'Indore's Milkha Singh' Kartik Joshi embarked on a 1008-km-long run from Madhya Pradesh to Uttar Pradesh's Ayodhya on Friday. He aims to reach Ayodhya in 14 days, right before Lord Ram's idol is consecrated on January 22.
The 22-year-old 'ultra-marathoner', in an act of devotion to the Hindu deity, kickstarted the run on Friday amid chants of "Jai Jai Shree Ram" in the presence of Madhya Pradesh MLA Kailash Vijayvargiya and Indore Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargav, who waved saffron flags to mark the beginning of his marathon. Kartik began his journey from Ranjit Hanuman Temple in Indore, where he sought blessings from the diety. He also took his parents' blessings, who were there to see him off.
While encouraging him, Vijayvargiya said," You are Indore's Milkha Singh!" The Mayor of Indore also lauded him for "spreading awareness about fitness among the youngsters of Indore", as per PTI.
Although the distance between Indore and Ayodhya is 945 kilometres, the young runner, who has participated in several ultra marathons abroad, decided to take a 1,008 kilometres route.
"I have decided to cover a distance of 1,008 kilometres by slightly tweaking the route given that in Sanatan Hindu culture, the number 1,008 is considered auspicious," he told the reporters.
"As per mythological beliefs, Lord Ram spent 14 days in exile. Thus, I have pledged to complete the race from Indore to Ayodhya in 14 days," said Joshi before beginning his run, reported PTI. While explaining his objective, he said that he wanted to send out a message to young people that they should "follow the path shown by Lord Ram with patience and restraint".
"Nowadays, it is seen that many youths either lose their temper over petty things or get depressed. Lord Ram can help them," he added.
Joshi will reportedly run 72 kilometres each day to complete his route in 14 days. A team of seven people and an ambulance will accompany him on the journey.