Run Anush Run

September 16, 2006 | Filed Under Point of View 

Anush, a friend of mine from engineering college, currently in the US is training to run a 26 mile marathon. That’s around 50 kms. He is running for a NGO that is working on providing education to the under privileged children in India. I read this page, and it suddenly reminds me, how far we have come.

We struggled to get our degree, we graduated at a time where jobs were bleak – they weren’t the happiest times. But yet I remember them fondly and strangely we were always optimistic. Sitting in the canteen of Saboo Siddik and drinking cutting chai, the only goal in mind was to pass the next exam. I am glad that is behind us now.

We largely live our lives selfishly and I don’t think there is any shame in accepting that. But we also find joy in making a difference, to give those who are not privileged as us. A lot of people and NGOs dedicate their lives to social work. They are always short of money, cause there is a lot people who are under-privileged.

Anush is training hard, I wonder what is driving him. We were amongst the most laid back of people in college. We never tried very hard, whether it be to finish an assignement, clear a test or to win-over a girl. Seeing him train hard for something makes me happy, but I don’t feel surprised. I realise that when we believe in something we can give it all we have.  Inshallah, Anush will be able to complete the marathon and raise the money he wants to raise, and I hope that it will give him immense happiness and enrich the lives of some under-privileged children.

I ran the 7 km run in bombay in january this year. I am not what you will call “physically fit” in fact i am almost obese, and the experience sapped all my energy. Though I still got a high from it. Millions of people running around you, some carrying banners and shouting, some singing, people on wheel chairs, human chains, it was an exhilarating experience.

I hope the experience brings as much joy to Anush as it will bring to the children who will get educated at his cost. May God be with him.

Please check this site and if you want to send good wishes to Anush, you can comment here. I will make sure they reach him.

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