Around 150 runners from members of the Indian diaspora, along with Cambodian nationals and several guests from other nations, participated in the 5km “Run for Equality” in Phnom Penh. The April 23 event was organised by the Indian embassy.
The run, which began at Wat Botum Park, was held in association with the Ekta Navnirman Trust of Jaipur, the Indian Association in Cambodia and “Run with Sai”.
It was held to commemorate the anniversary of the birth of BR Ambedkar, chief architect of the Indian Constitution. He was well known as civil rights leader and is considered one of India’s founding fathers.
“The run was to celebrate the life and contributions of the great leader and to inculcate constitutional values among citizens, in an attempt to spread the feeling of equality, brotherhood, humanity, liberty, dignity and love,” said the embassy in an April 23 press release.
A photography exhibition was also held alongside the event. The images depicted Ambedkar as the chair of the constitution drafting committee and as first law minister, and also included pictures of him alongside several notable historic figures.
“After the 5km run, participants visited the exhibition and learned about the life of Ambedkar,” added the release.
The run also served as part of the celebrations of 70 years of diplomatic relations between India and Cambodia, as well as the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav (AKAM).
AKAM is an initiative by the Indian government that seeks to celebrate and commemorate 75 years of a modern, independent progressive India and the history of its people and culture.
Indian ambassador Devyani Khobragade thanked the attendees for making the run a success, and shared her thoughts on Ambedkar.
“Ambedkar was one of the greatest leaders and founding fathers of India. We hail him as a visionary social reformer, jurist, and the architect of India’s Constitution,” she said.
“His teachings on equality, justice and exclusivity continue to inspire and guide us towards a more just society,” she added.
The envoy and guest of honour Oun Bathamaka – a Cambodian performer and singer better known as Sai who initiated the namesake charity run – presented certificates of participation to each of the runners, said the release.
