An epic journey on foot, my Atulya Ganga Parikrama, covering the distance of 5600+ km along the sacred river Ganga, Maa Ganga.
Maa Ganga, this is how India venerates Ganga, the holiest river of country.
My Atulya Ganga Parikrama has two facets to it:
As group walker…
I walked almost 2500 km with the group in Atulya Ganga
Atulya Ganga Parikarma, commenced from Prayagraj on 16th December, 2020. I was the only woman to participate in the complete walkathon.
I walked with co-walkers upto Gangasagar , where Ganga merges in the sea. A milestone achieved.
Then took U-turn at sea and walked other side of Ganga, crossed states of West Bengal, Jharkhand and entered Bihar. My rhythmic walk continued. But all changed in Barh, a town in Bihar, wherein I suffered from leg injury.
Got examined by an orthopedic surgeon. Extensive tests done. Reports came satisfactory.
With rest of few days, I was permitted to pursue my parikrama, as per doctor’s instructions, to walk slow and for lesser distance daily.
At Atulya Ganga, walk is a group activity with fixed daily distances, for everyone to meet. And this was how I had trained myself as well.
But after leg injury my need and my pace of walk differed. I knew I cannot match with my co-walkers in such scenario. Atulya Ganga advised me to go home as I was deemed unfit for the group walk that time.
Whereas I was determined to pursue my Ganga parikrama which meant that I needed to walk alone.
Thus, with all fond memories treasured in my heart and with utmost regards, I embarked on my solo walkathon, thereafter. Despite of all physical and emotional challenges I did not give up.
Continued my holy walkathon. To make me proud. To make women proud.
And indeed to make Atulya Ganga proud that their woman walker Indu is still holding flag high.
Even if it takes one year to complete my holy walkathon, due to less distance covered daily, Indu won’t give up.
As solo walker…
Second phase of my walk starts as a solo walker.
Walking at my slow pace during healing process. Not walking more than 15 km presently. While connecting with people. Experiencing home stays with families. Honored. Privileged. Sweet gestures of people make me realize that home is where you receive love and care. Eternally grateful for each such moment.
A bigger issue…
When I decided to walk alone, other big issue popped up.
Woman walking alone for hours daily meant strictly no.
Everyone considered solo woman walking highly unsafe. More so in Bihar.
All kinds of safety issues were put in front of me.
WHY CAN’T A WOMAN WALK ALONE IN MY COUNTRY?
This question bothered me deeply.
And made my resolve even stronger to pursue my holy walkathon.
I decided to address this issue during my walkathon and prove as well that no fear can stop a woman’s dream towards #DEKHO APNA DESH
What could be more appropriate a mean, than walk, to explore and experience own country? And I am rightly doing so with my epic journey on foot. For the reverence of Maa Ganga. For the love of my country India. And for the pride of womanhood.
My holy walkathon continues…
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