The National Trust, an autonomus body of the Government of India, along with eight other partners, organised a marathon, ‘Inclusive Run’ in Sector-56, Gurgaon, with an objective to make people with intellectual and developmental disabilities feel that they are also a part of the society, like any other person.

With ‘Fitness & Fun’ as the theme, the marathon saw participation from the lifestyle runners; CEOs; senior executives from corporate world; business owners and professionals in addition to Person with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (PwIDDs) and civil societies. The marathon had a huge number of school students running/ cycling. The event had participation from 1,100 people from all walks of life, including 120  with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Joint Secretary & CEO, National Trust, Mukesh Jain and Ashok Bakshi, DCP, South Gurugram, flagged off the ‘Day Breaker Half Marathon’ from Club Florence in Gurgaon.

“They are neither differently-abled, nor specially-abled; they are just like us…Just like all of us. Their dreams, desires, wish, emotions are exactly like all of us. They are special in their own way and are skilled. Inclusive India Initiative is driven to help PwIDDs in every possible way, by spreading awareness and sensitizing people at large. For the people with disabilities, more than the activities, it was the freedom to walk on the streets of Gurugram that was important. To encourage inclusion of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities, as part of Inclusive India Initiative, this run was an event to sensitise the community at large,” said Mukesh Jain.

“Efforts are driven to make India an inclusive country, considerable amount of work is happening in the spheres of Education, Employment and Community Life under direct supervision of National Trust and in close coordination with the identified partners; My City4kids, Red FM, Plowns, Stones 2 Milestones, Social Street, Run With Me Foundation, Special Olympics Bharat and We Media Works,” said Jain.

RJ Rocky, from Red FM at the event said, “I felt extremely inspired and will surely endorse the thought; see the ability and not the disability.”