Over 50 retired defence service personnel took part in the Veterans India Patriotic run near the Bekar Bandh Park on Tuesday.

The event, organised as part of a nationwide programme of the Veteran’s India organisation, began at 10:30 am with hoisting of the national flag. The run took off at 11:30 am, with local children and their families joining it.

Dr Pushpal Kumar, in-charge of an ex-Army personnel poly clinic, and his wife Sonal Kumari flagged off the run where some participants ran around the park while the older ones just walked.

Vickey Kumar emerged winner, as Aditya Singh and Priyankar Singh bagged the second and third spots respectively. Certificates and sweets were distributed among participants after the event.

Talking to The Telegraph Online , Ramesh Prasad, an ex-Indian Air Force personnel, said, “The patriotic run held on Tuesday was quite successful. Around 40 children of the adjoining localities also took part in the contest and we distributed certificates, sweets and chocolates among them.”

“Republic Day marks the day when democracy came into existence in our country. So we celebrated the day and apprised the common people and children present during the event about its significance,” former defence personnel RN Mishra.

He added that their organisation carries out welfare activities from time to time.