Ummeed Pe Duniya Kayam Hai!

It all started with a FB post by an acquaintance,

about a walkathon for a unique cause, to increase its salience.

Curious to know more, I looked up as I had no reference.

It was an event for which its organizers made a huge variance

in the awareness of the noble cause, I figured out from others' experience.

55 km the target was a huge distance to walk and yet I signed up

with much inner doubt and diffidence.

With three months in hand, I knew I had a fighting chance to improve my resilience.

Whether 55 at age 50 was going to be feasible, remained a constant ambivalence.

90 days flew fast teasingly and the day arrived sooner despite the daily vigilance.

As the clock struck four on D-day, the piercing alarm awakened my senses but put to rest my rising dissonance.

Whether or not I complete the end goal, in that moment, I made an inference,

“It’s about the cause and not you, my friend. Just enjoy the journey.” And that is how I got my deliverance.

Putting my best foot forward, equipped with a newfound belligerence,

my backpack and I packed with carbs and adrenaline for which there was no previous reference.

I knew, however, that whatever happened at the end, the journey had much more significance.

Dawn to dusk was filled with deep conversations and light laughs with strangers that added spring to my steps and confidence,

in those connected moments I realized the beauty of the walk and its true magnificence.

11 hours later, a grueling match between my back and the limbs to decide who was hurting more was wearing off my patience,

but the defiant brain dragged me to the end line...I was exhausted to a degree with no precedence.

As I look back and write fondly about the unique and fulfilling experience;

It’s about coming together as a community to raise awareness for children with developmental disabilities, not about covering the distance!

What the Ummeed Child Development Center Team is consistently doing is of huge consequence.

I am deeply grateful to the inspiring staff and community. I bow to their commitment, gravitas, and providence!

A few pics and videos taken during the walkathon, below:

At 7 pm: The walk finally ends!!!

Keep Walking!

When strangers become companions on walk