Pune : With a perfect blend of fitness, fellowship, and philanthropy, the Rotary Club of Poona Airport (RCPA) stood tall as the Synergy Partner for Soldierathon 2025, held on October 9, 2025, in support of India’s brave soldiers and the Paraplegic Rehabilitation Centre (PRC).
The event, which witnessed participation from over 8,700 runners, wasn’t just a test of endurance, it was a celebration of empathy and unity. The RCPA team was felicitated by Lt. Gen. A.K. Ramesh, Commandant, CME, and had the honour of flagging off the 10K and 5K runs, symbolizing the club’s unwavering commitment to causes that touch lives.
Under the inspiring leadership of President Rtn. Anirban DasGupta, the club transformed its presence at Soldierathon into a beacon of social inclusion. As part of a heartfelt outreach, Ann Sangeeta Saxena sponsored 35 special students, while Ann Ripple Mirchandani sponsored 25 more from various NGOs giving them a chance to run, smile, and feel celebrated alongside mainstream participants.
Adding youthful zest, Youth Director Rtn. Vijay Samant and Rtn. Naresh Paul coordinated the participation of Rotaractors from AIT, ensuring that the next generation of Rotarians carried forward the legacy of service and enthusiasm.
In one of the event’s most uplifting moments, Rtn. Sucheta Jagwani and her Zumba team, dressed in RCPA-branded tees, turned the marathon ground into a sea of rhythm and energy. Their lively performances before and after the run infused the atmosphere with infectious joy, becoming a major crowd highlight and a proud showcase of Rotary’s vibrant spirit.
RCPA also extended support to the Ashok Kamte Foundation, from which the 10K marathon winner emerged — reinforcing the club’s enduring bond with organizations that serve the nation’s heroes.
Expressing gratitude, President Anirban DasGupta lauded the dedication of all RCPA members, acknowledging stalwarts like Rtns. Harish Thadaney, Rahul Shah, Rajesh Khetrapal, Lalit Sanghvi, Devraj Sethi, and Anand Behede for their hands-on support. He also thanked members and Anns who arrived early to cheer and serve, embodying the Rotary ethos of “Service Above Self.”
Beyond medals and miles, Soldierathon 2025 became a story of hearts connecting of a community running not just to finish, but to uplift, include, and honour. Through its involvement, the Rotary Club of Poona Airport reaffirmed that true service lies not only in action, but in compassion that inspires others to join the run for good.
