Vrukshathon Heritage Run sees enthusiastic response in Vijayapura

Vrukshathon Heritage Run 2023: Thousands gather in Vijayapura to promote environment protection & cultural heritage.

Thousands of enthusiastic runners gathered on a chilly Sunday morning in Vijayapura to participate in the Vrukshathon Heritage Run 2023.

Minister M.B. Patil, who flagged off the event, said that the event is meant to create awareness about the need to protect the environment and goad youth into action.

“All of us should join hands to protect the environment and our rich cultural heritage,” he said.

Mr. Patil said that there is an urgent need to conserve water sources, protect and plant trees and reinstate the architectural and cultural glory of Vijayapura.

“Vrukshathon is aimed at planting at least one crore trees in the district. All our monuments like the Gol Gumbaz and Ibrahim Roza should have greenery and healthy environment all around them. This will lead to promotion of tourism that creates direct and indirect jobs,” he said.

He said that the marathon was dedicated to Jnanayogashrama’s Sri Siddeshwar Swamiji who died last year. Marathons are no longer restricted to bigger cities like Bengaluru as even Vijayapura has been successfully organising them over the years, he added.

They are not just sports events but they have also evolved into platforms for various causes such as environment protection. He said that water conservationist Rajendra Singh had said that such events will be held in Rajasthan. “Our events have inspired him,” he added.