PUNE: As the morning breeze embraced the historic campus of Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune witnessed an overwhelming wave of enthusiasm, energy, and devotion at the ‘Sri Sathya Sai Run & Ride, a grand initiative commemorating the birth centenary of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, organized by the Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisation, Maharashtra (West). Honouring the nobleness of this initiative, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, through FiTIndia, is supporting this event across the country.
The Pune edition welcomed participation from citizens, youth organizations, volunteers, and well-known personalities from across the city, representing the spirit of unity and collective wellness.
Over 5,000+ participants enthusiastically joined the 3K, 5K, and 10K categories for both running and cycling, transforming the university campus into a vibrant celebration of harmony, togetherness, and social consciousness.
The event was graced by distinguished dignitaries and leaders from government, industry, and civic circles, including:
- Rajan Navani, Chairman & Managing Director at Jetline Group of Companies
- Dharmesh Vaidhya, State President, Sri Sathya Sai Seva Org, Maharashtra West
- Capt. Girish Lele, District President, Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisation, Pune
- Prof. Parag Kalkar, Honourable Pro Vice-Chancellor, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune
- Shri Ravindra Shingapurkar, Member, Management Council, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune
- Prof. D. B. Pawar, Member, Management Council, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune
- Prof. Jyoti Bhakare, Officiating Registrar, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune
- Sucheta Kadethankar, an Indian sportsperson from Pune
- Richi Mathur, Co-Founder and Vice Chairman, Lighthouse Communities
- Abhishek Ubhe, A seasoned athlete
- Dr. Sudam Shekhe, Assistant Director, Sports
- Dr. Vishnu Petkhar, Head, Department of Sports and Physical Education
- Prof. Vinayak Joshi, Director, Internal Quality Assurance Cell
- Prof. Vaibhav Jadhav, Centre for Distance and Online Education
Speaking about the initiatives, Dharmesh Vaidhya, State President, Sri Sathya Sai Seva Org, Maharashtra West, said, “The Sri Sathya Sai Run & Ride is more than an event; it’s a movement that connects hearts through action. As we celebrate 100 years of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s birth, we continue to carry forward his message of selfless love, unity, and service. Today, Pune came together not just to run or ride, but to reaffirm these eternal values.”
Prof. Parag Kalkar, Honourable Pro Vice-Chancellor, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, said, “Events like these beautifully align with the vision of Fit India and youth empowerment. It’s inspiring to see the Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisation uniting citizens under one mission — promoting fitness with compassion, discipline with devotion, and strength with service.”
Mr. Rajan Navani, Chairman & Managing Director at Jetline Group of Companies, added, “The Sri Sathya Sai Run & Ride exemplifies how faith and fitness can coexist to build stronger communities. The event’s emphasis on inclusivity, service, and togetherness truly embodies the essence of what India stands for — unity in diversity and progress through purpose.”
Capt. Girish Lele, District President of Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisation, Pune, said, “This Run & Ride event is a holistic 360-degree approach towards fitness at the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual levels of the entire mankind. It stands for world peace, happiness, and harmony for all. It is not just a test of physical endurance but also a celebration of equilibrium and unity in thought, word, and action.”
The event concluded with participants pledging to uphold the values of physical wellness, mental peace, and social harmony. As part of its centenary celebrations, the Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisation, Maharashtra, will continue to spread this spirit through a series of community outreach initiatives across the state. Extending this message beyond Maharashtra, the organisation has also embarked on the Sri Sathya Sai Prema Pravahini — a nationwide Rath Yatra traversing all 28 states and 8 Union Territories, carrying the message of love and unity to every corner of India. In parallel, the Sri Sathya Sai National Cricket League (SSSNCL) seeks to engage the youth through the unifying spirit of sport, fostering teamwork, discipline, and service — virtues that lie at the heart of Bhagawan’s vision for a harmonious society.