KOCHI: “Life is not at all a bed of roses. It has its pains and gains. Many of us, in today’s world, face several difficulties in life, but we need to overcome them,” says Walanjatil Ninan Duke, 60, a retired school principal and an enthusiastic explorer. He has returned from a solo ‘Walkathon’, from Kanyakumari to Kathmandu, which took 118 days and covered a distance of 3,914 kms.
Starting the journey from Hyderabad, Duke went to Secunderbad, Nizamabad, Adilabad, Nagpur, Ramtek, Seoni, Jabalpur, Gorakhpur, Maharajganj, Nautanwa, Sunauli, and onwards to Kathmandu.
“I was testing my faith against all odds. However, in modern times, the greatest asset is your health. What you also need is wisdom,” says Duke. “During my trip, I got help from members of establishments, schools, places of worship, believers of all faiths, and villagers. At other times, I stayed at railway stations, dormitories, shanties, rooftops, classrooms, and pavements, too!”
During his trip, Duke withstood rains, heat waves, drought-like situations, and pre-monsoon showers. “On the last day, I stepped into the valley of Kathmandu, surrounded by hills, and although the weather was sultry, I enjoyed each and every moment,” says Duke.
The greatest honour, which was awaiting Duke, at the end of the walk was the meeting with Ranjit Rae, the Indian Ambassador, who, at India House, handed him the Indian flag. This will be taken to the summit of Mount Everest next year.
Duke hopes to conquer Mount Everest, and his wandering heart will be taking him on more crusades across the globe.