow-growing condition with symptoms that can take years to appear. Leprosy is curable with multi-drug therapy, and early treatment ensures a full recovery. The main goal of the campaign is to raise awareness, eliminate stigma, and encourage society to treat leprosy patients with dignity and respect.

The program was jointly organized by the Assistant Director of the Health Department (Leprosy), Thane, and the students of BNCMC, BNN College. Attendees included Dr. Sanjana Sunak, Dr. Minal Madam, leprosy department staff, and BNN College sports teacher Mr. Captain Jadhav.