DIBRUGARH: When you support a noble cause, it is never a problem to walk the extra mile. Khanin Roy (41), a resident of Pathsala in Bajali district, literally did just that, covering 900 km from Dhubri to Sadiya on foot in 30 days. His purpose? To spread awareness about the menace of drug addiction and depression.
Roy, who started from Sagolia in Dhubri on December 7, finished his walk on January 5 at the Assam-Arunachal border at Shantipur, Sadiya in Tinsukia district.
Roy, who is a teacher of Patbausi Balika Lower Primary School in Pathsala, undertook the unique endeavour under the aegis of Brain and Figure, a youth and social organisation from Pathsala. “It was no doubt a challenging and strenuous task but it was worth the effort. Although it was a 900-km walkathon, the actual distance I walked was more than 1,000 km in 30 days, out of which I took two days of rest. My aim was to spread awareness on drug addiction and depression,” Roy said.
He added, “Depression is the leading cause of suicide in India. These have forced youths to even kill themselves. Young people today stay away from physical activities and immerse themselves in the virtual world. They must be encouraged to take up activities like walking, cycling, swimming, yoga and adventure sports so that they remain physically fit and active. I’m happy that I was able to connect with and convey the message to the people during my journey.”
During the course of his long walk, Roy also met Arjun award recipient Bhogeswar Baruah at his Sivasagar residence. Baruah, who won gold in an 800-metre running event at the 1966 Asian Games, was the first Assamese to win gold at an international event.
“The people I came across in my journey were very welcoming. I made several friends along the way. I used to start my journey at 9am every day and walk 9-10 hours (around 35 km) before halting for the night. In several places, locals themselves arranged for my night accommodation,” the 41-year-old teacher said.
Roy, a kickboxing champion, received the best fighter of the northeast award in 1999, has won several medals at the national level championship.