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BARA Goes Bollywood With Mumbai Run!
Source: Rob Wilkinson
Author: Rob Wilkinson
Ikram Butt, former professional rugby league star and currently MD of the British Asian Rugby Association (BARA), teamed up with students and staff from Leeds Met University to take part in the Dream Run, an annual 6km race in the Indian city of Mumbai.
Ikram, a Leeds Met alumnus, joined students and staff, including Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor Anne Gregory, Joy Jumar, Director of Student-Centered Change Management, and athletics coach, Neil Holmes to take part in the event in partnership with The Foundation, the charity run by Indian actor and former Indian international rugby player Rahul Bose.
BARA, along with Leeds Met, further strengthened its links in India by working with Rahul Bose and The Foundation.
Butt explained: “We were excited and delighted to be given the opportunity to link up with Rahul and the Foundation. I have had the privilege of playing alongside Rahul for the Bombay Gymkana Rugby Club.
“He has set the Bollywood screen alight as an actor, writer & director. Rahul is one of the most sincere and kind human beings that I have ever met who is a real champion amongst champions for his belief and devotion to charitable causes,” added the BARA chief.
Joy Kumar added: ”By working in partnership with individuals and communities across this diverse region, country and world, we aim to make a difference.
“We actively seek opportunities and encourage our students to develop all their talents to the full and broaden their world-wide horizons. This was an excellent experience for our students to learn something, to share something, to have fun and to become truly global citizens.
“The Foundation works towards transforming the lives of individuals through changing discriminatory attitudes just as we work towards transforming lives through education and the opportunities we provide for students,” added Joy.
The Foundation enabled six children selected from over 100 schools on the Andaman and Nicobar Islands to run the race as part of the Andaman Nicobar Scholarship Intiative (ANSI). They are currently studying at the Rishi Valley School as part of the ANSI education programme to create a platform of equal opportunities for children living in neglected areas.
Ikram concluded: “I would like to thank Leeds Met University for their continued invaluable support towards BARA and of course Rahul Bose of for making our visit a fabulous experience.”
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