Udupi: Anil Rana, director of Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT), MAHE, is leading by example by running alongside students and fostering a culture of fitness on campus.
Early Morning Routine
Starting his day at 5:30 am, Rana is a familiar presence at the institute's gym inside Marena Sports Complex. However, what has resonated most with students is his active involvement in the now-popular 'Run with the Director' initiative.
From Walk to Run
What began as an extension of an earlier 'Walk with the Director' program during student orientation evolved into a regular fitness movement. Various student clubs now invite the director to join their runs every alternate day.
Coming from a long career in the Navy, Rana places strong emphasis on physical fitness as a cornerstone of holistic education. "There is a basic threshold one needs to cross. Once you get into the habit of running or any physical activity, it transforms you over time," he said, often encouraging first-time runners to start small and build endurance gradually.
Role Model Beyond the Classroom
Students see their director not in a formal setting but as a role model who runs, works out, swims, and even occasionally joins them for a game of basketball. "This informal engagement has motivated many who had never considered running before. Several students have progressed to participating in marathons within a year or two," he said.
Rana believes that physical activity plays a critical role in shaping character. "It helps build a calm mind and the ability to handle stress better, skills that are essential in the corporate world as well," he explains.
State-of-the-Art Facilities
MAHE is developing an expansive, ultra-modern sports facility featuring a FIFA-certified football turf, a synthetic athletic track, a federation-certified hockey turf, and a cricket field. The green, open spaces in Manipal further encourage students to take up running or outdoor activities with minimal resources.
"We also run a dedicated Centre for Outdoor Studies, which takes students beyond campus for activities such as cycling expeditions in Leh Ladakh and sea kayaking along the coast. The annual marathon hosted by MAHE on the first Sunday of February has also grown into a major event, attracting around 20,000 participants from across the country," he added.
Transforming Campus Culture
In an era marked by rising lifestyle-related health concerns and academic pressures, such initiatives are quietly transforming campus culture.
