Friday 26 August 2016

Pinkathon - For a cause we applause

Posted By: Kritika Pradhan - 09:36
The free spirited, unstoppable youth of today dwells not just within himself but also strives in perfecting every aspect of life and at the same time contribute to the society he lives in.
KUNAL WITH MILIND SONAM "THE IRON MAN"

They say one alone can make a difference, I wholeheartedly support this proverb, even history & current affairs state the same. A man is born twice, once when he comes to the world and the other time when he discovers his passion.

So here I am, sharing an inspirational story of a passionate, thriving person, who's yet again showed us that impossible itself say's"I am possible".

Running continuously for 6 days covering a distance of 350kms from Bengaluru to Chennai for a cause "Women Empowerment". It's the effect of such initiations taken that India today proudly claims "Our daughter, our pride. (Excellent performance in RioOlymoics2016) .

Sandeep, Spoorthi and Kunal  (my friend) set forth on the road less traveled.
Kunal Rawat, a 24 year old Probationary Officer in State Bank Of India, Paruthipattu, Chennai. Is one out of the three inspirational youths, he is the one who's shared his Pinkathon experience with me, giving me the privilege of writing his story and sharing his experience.
He completed his schooling from Sainik School, Ghorakhal, a school which holds a reputation of providing top service men and upstanding citizens of the country. He was active in sports like hockey and football. He was the Captain of Northern Zone Hockey team.
KUNAL RAWAT
He says, with child like excitement in his eyes "everyday we had to run for atleast 5 to 6 kms". With a feeling of nostalgia, he adds " all this has added towards helping me become the man I am today".
In mids of college, job and career it became difficult for him to take time out for his passion, that was sports.
He joined Pinkathon few months after his father was diagnosed with cancer. He and his family were shattered, he could feel his whole world colliding in front of him but he knew this was not the end, after meeting Breast cancer survivor Neerja Malik and others he realised that cancer is just a word, people have fought Cancer and defeated it with the help of strong will power. He wants to convey a message to all the people and families fighting Cancer - "Don't let Cancer scare you! it's just a word not a life threatening disease, it's all in the mind".

So with a mission of awareness he started practicing 10 days before his first half Pinkathon marathon, on his first half marathon he attempted running bare feet and astoundingly covered a distance of 21 kms in a recorded time of 2 hrs 10 minutes.
THE BAREFOOT MARATHON
Pinkathon is India's biggest women's run, founded by Mr.Milind Soman and Ms.Reema Sanghavi, organised by the United Sisters Foundation and created with the specific purpose of getting more and more women to adopt a fitter lifestyle for themselves and their families, and to highlight the need for increased awareness other issues that put women's life at risk http://pinkathon.in/about-pinkathon/

Pinkathon is a beginning of a moment carried forward by a growing community of empowered women in India. It's an initiative taken to bring a change and educate the ignorant, about women empowerment. Pinkathon organises marathon and events supporting neglected issues, where they encourage women to get out of their houses and participate actively without the boundation of gender, color, culture, attire and unfit lifestyle. Such movements & causes not just create awareness but also help in educating the nation.
Kunal started his first ultra marathon from Kanteerava Stadium, Bengaluru on the 29th May 2016. Being his first attempt to running a marathon he was nervous and hesitant but his co runner Spoorthi and Sandeep worked together at building his confidence. Spoorthi and Sandeep are experienced ultra runners. Ultra marathaon (It is a Marathon covering a distance of more than 42 kms). He sighs! " I was relieved on having them run along with me", as they helped him overcome the hurdles and make this nobel event a hit. The plan was to run 60 kms (per person per day) and 50kms on the last day. They started their day at 3.30am and were on road by 4.30am. As it was the beginning of dawn, the crew car was constantly in pace with the runners, ready to jump in, in case of any mishap. The main challenge faced by the team was the scrounging day heat( sun's wrath) and long highways with no appropriate hotel. The heat did take a toll on him making it difficult for him to continue but with determination he kept going. As with the right amount of zeal he overcame the challenges faced by him. The crew members were always with them providing fresh food supplies, water and first-aid. Mr.Milind Sonam the Pinkathon ambassador was constantly in touch with him supporting and advising him to keep it slow and steady. This advice was Kunal's Mantra throughout the marathaon. After completing 60 kms in a day the crew had their hotels ready for them.
                               MARATHON SCHEDULE
3:30am - Rise & Shine 
4:30am - Hit the Road ( from the same point where you ended                  the previous day) 
8:00am - Breakfast 
12:30pm - Halt for 45minuts, lunch 
5:30pm - Pack up for the day

Everyday they ran for 13 hours, educating the locals & passer byes about Breast Cancer Awareness. Alas! Day 6-  3rd June 2016 he reached his destination The State Bank of India, Chennai Head Office. Where they were warmly welcomed by the SBI Team.
PINKATHON FAMILY
"My New Pinkathon family has an inspiring story to tell, giving you a beautiful picture of people from different cultures working together, each story aspering to inspire a Nation." _ say's Kunal with a warm smile.

Despite of our busy lifestyle and unhealthy habbits it's near to impossible taking time out for ourselves let alone support a cause, but here is a young boy, caught admist job, career just like you and me but there's just one thing that makes him different, that is his determination and willingness to make a difference.
Salute to such young inspirations who continue to inspire and aspire our Nation.
Join Pinkathon:
             Delhi - 4th September 2016
             Guwahati - 18th September 2016






About Kritika Pradhan

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