The Nepali Congress (NC) organized a Green Run competition on Wednesday to mark the death anniversary of its founding leader, BP Koirala.
The five-kilometer race, which began at UN Park in Lalitpur, was won by Mukesh Bahadur Pal, who completed the course in 16 minutes and 15.7 seconds. NC President Gagan Thapa presented him with a cash prize of Rs 50,000.
Narendra Singh Rawal finished second and received Rs 25,000, while third-place finisher Sanjay Shrestha was awarded Rs 20,000. Ganesh Singh, who finished fourth, received Rs 12,000; fifth-place finisher Amrit Thakuri received Rs 10,000; and Nageshwar Ahir, who finished sixth, received Rs 8,000, according to the NC.
The party’s central office said that nearly 1,400 people had registered to participate in the competition. However, the women participants will compete again after they ran outside the designated race route.
NC President Thapa also participated in the Green Run.
Following the competition, a discussion on climate change was held in Jawalakhel among experts in the field. The event was organized by the party’s Central Policy, Research and Training Academy, coordinated by Vice-president Bishwa Prakash Sharma.
Participants emphasized the need for national priorities, policy measures, public awareness, and preparedness to address climate change.
NC President Thapa said that the competition was organized not only to raise awareness about climate change, but also to make a commitment to address the issue.
“Today, we are here not only to raise awareness about climate change but also to make a commitment. We are preparing a comprehensive program on this issue,” he said.
Thapa also recalled that BP Koirala had advocated the protection and nationalization of natural resources, including forests and land, even at that time.
A painting competition on climate change was also held as part of the event. Participants were also distributed saplings of various species. The NC said that the sapling distribution will continue from the party’s central office in Sanepa.
Welfare fund announced
The NC also announced the establishment of a Human Assistance Welfare Fund on Wednesday.
Announcing the fund, NC President Thapa said that it will be used to support single women and children who have been rendered homeless.
According to Thapa, the fund currently has Rs 1 million collected from party members and the amount will be increased gradually.
He said that detailed information about the fund, along with other political issues and campaigns of the party, will be announced at an event scheduled for Thursday at 2 p.m. at the City Hall. The event is also being organized to mark BP Memorial Day.
