IIEST alumni arrange marathon to raise funds for Sramajibi Hospital

Kolkata: It is a Marathon with a difference. The IIEST alumni will take part in a Marathon on Sunday to raise funds for Sramajibi Hospital that provides health-care service to people at an affordable price.

First started in 2013 by ten former IIEST students, the initiative is now in its sixth edition and is a unique way to motivate folks to achieve personal fitness goals; and give back to society. Route 55 is open to everyone; the only pre-requisite to participate is a donation of USD 55/INR 3500 directly

to Sramajibi Hospital, Howrah. There are special discounts for students and running groups.

The Route 55 team has collaborated with Sramajabi since 2014 and has been instrumental in developing Hooghly district's first blood bank at Sramajibi Hospital.

A portion of the donations have been used to provide discounted healthcare access Route 55 is an annual event that aims to inspire everyone to give back

while having fun.

A donation-based run/walk, Route 55 memorialises the road taken by bus #55, a key transport medium for those travelling between Howrah and Kolkata.

Hundreds of participants including students, professionals from all walks of life and from across the globe, join hands with the Sramajibi family with "Giving Back" on their mind. Route 55 is possibly the only event in the city that is entirely volunteer-driven and without any big name sponsors or commercial support.

Professor Parthasarathi Chakrabarti, Director, IIEST, Shibpur, said: "It is a great feeling to see my students from around the world coming together to do their bit for the community for the last 5 years. I wish them all the best for this noble initiative," said Prof Chakrabarti.

"We at Belur Sramjibi Hospital have been serving the underprivileged irrespective and Route 55 has been an instrumental in helping us provide healthcare facilities at nominal costs. These contributions have helped us develop Hooghly District's first blood bank in our hospital. The Sramajibi team values the partnership of so many from so many places and appreciates their endorsement of our work," said Phanigopal Bhattacharya, president Belur Shramajibi Hospital.

Nihar Ray, the only Bengali who has the rare distinction of having completed marathons in all seven continents. Ray has flown in from San Diego, the US to join the 2018 edition of Route 55 – a bus route he used to take

many decades ago.