E-Paper
An alcoholic jailbird, who turned into a marathon runner
Jadhav has run the stretch between Gateway of India, Mumbai to India Gate in Delhi in 20 days
The story of an alcoholic, who has served time in prison is not exactly where one expects to find inspiration. However the story of Rahul Jadhav, 43 takes a different turn. Jadhav has run the stretch between Gateway of India, Mumbai to India Gate in Delhi in 20 days.
From sleeping on the streets to evading arrests, to being accused, jailed and acquitted in multiple cases, including one of attempted murder and extortion of a builder which attracted the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA), Jadhav has come a long way.
Jadhav, who fought alcohol addiction, overcame tuberculosis and spent time in Arthur road jail Mumbai, says he found his calling while he was spending time at Muktangan Rehabilitation Center, Pune.
His days as a hitman does not hamper him, as much his fight against alcoholism did. He says, “I am still scared to talk about those days. It is all in the past now.”
Jadhav who aspires for financial stability, works at a chocolate factory and earns a modest income. As he waits for his train, from Pune to Mumbai- a stretch he has covered running, multiple times, he says, “The work I do is considered substandard, in the underworld. However I am working towards making a new life for myself”.
Jadhav has witnessed a complete arch of life and is still breaking new ground. With every run, he is distancing himself with his past and inching closer, towards a brighter future.
