LUCKNOW, March 9 -- Marathons, seminars, poetry sessions and felicitation ceremonies marked International Women's Day across the city on Sunday, as government departments, social organisations and institutions came together to celebrate women's achievements and address issues of empowerment, health, education and entrepreneurship. Cricket fans and fitness enthusiasts turned out in large numbers for the 'Run for India' marathon organised by Lucknow Super Giants. The multi-category run began at 1090 Chauraha and included youth, children, senior citizens and specially-abled participants. Organisers said event aimed to spread the message of fitness, unity and women's empowerment. (See HT CITY) The Lucknow Physiotherapy Association, in association with the International Health and Fitness Association, held a health and fitness symposium. Around 250 physiotherapists attended, and 40 women were honoured with 'Nari Shakti Award'. Uttar Pradesh state women commission vice-chairperson Aparna Yadav was the chief guest. A state-level programme titled 'Pragati 2026: Atma Samman Se Samanta Tak' was held at Dayal Gateway in Gomti Nagar, where girls from several districts showcased their talent. Basic education minister Sandeep Singh was the chief guest. Additional chief secretary Parth Sarathi Sen Sharma, director general school education Monika Rani and UNICEF Uttar Pradesh chief Dr Zakari Adam were also present. The Centre for Police Technology announced recognition for 33 outstanding women cyber cops from across the country. Six of them are from Uttar Pradesh, the highest from any single state, honoured for their work in cyber crime investigation, digital forensics, training and online safety awareness. Uttar Pradesh Adarsh Vyapar Mandal held a technical session titled 'Nari Shakti, Vyavsay Ki Udaan' at a hotel in Gomti Nagar. Officials from the district industries centre, Union Bank of India and the MSME sector shared guidance on expanding businesses and starting new ventures. Organisation president Sanjay Gupta said the initiative aimed to encourage and economically empower women entrepreneurs. The Journalist Protection Association held a felicitation programme at Log Bandhu Raj Narayan Memorial Inter College in Uttar Dhauna. Association president Vivek Pratap Singh said respect for women must begin at home and societies that fail to honour women cannot progress. Sesame Workshop India Trust, with support from Marico Limited, honoured anganwadi workers at a programme attended by ACS, women and child development department, Leena Johri. Health check-ups were also conducted. Lucknow Bioscope, Sanatkada and Naimatkhana organised a poetry session followed by a potluck Iftar at Qaiser Bagh to mark Women's Day and Ramzan. Poet, lawyer and activist Sabika Abbas Naqvi recited poems on gender justice and women's experiences, including her poem "Pinjra Tod". Awadh Forest Division organised a programme at the Kukrail range. Social worker and entrepreneur Suneina Chaudhary inaugurated the event by planting a sindoor sapling. Women workers involved in nursery work, plantation and conservation were honoured. htc...