January 18, 2026 Times of Dakshin Dinajpur
The 6th edition of the Sampriti Marathon
Kamal Kumar Biswas.TOD.Balurghat
What began as a modest community run has grown into a regional celebration of harmony.The sixth edition of the “Sampriti Marathon,” a six-kilometer race dedicated to promoting communal harmony , was held on Sunday in Patiram under the banner of the Spandan Cultural Academy. Nearly 500 runners took part, turning the event into a vibrant gathering that drew participants not only from South Dinajpur but also from the neighboring districts of Malda and North Dinajpur.
Founded in 2021, the marathon was conceived as a response to social divisions, according to the academy’s secretary, Tarun Ghosh. “We wanted to send a message of harmony and coexistence through sport,” he said. The event is traditionally held on January 23, the birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, though this year it was organized a few days earlier due to Saraswati Puja festivities.
The race was inaugurated by Bikram Prasad, Deputy Superintendent of Police (Headquarters), in the presence of senior police officials and local civic leaders, underscoring the administration’s support for the initiative.
In the men’s category, Biswajit Mondal of Raiganj claimed first place, followed by Shyamal Tudu of Purba Sundarpur and Sagar Pahan of Faridpur. Babli Mahato of Kaliaganj secured the top position in the women’s category. Winners received cash prizes of 5,000, 3,000 and 2,000 rupees, along with trophies, presented during a ceremony attended by leaders of local traders’ associations.
Beyond medals and prize money, organizers said the true victory lay in the sight of hundreds of runners sharing a single course — a symbolic demonstration of unity in a region often marked by social diversity.
As the finish line crowds dispersed, the message of the day lingered: in Patiram, at least for one morning, the distance between communities was measured not in differences, but in shared steps.
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