Mohan Kuthar
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Apr 25: Dakshina Kannada deputy commissioner (DC) Mullai Muhilan, who is often seen as a figure of discipline among school children, showcased a different side of his persona by participating in a 5-km marathon held from Nitte’s Deralakatte campus to Paneer campus. The event was organised by the Nitte Institute of Allied Health Sciences and the NSS unit under the central government’s Fit India and Fit Me initiatives.
Inaugurating the marathon at the K S Hegde Auditorium, the DC emphasised the importance of physical fitness, particularly for professionals in the medical field. “Maintaining physical fitness is crucial not just for oneself, but also for spreading awareness about its importance to society. A healthy body and mind are key to building a healthy community. Running should not be restricted to one-off events—it must become a daily habit to truly benefit both body and mind,” he remarked.
Following his address, DC Muhilan actively took part in the marathon, running from the Nityanandanagar campus (Deralakatte) to the Paneer campus alongside university students and staff. Despite jogging at a steady pace, he completed the stretch and returned to the starting point to conclude the marathon.
Accompanying the DC were state NSS officer Dr Prathap Lingayya, Nitte vice-chancellor Prof. M S Moodithaya, director of administration Sai Prasanna Hegde, registrar Harsha Halhalli, and NSS programme coordinator Shashikumar Shetty.
Reflecting on the run, the DC recalled his younger days when he used to participate in marathons and humorously noted how age makes its presence felt through fatigue. Nevertheless, he completed the entire route, taking occasional sips of water and walking in small steps when needed.
The inauguration ceremony also saw the presence of Nitte Deemed-to-be University pro-chancellor Dr M Shantharam Shetty, regional director of the government of India’s NSS directorate D Karthikeyan, NSS programme officers Prathima Rai, Anshya Rai, and Dr Varsha Shetty.
The event began with a welcome and introductory address by Dr Jayaprakash Shetty, dean of the Nitte Institute of Allied Health Sciences.