OU Centenary Run jogs memory

​Hyderabad: Arts College, Osmania University, the epicentre of the Telangana agitation, for a change, witnessed an event of a different kind here on Saturday when over 10,000 people participated in the Centenary Run flagged off by Prof S Ramachandram, Vice Chancellor, Osmania University.

Even as pro Telangana songs echoed on the campus and the early morning rays of the sun kissed the College, the pink granite structure, a sea of humanity sporting white T-shirts and caps converged in front of the college and waited for the word “go.”

They jogged their way on the University road, crossed the Law college, Women’s hostel and touched the Engineering college. Later, they returned from the NCC gate. Earlier, tri-colour balloons were released to mark the occasion.

The University had made elaborate arrangements for the event as Governor E S L Narasimhan was to inaugurate the event. The precincts of the Arts College wore a festive look with colourful flags and buntings. Drinking water and snacks were distributed at select places along the route.

A posse of policemen were posted at different places. Local traffic was diverted to make way for the joggers and parking slots were clearly earmarked. Stalls were setup en route to the NCC gate to provide drinking water and refreshments. Participants included students from the university and affiliated colleges, Teaching and Non-teaching Staff, alumni and joggers from the neighbourhood. Around 200 NSS volunteers, 500 NCC cadets and 150 Sports officials from different colleges were present to ensure an incident-free event.

Members of 14 organisations, including the faculty, non teaching staff, research scholars, students, alumni, NSS, and NCC . Former Vice chancellors, and Vice Chancellors of other Universities in Telangana were also present. Sports officials from the Sports Authority of India, physical instructors from affiliated colleges, medics were in attendance to meet any emergencies.

Aruna, Yoga Instructor, conducted a warm up session for the participants. Singer Balu and Kandhikonda, who composed the Centenary song participated in the cultural programmes organised by the Physical Education Department of the University. The proceedings were enlivened by the celebrities and singers. Police nixed the minor commotion when a group of students raised slogans demanding better facilities on campus.

Prof Rathod. Principal, College of Physical Education, Prof Satyanarayana, Head, Department of Physical Education, Prof Sunil, Director, Prof Rajesh, Prof Hashmi, Retired Principal, College of Physical Education, Prof Shyam, Major Shiva Prasad, A. Venkateshwar Reddy President, Sports Authority of Telangana and all Physical Education Directors took part in coordinating this event.

Prof Limbadri Officer on Special Duty, OU Prof H Venkateshwarlu, Special Officer, Centenary Celebrations, Prof Raja Ratnam,Vice Chancellor, Palamuru University, Prof R Sayanna, Vice Chancellor, Kakatiya University, Prof S V Satyanarayana, Vice Chancellor, Telugu University, Prof Akbar Ali Khan, Former Vice Chancellor, Telangana University, Prof Suleiman Siddiqui , Former Vice Chancellor, Osmania University, Mr Shyam Mohan, Alumni Association Committee, Centenary Celebrations, Prof Battu Satyanarayana, President OUTA, Mr Gnaneshwar President, NGO Association, Mr Satyanarayana Reddy, President Technical Staff Association, Mr. Shankar President Employees Association were also present.