Modern College kicks off ‘Modern week’ with marathon

DIMAPUR —  Modern Week 2024 of Modern College, Piphema, began on Monday and will continue for the next five days with a variety of literary, cultural, and sporting events.

According to a press release, the college organised a mini-marathon on Monday on the theme ‘Run for good health’ in collaboration with the 7 Assam Rifles Ghaspani Battalion to kick off the event.

Seyiekhrienuo Mezhü led a brief flag-off ceremony in which administrator John Besii welcomed the crowd and Mhasikhotso Shuya pronounced the word of blessings. Later, special guest Keneiwhelie Kimho, Chairman of Piphema ‘A’ village, officiated the flagging off ceremony.

The marathon route took runners from Dairy Farm Point to Modern College Piphema, Sumi Hotel Piphema ‘A’, and back to Dairy Farm Point via NH 29.

The marathon was an open competition for people over the age of 18, with 73 enthusiastic runners (53 men and 20 women) representing students, youths, teachers, alumni, and military personnel from Kohima, Chümoukedima, and Dimapur.

Gülü Tetseo of Modern College won the Women’s 6 km category, with Anjali and Keviveno Mejura finishing second and third, respectively. Phamsa Konyak, Zidila, and Sabeinuo Solo received consolation prizes.

Kezhakhrietuo Mere won the Men’s 10 km category, with John Minj and Thejangulie Sote finishing second and third, respectively. Khriedi Mejura, Penyei, and Khumpise T Sangtam won consolation prizes.

The winner of the women’s category finished the race in 19 minutes, while the winner of the men’s category took 29.

The winners received cash prizes of INR 15,000, INR 10,000, and INR 5,000 in both categories. Consolation prizes of INR 1,000 each were awarded to the runners-up in the 4th, 5th, and 6th positions in both categories.

All participants who successfully completed the race within the stipulated time were awarded a certificate of achievement. The patrons for the event were Manish Kumar, senior planning manager at Landmark Group Dubai, and Charani Hekha, Ecom Trading Manager at Lacoste and Guess, Chalhoub Group Dubai.

A certificate of achievement was also awarded to all the participants who completed the race successfully within the stipulated time. The patrons of the event were Manish Kumar, Senior Planning Manager, Landmark Group Dubai and Charani Hekha, Ecom Trading Manager, Lacoste & Guess, Chalhoub Group Dubai.

Following the race, a prize distribution ceremony was held at the venue, with Lt. Colonel C H Jacob of the 7 Assam Rifles Ghaspani Bn. attending as the special guest.

While delivering a speech, Jacob encouraged the participants and emphasised that success does not always go to the fastest or strongest, but rather to those who work hardest. He later handed out the prizes to the winners.

The event was assisted by 7 Assam Rifles with army personnel, medical assistance, ambulance support and refreshment, traffic personnel from DCP Traffic Chümoukedima, student volunteers and uniform-clad NCC cadets.

Later in the day, literary events such as duets, extempore sessions, poetry slams, and quizzes were held. Modern Week 2024 will also witness cultural extravaganzas, including folk songs, ethnic fusion shows, traditional games, and sports events.