Drass, July 5: Patriotism and public welfare took centre stage in Drass on Sunday as the Sarhad International Shauryathon 2026 witnessed participation of over 3,000 runners, while the border town also received a major healthcare boost with the inauguration of a CT Scan Machine and dedication of a 4×4 ambulance to the Sub-District Hospital.
Organised jointly by the Indian Army and Sarhad, Pune, with support from Arham Foundation, the marathon was held at the Kargil War Memorial under the theme “Run With Resolve, Run For Unity.” The event featured 21-km, 10-km, 5-km and 3-km race categories and drew enthusiastic participation from students, athletes, civilians, Army personnel and fitness enthusiasts from across the country.
The event was flagged off by Shrikant Shinde, Mohmad Haneefa Jan, Maharashtra Minister of State for Home Yogesh Kadam, senior Army officers, UT Ladakh Police officials and district administration.
On the sidelines of the marathon, Dr. Shrikant Shinde inaugurated a CT Scan Machine donated by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde at Drass Hospital. He also handed over the keys of a 4×4 ambulance, also donated by Eknath Shinde, to hospital authorities.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Shrikant Shinde described the occasion as a historic milestone for Drass, stating that the commitment made by the Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister had been fulfilled within a year. He said the new medical facilities would significantly strengthen healthcare services in the border district and reaffirmed continued support for the development of remote regions.
He also paid tribute to the Indian Army and police personnel for their sacrifices and highlighted the Centre’s focus on accelerating infrastructure, healthcare, education and connectivity in Ladakh under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Mohd. Jaffer Akhoon thanked Eknath Shinde for the donation, calling the CT Scan machine and ambulance a landmark addition that would transform healthcare delivery in Drass and reduce the need for patients to travel long distances for diagnostic services.
Sarhad founder Sanjay Nahar reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to Ladakh through continued support in education, healthcare and humanitarian initiatives.
Deputy Commissioner Imteeaz Kacho said the CT Scan facility would be a game changer for the newly created district, while the 4×4 ambulance would significantly strengthen emergency medical services, especially during the harsh winter months.
