Mangalore, November 22: Even daredevil Bear Grylls, of television series Man vs Wild, has a team that goes along with him when he does his death-defying stunts and takes on those risky wild trips. But here is someone who'll be undertaking 'Walk in the Wild Side' all by himself.
However, this UK-born Max Chandra, who has his roots in India, has been walking alone from Goa to Orissa along the coast line to collect funds for charity.
Max, who runs a gym in Palolem, and also a charity called One Step at a Time, had suddenly decided to come to India to explore "who he was" and know "his family history". It was later that he stumbled upon the idea of walking across the length and breadth of the country to take in everything that's Indian.
His mission on feet, which commenced on Nov 1, 2011 in Goa, reached the city of Mangalore on Tuesday. With this he has completed 395kms.
Interacting with reporters at Press Club, Max said the 'One Step at a Time' through him, has organised an epic journey that takes him through each of 28 states of India, on foot.
"I thought it would be a nice way to get to know India as well as to collect money for various charities. In Goa I had approached El Shaddai", said the 6.2ft tall, 45 year old Max, who walks with a 25k backpack containing basic amenities as well as a tent.
"I'm not walking with a lot of money. I am taking with me little food and water and some medical aid in case I get bitten by a snake or scorpion!" said Max, who trusts the hospitable Indians to extend support to him whenever he needs help.
Prior to this feat, Max had undergone training too on the Western Ghats. "I can walk non-stop for six hours in the midday heat without much food and water. The whole idea is to get acclamitised to the heat," said the man who is not doing the walk for speed but to be able to connect with the people of India and generate money for a good cause.
"It may take me five to six months to complete the mission as I stop over at the villages that I walk through," said Max who films himself throughout the journey.
“It is about making a difference. To show the world that we can all make a difference, make things better for those that are in need, no matter what the need might be. The challenge had to hold the attention to its viewers, had to be lasting- hence my walking rather than travelling by train or vehicle. This is also about me finding my place in my Indian ancestry', said Max, who first visited India in 2005 and fell in love with her.
And now Max is also looking to raise funds for other charities that are predominantly children oriented as well as one or two charities that are geared towards the environment.
The walk, split into five stages, started on November 1, 2011, in Panjim, Goa with the first stage and drove along Coastal route through Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and then to Orissa. During the walk the charity organisation, through him, connect with communities at grass root level and thus aid these communities and or individuals where it is able and accepted.
Comments
Add new comment