Valia College successfully organised an Inter-Collegiate Clean Air Awareness Mini Marathon on Sunday morning, January 11, 2026, bringing together students from various colleges, faculty members, and citizens
in a collective movement promoting fitness, sustainability, and environmental responsibility. The marathon featured 3 km and 5 km run categories for men and women and witnessed enthusiastic participation from over 600 students from Valia College and other institutions.
The event was organised by the Sports Committee of Valia College under the guidance of Dr. Bageshree P. B. Bandekar, I/C Principal, in association with LEAP India – Mission Clean Air and Mission Green Mumbai, with the objective of encouraging healthy lifestyles while spreading awareness about the urgent need for clean air and sustainable living.
The marathon was flagged off by Dinesh Lad, renowned cricket coach and mentor to ace cricketer Rohit Sharma. His presence added inspiration and significance to the event, particularly for young participants, reinforcing values of discipline, perseverance, and commitment.
A distinctive feature of the marathon was its strong focus on sustainability. The medals awarded to participants were specially crafted from recycled multi-layered plastic (MLP), taking social and environmental consciousness to the next level and reinforcing the message of responsible consumption and waste reduction.
As part of the environmental commitment, one native tree will be planted in the name of each registered participant by LEAP India – Mission Clean Air, symbolising a lasting contribution towards a greener, healthier, and cleaner future.
The event received strong support from LEAP India – Mission Clean Air, under the leadership of its Founder Mr. Sunu Mathew, whose sponsorship and faith in Valia College strengthened both the purpose and reach of the initiative. The marathon also witnessed the presence of Mr. Ashmit Patel, actor and international DJ, and Ms. Jaya Bhattacharya, actor and animal activist, who extended their support to the clean air and sustainability cause.
The morning began with an energising warm-up session conducted by Ms. Piyu Chouhan, setting a positive and motivating tone for the participants. The marathon was further shaped with guidance from Mr. Subhajit of Mission Green Mumbai, whose outreach, coordination, and digital engagement were instrumental in elevating the initiative into a meaningful social movement.
Faculty members and students worked relentlessly over the past days to ensure seamless execution, with the Sports Committee playing a pivotal role in planning and on-ground coordination. The College Management’s continued encouragement and support enabled the successful execution of the marathon at this scale.
Through this initiative, Valia College reaffirmed its commitment to holistic education, extending beyond classrooms to nurture social responsibility, environmental awareness, and community engagement.
The Clean Air Awareness Mini Marathon concluded on a high note, leaving participants with medals that carried a message, memories that inspired change, and a renewed sense of responsibility towards cleaner air and a sustainable future.
