What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
NEW DELHI: In a historic collaboration, the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) and the Bodh Gaya Marathon Committee (BMC) organised the inaugural Bodh Gaya Marathon on January 14, 2024, in Bihar’s Bodh Gaya town, Gaya district. This unique event brought together soldiers and monks, creating a remarkable blend of spirituality and physical endurance.
The distinguished flag-off ceremony witnessed the presence of Tai Situpa Rinpoche, Lt Gen. P.S. Minhas, AVSM, Comdt. OTA, Bodhgaya, and DG IBC Abhijit Halder, adding a special aura to the marathon. Approximately 800 participants, including professional runners, monks, army personnel, and government officials, gathered at Magadha University for the event.
The marathon featured various categories, including 42.195 kilometres, 21.097 kilometres, a time-bound 10-kilometre run, and a 5-kilometre Dhamma run, symbolising the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment. The event attracted international participants from countries such as Korea, Hong Kong, London, Bhutan, Kenya, showcasing the universal yearning for harmony.
Endorsed by the Athletic Federation of India and certified by AIMS (Association of International Marathons and Distance Races), the Bodh Gaya Marathon aimed to uphold international standards of excellence. The presence of soldiers walking alongside monks symbolised the principles of Karma and Dhamma, creating a powerful visual representation of unity, peace, and shared humanity.
This harmonious fusion of military discipline and spiritual enlightenment added significance to the marathon, making it a symbol of global unity and peace. Amid the rhythmic strides of runners and soldiers, a profound message of harmony resonated, emphasising the coordination of mind and body—a poignant reminder of the pursuit of unity and spiritual balance in the journey towards lasting peace.
