Marathon website guides foreigners how to get liquor in Vadodara

This sounds like a description about Vadodara city on some travel portal helping foreign tourists hunting for the wine shop in this ‘dry’ state. Surprisingly,these instructions are part of a special category called ‘Drink’ on the official website of the Vadodara Marathon (http://www.vadodaramarathon.org/Travel_Information.aspx) organised by the Vadodara police to raise funds for its Traffic department.

When one clicks on the ‘Travel Information’ link,apart from information about the city,places to visit,culture and its people,a special segment is dedicated for foreign nationals on how to get liquor in the city,which has no nightlife due to blanket ban on liquor (the text is in fact highlighted in bold letters).

It further says: “You will need your passport plus a photocopy of your passport data page and your visa (for a permit). The fee for the permit is Rs 100. The permit is valid for one month,during which each person is limited as to the quantity one can buy—- 10 units at a time (one unit is 10 large bottles of beer,or 3 bottles of wine or 1 bottle of spirits),no more than twice in six days. This should satisfy all but the heaviest of drinkers.”

The fact that the organisers have provided information for foreign nationals suggests that there were plans of a national level event,but the same was not conveyed to the Athletic Federation of India (AFI). This assumes significance as the AFI and the marathon organisers are at the loggerheads over capitation fees of Rs 25 lakh.

When this was brought to the notice of Deputy Commissioner of Police (Administration) P K Roshan,he told The Indian Express,“We are not aware about such content on the website. I would go through it and do the needful.”

Utpal Patel of GAP Corporate Services Limited,the host of the website,said,“We simply design and update the website on day to day basis. We don’t know anything about the content,which is on the website.”

Nonagenarian to run on Sunday
For Purshottam Thakor,age has not been a deterrent when it comes to taking part in sporting events,and things will not be any different this Sunday either. Running is a passion for this 90-year-old and he loves participating in marathons wherever they might be taking place.

With as many as 60 certificates,five gold medals,shields and cups,the nonagenarian has emerged as an example for young athletes. He says when he will run in the Vadodara marathon he will be proud to run for a cause and would love to give the message to the youngsters that strong determination can make even the toughest job as easy task. Thakor,who was born in 1920 in Dandiapura taluka of Waghodia district,completed his matriculation from Bombay University and did his Inter Arts from M S University.

He remained the officiating director of MSU’s physical education department from 1968 to 1971 and held important posts at the Baroda District Sports Association,Baroda District Athletic Association and several other sports associations.

He said: “I enjoy running and keeping myself fit. Exercise and proper diet along with a simple lifestyle has enabled me to participate in marathon at this age. I believe that more than winning or losing it is important that the young generation start developing interest for athletics instead of only focusing on games like cricket. Though I have achieved several medals,trophies and certificates,even today,the joy of participating in sporting event is more than anything else.”

Thakor has been taking part in different categories including 1,500 mtrs,3,000 mtrs,5,000 mtrs and 10,000 mtrs events. “I have cleared all the medical tests required for taking part in the Vadodara marathon on Sunday. I am quite confident that I will perform better and enjoy yet another sporting event,” he said. —ENS