In a first for the Hills, Darjeeling on Friday hosted its inaugural Women’s Plogging Championship — a blend of fitness, tradition, and civic pride — under the Mero Darjeeling initiative as part of Youth Festival 2025.
Echoing the pre-festival cleaning rituals of Dassai and Diwali, over 180 women took to the streets to collect and carry waste on their backs, transforming a household habit into a public movement. Together, they gathered an impressive 895 kilograms of litter.
Breaking away from conventional races, winners were decided by the weight of waste collected rather than speed. Manita Thami, a student of Nepali Girls’ High School, secured first place with 6.170 kg of litter, followed by Remit Lepcha (6.03 kg) and Anupama Tamang (5.65 kg). The winners received Rs 10,000, Rs 7,000, and Rs 5,000 respectively. On average, each participant carried nearly 5 kilograms of waste, reflecting both their physical endurance and civic commitment.
The event’s inclusivity stood out: the youngest participant was 14-year-old Saloni Mothay, while 77-year-old Kum Kum Rai became the oldest contender, symbolising a collective spirit across generations.
Everester Pratima Rai flagged off the run as chief guest, joined by DSP traffic Sherab Lepcha, Darjeeling Municipality chairman Dipen Thakuri, and vice-chairman Prativa Rai Tamang.
The championship drew inspiration from the ongoing Mero Darjeeling movement, which encourages citizens to dedicate two hours every weekend to plogging—jogging while picking up litter. Organisers called the event a “stepping stone” toward a larger mega plogging championship planned soon.
Kabya Lama, founding member of Mero Darjeeling, said: “For generations, our women have kept their homes clean with pride. Today, they have taken that same spirit to the streets, proving that cleanliness and fitness go hand in hand. This is not just a race—it is a message for the entire community.”
Chief guest Pratima Rai added: “A fit body and a clean environment are both essential for a healthy life. I am proud to see the women of Darjeeling leading this change, carrying not just the waste but also the responsibility of inspiring the next generation.”
The event was more than a sporting competition — it was a cultural statement, showcasing women as leaders in fitness, community responsibility, and environmental stewardship.