The ultra marathon run ‘2 Million Steps to Hope’ that was flagged off from the campus of Bharati Vidyapeeth, CBD Belapur, Navi Mumbai on 16th January, 2017 reached Satara on 19th January, 2017 after covering around 272 kms. The Marathon, which has been organized by the NGOs-The Hope Place and Heart Foundation under its STREE (Smash Tradition Rehabilitate Educate and Empower) project will cover more than 1500 kms and will pass through the states of Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka and Tamilnadu and will conclude on 18th February, 2017 at Chennai. There are three main runners- John Moriarty (America), Chris Joseph Smith (Australia) and one from India Mr. Tharun Kumar. They will cover an average of 50 kms per day.
“As per statistics over 50% of human trafficking victims are children. Human trafficking not only involves sex and labour, but people are also trafficked for organ harvesting. Although human trafficking is often a hidden crime and accurate statistics are difficult to obtain, researchers estimate that more than 80% of trafficking victims are females. The runners will be spreading awareness on this serious issue along the way,” said Dr. Jayakar Ellis, President, Heart Foundation.
Children of Bharathi Vidyapeeth High School, CBD Belapur, Navi Mumbai clapping as the runners are flagged off
“We aim to create awareness to ‘a level of discipline’ against child abuse, labour & trafficking and create resources to sustain long-term rehabilitation of children through NGO’s involved in rescue and rehabilitation, create awareness to the general public and corporate through this Ultra-marathon, create nerve – centres, self sustaining business models and contagious social media plans to ensure that every child is a happy, healthy and a loved child in Society,” stressed Godfrey Fernandez of The Hope Place.
“We are glad to be partnering in this unique cause and an awareness on the above issues should also be highlighted in schools and colleges” said Dr. Vilasrao Kadam, Director, Bharati Vidyapeeth.
Dr. Jayakar Ellis talking about the importance of Sexual abuse and how to be alert to the students
Talking about his decision to join in this initiative, John Moriarty said, “I am deeply concerned about the epidemic of human trafficking all over the world especially in India. This is my first run for a cause like this.” Chris Smith always had a desire to work for the betterment of humanity. “I have been doing athletic events for over 30 years for my body and mind but now I want to dedicate this phase of my life for this heartfelt cause,” he stressed. Tharun Kumar too is deeply moved by this serious issue and “saw this as a great opportunity to make a difference and spread awareness amongst the citizens.”
All the three runners have been participating in various marathons and have been especially practicing for this event. “I have been running marathon for about 20 years for fun but six months seriously for this cause,” said John Moriarty.
During the event, an honorary doctorate by the University of Jerusalem was conferred on Mr. Lalit Varma, resident of Navi Mumbai at the hands of Dr. Vilasroa Kadam for his untiring and silent support for the social cause through the Heart Foundation. “The selection of Mr. Lalit Varma for the honorary doctorate is a very joyous process. It is my privilege to honor him as I have seen his work for almost a decade” said Dr. Jayakar Ellis.
On reaching Satara today, John said, “It is heartening to be a part of this novel and noble initiative. We have been able to spread awareness along the way and it is encouraging when we see many joining us too and seriously participating in the cause.”
