Imagine walking 17 miles at the age of nine. Most of us wouldn't even consider it, but for one young boy in India, it was a matter of life and death. This is the story of how a small act of determination and perseverance turned into a symbol of hope and resilience.
The Start of the Journey
The boy, known only as Budhia, was born into poverty in the state of Odisha. At the age of three, he was sold by his mother to a man who turned him into a beggar. But in 2004, Budhia's life took a turn for the better when he was taken in by a local judo coach, Biranchi Das.
Under Das' care, Budhia's life changed dramatically. He was enrolled in school, given proper meals, and trained in judo. But it wasn't long before Das noticed something special about Budhia: his ability to run for long distances without getting tired.
Das saw potential in Budhia's talent and decided to train him to become a long-distance runner. And so, on May 2, 2006, Budhia set out on a journey that would change his life forever.
The Walk that Captured the Nation's Attention
Accompanied by Das and a few other supporters, Budhia began his walk from Bhubaneswar to Puri, a distance of 42 kilometers (or approximately 26 miles). But after only a few kilometers, Das noticed that Budhia was struggling to keep up. Worried that the boy might collapse, Das decided to end the walk at the 17-kilometer mark.
But Budhia was determined to finish what he had started. As Das and the others got into their car and drove away, Budhia continued to walk. And walk. And walk.
For the next five hours, Budhia walked alone along the highway, covering the remaining 25 kilometers (or approximately 15.5 miles) to Puri. Along the way, he was cheered on by crowds of people who had heard about his incredible feat.
The Aftermath
Budhia's walk made national headlines and turned him into a celebrity overnight. He was hailed as a hero and received numerous awards and accolades for his achievement.
But the walk also sparked controversy. Many people criticized Das for pushing Budhia too hard and exploiting him for his own gain. The government eventually stepped in and banned Budhia from running long distances or participating in marathons.
Despite the setbacks, Budhia continued to train and compete in shorter races. He eventually became a national champion in his age group and was named the youngest marathon runner in the world by the Limca Book of Records.
The Legacy of Budhia's Walk
Budhia's walk may have been controversial, but it also served as a symbol of hope and resilience for millions of people in India and around the world. It showed that even in the face of adversity, one person's determination and perseverance can make a difference.
Today, Budhia is a young man with a bright future ahead of him. He may never walk 17 miles again, but his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.