Feats of Joy and Cholo Dourai give voice to the JBG Kolkata Marathon’s ten-year history. Renowned athletes, including Ms. Dola Banerjee, Archer, Mr. Anju Bobby George, Long Jumper, Mr. Mehtab Hossain, former football player and coach, Mr. Gurbux Singh, former hockey player, Mr. Joydeep Karmakar, Shooter, and other dignitaries and members of the literary and athletic community, attended the launch of the official event song and the book in Kolkata.

Ten years ago, two dreamers set out to establish a race that was about more than just running—it was about finding joy in the journey and discovering oneself. The JBG Kolkata Marathon was born out of the spark. Ten years later, what started as a small trail race with 99 participants in 2016 has grown into a celebration of bravery, camaraderie, and endurance. Feats of Joy and Cholo Dourai are a celebration of movement, meaning, and the power of the human spirit, paying homage to those who race against the odds and demonstrating that sometimes the best finish lines are the ones we draw for ourselves.

That same spirit is the source of Feats of Joy. It is a celebration of ten years of running, dreaming, and daring, not just a book. A book that honors fifty athletes, fifty inspirational tales of perseverance and passion, and a common conviction: champions are created, not born. It depicts the pulse of Indian sport via fifty stirring tales of athletes who came from forgotten nooks and dust tracks to achieve the seemingly unattainable. From Yogesh Kathuniya’s steadfast drive to Rani Rampal’s leadership forged in fire, from Neeraj Chopra’s brilliant toss to P.V. Sindhu’s brave smashes, these are tales of becoming as much as victory.

Feats of Joy encapsulates the spirit of Indian sport, from the dusty lanes of Haryana to the hockey fields of India, from the Paralympic throwing circle to the international badminton court. It’s a book about heartbeats—fast, fierce, and vibrant. Every chapter is a flame, revealing tales of tenacity, fortitude, and unwavering desire. When combined, they create a mosaic of inspiration that reflects the essence of the marathon itself, in which each step is a narrative, each runner is a dreamer, and each finish line represents a fresh start.

Cholo Dourai is a run anthem that embodies both the pulse of the city and the enthusiasm of every runner. The song captures the adrenaline that propels thousands of people to the starting line every year, as well as the pulse of perseverance and dedication that drives them forward.

Cholo Dourai, with its roots in Kolkata’s unique musical character, combines strong lyrics and lively rock beats that evoke the rhythm of a runner’s footsteps and the city’s unwavering devotion. It is a celebration of movement, perseverance, and Kolkata’s unbreakable spirit rather than merely a song.

This new book and theme song will increase participants’ and enthusiasts’ excitement as Kolkata prepares for the JBG Kolkata Marathon.

Priyanka Dutta