Samvegah – Ek daud samantha ki ore (5 Km Run and Walk Marathon)

Semester-III Students of PGDM 2018-20 of SGPC’s Guru Nanak Institute of Management Studies (GNIMS) under the guidance of Prof. Chanpreet Kaur had organized a Marathon event to promote a noble initiative of diversity at workplace with special reference to social equality & inclusion of LGBTQ Community.

A 5 Km Marathon – Run & Walk was arranged from GNIMS Campus to Dadar Gurudwara which witnessed an eager participation of students, faculty, LFBTQ Community members and the residents of the area. The noble event was graced by Chief Guest Mr. Harish Iyer, a staunch supporter of the LGBTQ movement and celebrities from the sports, Bollywood & TV Media industry.

Celebrities walking along with the students for the cause

Celebrities like Mr. Ketana Karande (National Body Builder & Actor), Ms. Pammi Motan (Model & Actress) and Ms. Shalini Hirani (Actress) raised the spirits of the jubilant crowd assembled at the GNIMS Entrance gate. Just like a run or walk helps us to lose our unhealthy fats, this initiative of a pride walk along with the LGBTQ members was aimed at losing the inequality faced by them in our society.

Faculties and Students giving a round of applause to the PGDM Students Flashmob

A very interesting flash mob was organized by PGDM Students to portray the situation faced by LGBTQ community in the society since birth. After a round of applause from the crowd gathered, Chief Guest Mr. Harish Iyer (Equal Rights Activists for LGBTQ) gave an enlightening speech. He provided insights into the world of Gay & Transgender Community by talking about homophobia and shared his personal experiences. He also highlighted that India loses 1.1% of GDP each year due to the non-acceptance of LGBTQ community by our society. He was of the opinion that,

Chief Guest Mr. Harish Iyer addressing the audience

Accept people the way they are and not the way you want to accept them.

He felt honored to be attending this auspicious event as a Chief guest and remembered the times when he felt sick due to his homophobia while attending Khalsa college in his young days. Congratulating the institute for picking up such a delicate topic and organizing the pride parade, he praised the Sikh Culture stating that it is one of the Humanitarian culture teaching to spread equality. In the end, he addressed the crowd in general on behalf of the LGBTQ community,

I have accepted the way you are and so by accepting us the way we are, would not be a favor on us but just returning the favor made to you by us!

Celebrities viewing the address of dignitaries

Ketan Karande gave a special message that though we are running always for earning our livelihood, we need to take out at least half an hour each day to take care of our health and fitness.” He invited everyone to ask any fitness related tips or guidance on his social media channels. Ms. Pammi Motan & Ms. Shalini Hirani were nostalgic about the college life and wished they could live some more of it. They congratulated the institute for organizing such an awareness drive and thanked for inviting them.

Special guests from LGBTQ community involved 2 dignitaries who shared their personal stories winning the hearts of their audience. They were felicitated by Dr. D. Y. Patil, Director, GNIMS with a toke of love and memento along with the other dignitaries’ present. Later, he awarded the medals & certificates to the winners of the event.

Dr. D. Y. Patil, Director, GNIMS awarding certificate & medals to the winners

The event was blessed by our beloved sponsors – Dadar Gurudwara, PMC Bank, J Polychem and Shailesh Printers. All the exhausted runners were provided refreshments by Dadar Gurudwara to rejuvenate their energies. The social event was concluded with a vote of thanks to all the guests by Prof. Chanpreet Kaur and special gratitude towards PGDM Coordinator Prof. Imran Siddiqui and MMS Coordinator Prof. Sameer Salunkhe for being the strongest supporters for organizing the event.