When was the last time you read something about or heard from someone on just about anything related to Gangtok? Perhaps, not very recently, right? For some reason, one of the most serene and peaceful places of India- Sikkim’s capital, Gangtok- is hardly in news. But a recent event, interesting and inspiring in equal measure, made Gangtok occupy national headlines, if only for a while.
It appears that a youth from Sikkim’s Gangtok recently ran an astonishing 1500 kms all the way to Ghaziabad to spread awareness about the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. The clean India campaign is, of course, part of Prime Minister Modi’s noble idea to bring about a massive cleanliness revolution in the country. The person behind the staggering feat is Abhishek Prasad Gupta.
It is also reported that the 22-year-old Gangtok based Abhishek began his emphatic run back in December the 29th in 2017. In about the next few days, he is slated to reach the Delhi-based Sikkim Bhawan. It is expected, by that time, he would’ve covered 30 more kms in his onerous span of 1500 km. But Abhishek Prasad Gupta admits it isn’t the first time that he has had a run in life.
It is believed that he runs 70-80 km everyday on a slow pace. Interestingly, his father is accompanying him and following the duo is a medical team in an SUV. In this awe-inspiring journey, Gupta met residents from different sects and cultures from Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal and, Bihar who lauded his efforts and so should the entire country. Here’s enough reason why that must be the case. Advocating the Clean-India movement isn’t the only initiative that tops this Gangtok resident. Abhishek has also been voicing support for the northeastern state of Sikkim, rallying behind the ‘Organic Sikkim’ initiative.
Besides that, he has also been a supporter of the fight against child abuse. The three causes keep the conscientious youth occupied in meaningful activities at a time where most of his contemporaries might either be occupied in run of the mill corporate jobs. Speaking to the media, Abhishek Prasad Gupta shared, “ On my way from Gangtok to Ghaziabad, I am meeting different people and talking about these issues. I am also visiting police stations and taking signatures of officers present there as a proof of my run. The young man with a vision in his heart left a job with a private firm last year and possesses a diploma in mechanical engineering. Surely, the country needs more such people, doesn’t it?