From Kashmir to Kanyakumari, one man walks for a purer India

PULWAMA — As dawn broke over the tranquil hills of Awantipora in southern Kashmir, a lone figure with an unwavering resolve took steady strides southward — each footfall echoing a purpose that transcends borders, languages, and beliefs.

Meet Gaurav Tyagi, the indefatigable founder of Shuddham Organic, who has embarked on an audacious journey — Bharat Annashuddhi Padyatra — a 4,000-kilometre foot march from the symbolic heart of Lal Chowk, Srinagar, to the southern tip of Kanyakumari. His mission is nothing short of a clarion call for a healthier, toxin-free India.

In an era where the click of a button can broadcast messages to millions, one might ask — why choose the arduous path of a Padyatra? Tyagi’s answer is as grounded as the soil he champions. “Social media may spread words, but it cannot replace the warmth of human connection, the clasp of a farmer’s hand, or the firsthand stories of those whose lives are tethered to the land,” he told The Kashmir Pulse in an exclusive conversation.

A journey born out of illness and resolve

A native of Noida, Uttar Pradesh, Tyagi’s foray into organic farming was not merely a business venture but a personal crusade. Diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder — a cruel repercussion, as doctors told him, of years of consuming pesticide-laden produce — he turned his anguish into activism.

“What we eat today is laced with chemicals that were never meant for human bodies. These silent poisons are pushing people towards cancers, hormonal disorders, and autoimmune diseases. I realised that the answer lies in going back to the roots — to organic, chemical-free food,” he said, pausing as his footsteps tapped rhythmically against the tarmac.

More than a march — A movement

As his second day on the road culminates in Awantipora, Tyagi reflects on the warm embrace of Kashmir’s people. “The hospitality here is unparalleled. The local administration, particularly the Jammu and Kashmir Police, extended tremendous support,” he smiles, brushing his windswept hair back into place.

The Padyatra, he insists, is not just about awareness — it’s about empowerment. “Farmers who choose the difficult path of organic farming often suffer in silence. They are sidelined by commercial lobbies and underpaid by middlemen. My walk aims to amplify their voices, bridge the gap between farmers and consumers, and create a demand for pure food.”

At every halt, whether it’s a bustling town or a sleepy hamlet, Tyagi engages with farmers, agricultural officers, horticulturists, and anyone willing to listen. His message is simple but profound: “Pure food is not a luxury; it is a necessity. And if you think organic food is expensive, try comparing it to the cost of hospital bills.”

A silent war against fast food culture

Beyond the farmlands, Tyagi’s mission also confronts another modern menace — the fast-food culture. “We are racing towards convenience at the cost of health. Junk food is no longer an occasional indulgence; it’s become a staple for many urban households. This needs to stop if we envision a healthier India,” he asserts.

He continues, "There is ample research to make it clear that children are more addicted to fast food than video games or smartphone screens, and the irony is their parents make this choice. Our priorities need a rethink."

"Swasth Bharat, Viksit Bharat"

Tyagi’s voice carries the timbre of conviction as he reiterates that India’s dream of becoming Viksit Bharat — a developed nation — cannot be achieved without first becoming Swasth Bharat — a healthy nation.

“I invite anyone who resonates with this cause to join me, even if it’s for a day, a mile, or just to spread the word,” he says, eyes gleaming with an optimism that defies the daunting miles ahead.

As the sun grew brighter at noon near the Awantipora stretch of the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway, Gaurav Tyagi tightened the laces of his well-worn shoes, ready to continue a journey powered not by fuel, but by purpose — a journey where each step is a protest against poison and a prayer for purity.

https://kashmirpulse.com/health/from-kashmir-to-kanyakumari-one-man-walks-for-a-purer-india/112900.html