Mangaluru (Update): P K Kunjan, Tour Manager, Tourism Department said, Patrick started his run from Kanyakumari on January 26. Today we will halt in Padubidri – Maravante from there we will have an incredible evening in Karwar. There will be cultural programme and Patrick will interact with the media.
Speaking to the mediapersons at the Circuit house Patrick said, “I have started my run on January 26, which is the republic day of India as well as the Australian Day. It is a beautiful synergy to lead the two very special national days together. On 26 January, I started my journey from Kanyakumari we have started our Journey of 4600 KM run from Kanyakumari and I will finish it on March 30 in Kashmir.
He said, “The purpose of the run is for three reasons, one is to use my footsteps to inspire the motor riding people. To inspire them to walk because I walk 80 KM a day. To inspire the school children, university students and people who are seeing me walking on the side of the road. Together we can do anything”, he added.
Second goal is to strengthen the relationship between India and Australia. They are two great world democracies and great example for the rest of the world. There is also conflict around the world, terrorism for religious reasons and for other reasons. Why people become terrorists, I don’t know. This run is to celebrate the positivity of humanity and to eliminate differences between religions and countries. India is the ideal place to have the run because India has unity in diversity and many different languages, many different religions and different God’s.
He also said that India will become the number one world leader and is very close to the world number one economy, I think it is very much important to the rest of the world to know and understand what India offers and how India works under the system of tolerance and humanity and so we are showcasing through my team and media for those interested in India and Australia.
He further said, “I have a strong belief that if you can educate a girl you can educate the family, if you educate the family you can educate the entire nation. I am raising money through my Nanhi Kali in Australia to educate young girls in India.
When asked why only to educate young girls in India, he said, “In India education is very good and there is good development and the reason to raise money for girls education in India is many girls due to poverty are unable to pursue their education Through my website I am encouraging Australians to donate funds to Mahindra’s Nanhi Kali an NGO providing education for underprivileged girls in India. .’
When asked about his transition from a Law maker to a runner, Patrick said, “I was a runner before becoming the law maker. I took up marathon when I was 18-year-old. Like India, Australia is a great sporting nation.
When asked what time he starts his day, Pat said, “I start my run at 5:00 am because I don’t want to create traffic jams and end it at 5:00 PM. I run on the side of the road so that there will not be any traffic jams. I take boiled eggs early in the morning and vegetable soup for breakfast. I try to stick to vegetable diet”.
While concluding Pat said, “I am very much excited to run the length of India from Kanyakumari to Kashmir. I will end my run on March 30, I have never run in a country with diversity. India has unity in diversity and has a cultural significance. The tourism minister has supported my run very much”.
He also said, “My wife Tania joined me in Mumbai on January 18, I have a son Dillon and a daughter Brooke. In 2014 I ran 1300 KM in Lebanon, Jordon, Israel and Palestine for “Middle East Peace run” to raise funds and create awareness for peace in the region”.
Minister Abhaychandra Jain felicitated Patrick Farmer with Shawl, garland, peta wooden rice measuring pot and fruits. Deputy commissioner A B Ibrahim, Police commissioner Chandra Sekhar, SP Sharanappa, ADC Kumar, Information officer Khader Shah and others were also present.
Mangaluru: Australian former MP and former Marathon runner Patrick Farmer arrived to Talapady as a part of “Patrick Farmer for spirit of India run 2016” Marathon, here on February 4.
Deputy commissioner A B Ibrahim welcomed Patrick at Talapady as he arrived from Kerala with a floral bouquet.
Addressing the mediapersons Patrick said, “Thank you so much for the warm welcome for the “Spirit of India Run. This run is not for Patrick Farmer and not for Australia. This run is about humanity”. This run is to show the strength and the power that never dies.
He further said, “When I started my first journey, it was very difficult. I thought to run the full length of the country from Kanyakumari to Kashmir. India is the most incredible nation on earth, tourism in India absolutely got the tag-line, there is no other place on earth like India, there is no other place on earth with so many religions and languages”.
“I have three goals on this run, to raise funds to educate young girls in India. If you educate the mother she will educate the nation. Through my website I inspire Australians to support my cause. My goal is to raise 100,000 Australian dollars and to hand over it to India for education. My second goal is to strengthen the bond between India and Australia and the third one is to promote Cricket in India. I want to inspire many people as possible to understand what I am doing”.
