66 Runners Complete 700 Km Relay as SRM Institute of Science and Technology Concludes ROM 2026 for Drug Free India

Prof. C. Muthamizhchelvan, Vice Chancellor, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, and Prof. T. S. Veeragoudhaman, Dean, SRM College of Physiotherapy, highlight the importance of sustained community awareness as more than 4,000 school students participate in the initiative.

The sixth edition of ROM 2026, The Physio Run for Drug Free India, organised by SRM College of Physiotherapy, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, concluded at the university’s Kattankulathur campus after 66 runners completed a continuous 700 km relay from Kanyakumari.
The initiative aimed to raise awareness about substance abuse prevention, physical fitness and community responsibility, in line with the objectives of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan.
The relay began in Kanyakumari and continued towards Kattankulathur, with participants carrying the campaign’s message through communities along the route.

The inaugural ceremony was attended by Mr. Pratap, IAS, Kanniyakumari District Collector, the Additional Superintendent of Police, Nagercoil, and other government officials.
Alongside the running event, the organisers conducted awareness activities involving school students.
More than 4,000 students participated in these initiatives and took pledges supporting the goal of a drug free India.
The interactions were intended to encourage young people to understand the importance of avoiding substance abuse and taking responsibility for their own wellbeing and that of their communities.

The relay concluded with a Resonation Ceremony at SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur.
Prof. C. Muthamizhchelvan, Vice Chancellor, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, attended as Chief Guest and delivered the Presidential Address.
Speaking about the purpose of the initiative, Prof. C. Muthamizhchelvan said, “The real purpose of a run like this goes beyond endurance. It lies in the social message we carry to the community and the awareness we create along the way.”
His remarks drew attention to the importance of taking awareness initiatives beyond educational institutions and engaging directly with communities.

Prof. T. S. Veeragoudhaman, Dean, SRM College of Physiotherapy and Organising Chairman of ROM 2026, emphasised that the responsibility of promoting a drug free society should continue after the relay.
He said, “The Physio Run may have concluded today, but our social responsibility must continue. Let the torch resonate, let the values endure, and let the message reach society.”
The concluding ceremony began with a welcome address by Dr. S. F. Mariyam Farzana, Associate Professor and Organising Secretary.
The programme also included a torch resonation address by Prof. T. S. Veeragoudhaman and special addresses by dignitaries.
A visual chronicle documented the journey of ROM 2026, including the participation of runners and the outreach activities conducted during the relay.

The ceremony also featured the unveiling of the ROM 2026 book cover and the release of the ROM 2025 book.
Members of the ROM team were recognised for their participation and contributions to the continuing initiative.
ROM 2026 was organised under the leadership of Prof. T. S. Veeragoudhaman, Dean, SRM College of Physiotherapy and Organising Chairman.
Dr. T. N. Suresh, Vice Principal and Organising Co Chairman, and Dr. S. F. Mariyam Farzana, Associate Professor and Organising Secretary, worked with the organising team to coordinate the programme.
The sixth edition combined a long distance physical endurance activity with student engagement and public awareness initiatives.

By involving 66 runners and more than 4,000 school students, the programme extended its message across educational institutions and communities along the route between Kanyakumari and Kattankulathur.
The organisers reiterated that the conclusion of the relay should mark the continuation of awareness efforts supporting the vision of a drug free India.

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