The Coimbatore chapter of Jamaath-e-Islami Hind, which has over 5,000 members, work towards spreading awareness among people about various social causes. October was the month of sensitizing the public about the ill-effects of binge alcohol consumption.

“According to an alarming World Health Organization (WHO) report last year, one person in Tamil Nadu consumes alcohol equivalent to 10 people in the rest of the world. In most cases, the head of the family consumes more alcohol than his body can handle. We wanted to spread the awareness about the harmful effects of binge alcohol consumption,” M.S. Saneer Ali, member of Jamaath-e-Islami Hind, said.

All through October, members of the group were involved in spreading awareness among the people of Coimbatore through various means about the harmful effects of alcohol, about women empowerment, and on how to prevent child abuse.

Pamphlets were printed and distributed to the public. Members of the group delivered lectures at crowded areas in the city. The volunteers and members visited villages and screened short films conveying the message of binge alcohol.

As a grand finale of its campaign, a marathon race was held today. “About 4,632 runners ran for the cause. Before the run, the participants took an oath that they will not consume alcohol beyond permissible levels,” Abdul Hakim, Public Relationship Officer at the Coimbatore chapter of Jamaath-e-Islami Hind, said.

Sixteen organizations joined hands with Jamaath-e-Islami Hind to organize the marathon. About 350 students volunteered.

The marathon was flagged off by Coimbatore Corporation Commissioner Dr. Vijay Karthikeyan. The youngest participant was 5-years-old, and the oldest was 86. Four and seven kilometre runs were held in three categories – boys below 18 years, men above 18 years, and women.

The starting point of the marathon was the CSI All Souls Church on Race Course Road. Participants touched Abdul Rahim Salai, Circuit House, and Nirmala College, to reach Nirmala Matriculating Higher Secondary School, which was the finishing point.

All the participants were given participation certifications. Top five runners of each category won cash prizes, medals and certificates. Lieutenant Commander Abdul Aziz, RAF, gave away the prizes.