Thiruvananthapuram: More than 3,000 people from different walks of life participated in the first marathon organized by GTech, an industry association of Kerala IT companies in Thiruvananthapuram to promote the message of drug-free Kerala.
The marathon started from the Technopark Phase 3 campus and was flagged off by former Indian cricketer Tinu Yohannan. The marathon was held in 21, 10 and 3 km sections. Around 1000 women, 100 children, 80-year-olds and more than 100 defense personnel participated in the marathon.
The marathon was organized with the aim of creating awareness among the general public and the youth about the spread of drug abuse and its ill effects in Kerala.
At the awarding ceremony of the marathon, Dr. Shashi Tharoor MP presided. Katakampally Surendran MLA, State IT Secretary Dr. Ratan Khelkar, Thiruvananthapuram City Police Commissioner Nagaraju Chakilam, film director and actor Basil Joseph, GTech Chairman and IBS Software Executive Chairman VK Mathews were also present.
Shashi Tharoor said that the number of drug-related cases in Kerala has increased four-fold in the last few years. Drugs affect young people the most. It is very important that the right message reaches them against this. The IT community is requested to make efforts to popularize the ‘No to Drugs’ campaign. Tharoor added that he wished GTech all the best and success for organizing the initiative.
VK Mathews said that as a socially responsible society, Kerala’s IT professionals under GTech are committed to responding to drug abuse and this marathon is a reflection of this. He said that the second edition of the marathon will be held in Kochi on February 11 next year with a social message against drug addiction.
More than 300 companies like TCS, Infosys, Wipro, Cognizant, IBS Software, UST Global, EY are part of the GTech group. 80 percent of IT employees in Kerala work in GTech companies.
