Runner's 5,000km India Trek for Leprosy Cause

Om Satija, a 23-year-old Indo-Australian, is undertaking an extraordinary 5,000km run across the Indian subcontinent, from Kanyakumari to Kashmir. As of April 23rd, day 87 of his 'One India Run,' he had covered nearly 4,000km, maintaining a pace of approximately 50km daily. If successful, he will be the youngest person to complete such a run.

Beyond the physical feat, Satija, a trained physiotherapist, is raising ₹60 lakh for Udayan Kolkata, which supports children from marginalized and leprosy-affected communities. Each kilometer run contributes about ₹1200 towards education, aiming to assist 1,000 children over five years. The campaign has already garnered ₹17 lakh through growing community engagement.

Satija's inspiration stems from a childhood visit to Rishikesh, where witnessing a person with leprosy left a lasting impact. Despite being curable, leprosy carries significant stigma in India, affecting numerous families. Satija aims to be a voice for these children, encouraging youth to use fitness and initiative for social change.