Four US diplomats to go on 'padyatra' in India

Four American diplomats from the US Consulate in Mumbai will embark on a brisk 100-km-long two-day ‘padyatra’ to raise funds for the poor in India, an official said here Monday.

The ‘padyatra’ will start Friday (Feb 10) from Cauvery Sangamma, wend through the rugged and beautiful villages of south Bangalore, and end in Bidadi.

Called the “Paul Revere’s Midnight Walk” after a historic figure from American history, the unique effort will support the worthy causes of Oxfam India.

‘Oxfam Trailwalker’ is a global event which takes place annually in 12 countries and is happening first time in India.

“Paul Revere’s spirit of activism - and the fact that we will have to walk all through the night in order to finish in time - inspired the selection of our team name,” said US Consul General in Mumbai, Peter Haas, who will take part in the unique ‘padyatra.’

On April 18, 1775, the eve of the American Revolution, Paul Revere rode his horse throughout the night alerting the American militia that the British troops were about to attack and warning Boston’s residents that they should prepare to defend their homes, Haas explained.

Consular Officer Evan Morrisey, said that the participants in the walk love India, and work to advancing India-US partnership through various means, including providing visas, promoting bilateral trade and investments and connecting with the people of India.

Consular Officer Roland Minez said that all the four enjoyed being outdoors - “We view this effort as a way we could show our love of India while simultaneously seeing more of India’s beautiful countryside and supporting the worthy cause championed by Oxfam India.”

The four diplomats, taking their ‘padyatra’ seriously, took care to train themselves for the efforts, said Consular Officer Dan Gedacht.

“Along with various friends and supporters, our team has conducted several training hikes in the hills of Maharashtra. We completed 40 km on our last training hike and are looking forward to a challenging but rewarding experience in Bangalore,” he said optimistically.

The Oxfam India, through its work, helps the poor increase their income, works to unlock the potential of women, and provides health and education services to the most vulnerable communities.