A youth from Mysuru has walked from Kanyakumari to Kashmir to show his respect to lakhs of Corona Warriors who are dedicated to fight against the deadly COVID-19 pandemic.

P.N. Bharath, 33, a resident of ‘K’ Block, Kuvempunagar, is the adventure buff who covered 4,100 kms in just 99 days. His adventure trip began on December 11, 2020 from Vivekananda Rock in Kanyakumari, and passed through Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana, Delhi, Punjab, Chandigarh to culminated at Dal Lake, Srinagar of Jammu and Kashmir on March 19. He would walk around 50 to 75 kms a day which helped him to cover the distance. After completion of his mission, he has returned to Mysuru.

Son of Nataraju and Nagaratna couple from Kollegal town, Bharath obtained diploma in Computer Sciences, and was running DTH Sales and Service Shop at Saraswathipuram. With a view to give tribute to Corona warriors differently, he closed down his business and embarked on 4,000-km walkathon.

He told SOM, “Corona has taught a new lesson to the whole world. Many suffered due to lockdown. I shut my business not because of loss but to salute the selfless duty of the Corona warriors. Throughout my journey, I took shelter in Schools, Colleges, Police Stations, Rotary Clubs and Non-Governmental Organisations and created health awareness. I also explained them now it is possible to keep Corona away by following the Government guidelines and by regular exercise.”

Bharath said he wanted 8 litres of drinking water daily and Rs.600 for food. Friends helped him. Unable to spend thousands of rupees on hotels, he spent his nights by staying in petrol bunks, temples and Gurudwaras. Somebody saw my achievement in facebook and helped me. “I bought 140 saplings from local nurseries and planted enroute. Sujatha, President of Rotary Club of Kashmir, a Kannadiga, and her friends gave me a warm welcome in J&K. I never faced any problem. People looked after me very well. The Indian Army soldiers were coming to my help in case of minor problem. I hoisted Kannada flags with CRPF jawans. It was indeed a memorable adventure and I dedicate it to all Corona warriors,” he said.

I am a marathon runner but never participated in any competition. Nor am I a regular walker but began my 4,100-km walkathon from Kanyakumari to Kashmir with a message. Whatever I did is for the people. I pedal around 300 kms a day. I climb Chamundi Hill (steps) nine times on Navarathri day during Dasara festival within four hours for the welfare of Mysureans. – P. N. Bharath