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    Eden Prairie Local News
    Home»Community Service»Raksha 5K Run/Walk takes stand against distracted driving
    Community Service

    Raksha 5K Run/Walk takes stand against distracted driving

    EPLN Staff ReportsBy EPLN Staff ReportsAugust 10, 20232 Mins Read
    Those walking wait at the starting line for the 16th annual 5K Raksha Run/Walk & Vigil for Distracted-Free Driving, held at Purgatory Creek Park on Aug. 5.
    Participants walking the event wait at the starting line for the 16th annual 5K Raksha Run/Walk & Vigil at Purgatory Creek Park on Aug. 5. Photo by Steve Schewe

    With heart and determination, runners and walkers gathered at Purgatory Creek Park on Aug. 5 for the 16th Annual Raksha 5K Run/Walk & Vigil to raise awareness against distracted driving.

    The event shines a light on the dangers of distracted driving, including cell phone use, adjusting car radios, and lack of sleep.

    Vijay Dixit is the chairman of the Shreya R. Dixit Memorial Foundation, the non-profit organization behind the planning of the annual 5K event. This cause holds deep personal significance for him. In 2007, his daughter Shreya, a 19-year-old dean’s list student, was tragically killed when the driver of her car became distracted and crashed.

    Inspired by the Indian festival Raksha Bandhan, symbolizing the protective bond between siblings, the event promotes a similar bond among drivers. Participants pledge to drive distraction-free to protect each other and the community.

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    Dixit’s efforts have expanded nationwide, in association with sponsors such as Cargill and Federated Insurance, and partners like the Eden Prairie Police Department and the Minnesota State Patrol. Every year for the past 16 years, Minnesota’s governor has signed a proclamation to draw attention to the urgent need to reduce distracted driving.

    Editor’s note: Vijay Dixit, quoted in this story as the chairman of the Shreya R. Dixit Memorial Foundation, serves as a board member of Eden Prairie Local News. He is also a member of the Development Committee and journalism team.

    Perched on the Shreya Dixit Memorial bench, two women engage in conversation while a young girl listens during the 16th annual Raksha Run/Walk & Vigil at Purgatory Creek Park.
    Matt Lind, the race director of the 16th annual Raksha Run/Walk & Vigil, addresses participants during the Saturday event. Lind also holds the position of treasurer for the Shreya R. Dixit Memorial Foundation.
    Eden Prairie Police Chief Matt Sackett (right) talks to attendees at the 16th annual Raksha Run/Walk & Vigil on Saturday morning at Purgatory Creek Park.
    (From left) Vijay Dixit, chairman of the Shreya R. Dixit Memorial Foundation, poses with Eden Prairie Mayor Ron Case at the 16th Raksha 5K Run/Walk & Vigil for Distraction-Free Driving on Saturday.
    Eden Prairie Mayor Ron Case chats with a group of participants at the 16th annual 5K Raksha Run/Walk & Vigil for Distracted-Free Driving, held at Purgatory Creek Park on Aug. 5.

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