Rotary Club of Poona Airport Spreads Smiles and Solidarity at Soldierathon 2025
Pune, 13th November 2025: Blending fitness, fellowship, and philanthropy, the Rotary Club of Poona Airport (RCPA) stood tall as the Synergy Partner for Soldierathon 2025, held on October 9 in support of India’s brave soldiers and the Paraplegic Rehabilitation Centre (PRC).
The event, which saw participation from over 8,700 runners, was more than 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 initiative, Ann Sangeeta Saxena sponsored 35 special students, while Ann Ripple Mirchandani sponsored 25 more from various NGOs — giving them an opportunity to run, smile, and feel celebrated alongside mainstream participants.
Adding youthful enthusiasm, 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 community spirit.
One of the event’s most uplifting moments came when Rtn. Sucheta Jagwani and her Zumba team, dressed in RCPA-branded T-shirts, turned the marathon ground into a sea of rhythm and energy. Their vibrant performances before and after the run filled the atmosphere with infectious joy, becoming a major crowd highlight and a proud showcase of Rotary’s dynamic spirit.
RCPA also extended its support to the Ashok Kamte Foundation, from which the 10K marathon winner emerged — reinforcing the club’s enduring bond with organizations dedicated to honouring the nation’s heroes.
Expressing gratitude, President Anirban DasGupta lauded the dedication of all RCPA members, acknowledging stalwarts such as Rtns. Harish Thadaney, Rahul Shah, Rajesh Khetrapal, Lalit Sanghvi, Devraj Sethi, and Anand Behede for their hands-on contributions. He also appreciated the members and Anns who arrived early to cheer and serve, truly embodying Rotary’s motto — “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 meaningful involvement, the Rotary Club of Poona Airport reaffirmed that true service lies not only in action, but in compassion that inspires others to run for good.
