Today, model and eco-warrior Milind Soman completed 465 kilometres of his run from Ahmedabad to Mumbai. Along with six eco-crusaders, he is running over 565 kms, finishing off at Yashraj Studios in Andheri, to raise environmental awareness, and connect with people in small towns and cities over green issues. "We’ve attracted a lot of attention on our trip," he admits. "Some people are happy that we’re running for a cause and others think we’re just crazy. Of course, there are sceptics who’re asking what’s the point. But overall, the people we interact with are happy that their work is being televised and appreciated."
Dressed in shorts and a white vest, Soman has had to contend with the blistering heat as he and his merry men jog down highways. “We didn’t think we’d be able to run in the hot sun. The first four days were hard. Also, I had just returned from France where the temperature was around 15 degrees Celsius to a place where the mercury was touching 41,” he reveals. “But the human body is an amazing piece of machinery, I guess we underestimated ourselves,” he adds, despite claiming to get only about four hours of sleep every day.
Explaining his motivation for NDTV’s Greenathon, he says, “I’ve always been a nature lover, and it pains me to see the way most people treat the environment.”
{{/usCountry}}Explaining his motivation for NDTV’s Greenathon, he says, “I’ve always been a nature lover, and it pains me to see the way most people treat the environment.”
{{/usCountry}}Ask him about his green mantra and he says, “I try to plant at least ten trees every year. I also grow my own vegetables without fertilisers. It’s surprising how the same things that are good for your health are also good for the environment.”