Hari Krishna Exports Pvt Ltd., a globally recognized Indian leader in the manufacturing and export of cut and polished diamonds, proudly hosted the 4th edition of its annual Kisna Diamond Marathon on January 6, 2019. Held at the bustling Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) in Bandra (E), Mumbai, this prestigious event served as a powerful platform to champion the Indian government’s pivotal ‘Swachh Bharat Abhiyan’ (Clean India Mission). The marathon drew an impressive gathering of 5,500 enthusiastic runners, reflecting a burgeoning community commitment to fitness and social responsibility.
The event commenced with an inspiring flag-off ceremony led by esteemed personalities. Among them were Ajit Pal Nandal, a revered former Indian hockey player, whose presence underscored the spirit of sportsmanship and national pride, and Ashish Heliwal, Add. Commissioner, Income Tax, symbolizing the collective effort across various sectors towards national initiatives. The marathon also saw the distinguished attendance of chief guests including Kirit Somaiya, Member of Parliament for Lok Sabha, North East Mumbai, and Girish Agarwal, Director of the Divya Bhaskar Group (D.B. Corp Ltd.), further highlighting the broad support and significant impact of this corporate social responsibility endeavor.
Running for a Cleaner India: The Kisna Diamond Marathon’s Noble Cause
At its core, the Kisna Diamond Marathon is more than just a race; it is a meticulously planned initiative dedicated to fostering a healthier, cleaner India. The primary objective is to raise vital funds and, more importantly, to amplify awareness for the ‘Swachh Bharat Abhiyan’. This nationwide campaign, launched by the Prime Minister of India, aims to achieve universal sanitation coverage and promote cleanliness across the country. Hari Krishna Exports has actively contributed to this mission by strategically placing waste bins and informative signboards in various public spaces, ensuring that the message of cleanliness extends far beyond the marathon day itself.
The choice of ‘Swachh Bharat Abhiyan’ as the marathon’s beneficiary underscores Hari Krishna Exports’ deep-rooted commitment to sustainable development and community well-being. By linking a mass participation sporting event with a critical national cleanliness drive, the company effectively galvanizes thousands of individuals – from its own employees to the broader public – to become active participants in this crucial social movement. This synergy creates a powerful platform for collective action, translating physical effort into tangible social impact.
Fostering a Culture of Fitness and Wellness
The preparation for the Kisna Diamond Marathon is as comprehensive as the event itself. In the weeks leading up to the main race, Hari Krishna Exports organized regular practice sessions for participants, held thrice a week. These sessions were not merely about physical training; they were designed to cultivate a sustainable culture of fitness and wellness. By providing structured training, the company encouraged both its employees and external participants to integrate regular running and physical activity into their daily routines. This proactive approach to health promotion demonstrates a holistic understanding of corporate responsibility, extending beyond financial contributions to tangible lifestyle changes.
These practice sessions served multiple purposes: they built camaraderie among participants, offered expert guidance, and steadily prepared runners for the challenges of the marathon. The vibrant atmosphere at these training gatherings also played a crucial role in building anticipation and excitement for the main event, transforming individual fitness goals into a collective endeavor. This emphasis on pre-event engagement is a testament to the Hari Krishna Group’s philosophy that true social impact is achieved through continuous effort and widespread participation.
The Spirit of Participation and Recognition
The energy on marathon day was palpable, with 5,500 runners, ranging from seasoned athletes to first-time participants, converging with a shared sense of purpose and enthusiasm. The event fostered a vibrant community spirit, showcasing the collective dedication of Mumbai’s citizens towards both personal fitness and civic responsibility. The cheers from spectators, the encouragement among runners, and the meticulously organized logistical support all contributed to an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.
To celebrate the achievements of the runners and to incentivize participation, the Kisna Diamond Marathon awarded exciting prizes to the winners across various categories. These prizes were thoughtfully selected to reflect both the company’s heritage and the event’s theme of wellness. Winners received valuable jewellery pieces from Kisna, the diamond jewellery brand of Hari Krishna Group, symbolizing excellence and timeless beauty. Additionally, bicycles were awarded, promoting active and eco-friendly lifestyles, alongside high-quality sportswear, encouraging continued engagement in fitness activities. Such diverse and appealing rewards not only acknowledge the hard work of the participants but also align with the overarching messages of health, sustainability, and personal achievement that the marathon embodies.
Leadership Voices: Vision and Commitment
The driving force behind the Kisna Diamond Marathon and the Hari Krishna Group’s extensive CSR initiatives comes from its visionary leadership. Ghanshyam Dholakia, Founder and Managing Director of the Hari Krishna Group, articulated the event’s dual mission, stating, “With Kisna Diamond Marathon, we aim to encourage fitness and the noble cause of ‘Swachh Bharat Abhiyan’ amongst employees and masses. We were delighted to host a marathon where we witnessed massive participation, the spirit and enthusiasm amongst the participants were amazing and with the coming edition in 2020, we aim to target 10,000 runners for the marathon.’’ His words reflect a profound understanding of the interconnectedness between individual well-being and societal progress, highlighting the group’s dedication to making a tangible difference.
Adding to this sentiment, Shri Savji Dholakia, Founder and Chairman of the Hari Krishna Group, emphasized the foundational values of the organization: ‘’Sports and fitness is a way of life at Hari Krishna Group. It is heartening to know that Kisna Diamond Marathon has been witnessing a growing number of participants each year and this year too, we saw active participation from the citizens of Mumbai.’’ This statement underscores the deeply ingrained culture of health and active living within the Hari Krishna Group itself, positioning the marathon not as an isolated event but as an extension of the company’s core ethos. The consistent growth in participation year after year serves as a testament to the event’s increasing resonance with the community and its enduring impact.
A Legacy of Impact: Looking Towards the Future
The Kisna Diamond Marathon has firmly established itself as a landmark event in Mumbai’s calendar, not just for its scale but for its profound social message. It effectively marries the competitive spirit of a marathon with the imperative of corporate social responsibility, creating a unique platform that benefits both individuals and society at large. By promoting fitness, Hari Krishna Exports contributes to a healthier populace, and by championing the ‘Swachh Bharat Abhiyan’, it plays a crucial role in fostering a cleaner, more hygienic environment for all. The funds raised from the event are meticulously directed towards initiatives that support the cleanliness mission, ensuring that every step run translates into meaningful action on the ground.
The commitment expressed by the leadership to target 10,000 runners for the 2020 edition speaks volumes about the group’s ambition and its dedication to expanding the event’s reach and impact. This forward-looking vision ensures that the Kisna Diamond Marathon will continue to grow as a beacon of health, community engagement, and social responsibility for years to come. Hari Krishna Exports Pvt Ltd. is not just cutting and polishing diamonds; it is actively shaping a brighter, cleaner, and healthier future for India, one stride at a time, through events like the Kisna Diamond Marathon.