Our Terms & Conditions | Our Privacy Policy
EDITORIAL
Fauja Singh’s life can serve as an inspiration to take the movement forward
Earlier this week, the world mourned the death of centenarian marathon runner Fauja Singh (114). He succumbed to injuries sustained after being hit by an SUV while crossing a road in his birth village, Beas Pind, in Jalandhar district, Punjab. Police have arrested an NRI, Amritpal Singh, in connection with the hit-and-run case.
Reports say Fauja suffered humiliation at an early age due to his thin and weak legs. He was an avid amateur runner but took up serious running at age 89, after migrating to England to live with one of his sons. He always thanked his coach for his achievements. Fauja ran his first race, the London Marathon, in 2000. Running marathons became part of his life, and he did it with renewed vigour, breaking records. He was called the centenarian marathon runner. However, this was not recognised by the Guinness World Records as he did not possess a birth certificate. Popularly known as the ‘Turbaned Tornado’, he was a torchbearer carrying the Olympic flame at the 2012 Summer Olympics.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tributes to Fauja Singh, saying he was “extraordinary because of his unique persona and the manner in which he inspired the youth of India on the very important topic of fitness.”
As rich tributes were paid to the memory of Fauja, there are lessons from the centenarian marathon runner for all of us. From the interviews he gave to the media over the years, it was clear what his philosophy of life was. He had a humble beginning, and even after attaining global fame for marathon running, he remained a grounded man. “Be grateful for everything you have,” and “try to live a stress-free life,” “eat less, walk more and stay happy,” were among his “secrets” for a healthy life.
He also proved that age is just a number. He aimed to improve upon his record every time. He clocked several milestones in his running career and was a man of positivity. Not that he didn’t face problems during his life – he did – but late in life, he decided to focus on something that gave him meaning: running. He would walk for four hours and compare himself with others of his age. He would say that his legs, too, would hurt, just like those of people who sit all day. The result, according to him, was that his legs became stronger.
Fauja also taught us a lesson in diet. Perhaps he didn’t consult a dietician on what was best for him, but he routinely followed a pattern he believed in, which served him well. He ate simple food and never overate. Another important aspect of his life was spirituality. He found solace in spiritual practices and had equal respect for all.
The fatal hit-and-run case also highlighted how unsafe our roads are and the lack of driving discipline. Fauja’s death is a reminder to authorities that pedestrians and runners are the most vulnerable to accidents. In Goa, 27 pedestrians have died in road accidents in just the first six months of this year – an eye-opener for government authorities. The ‘Fit India’ movement is gaining popularity, but many people, left with no other option, take to the roads to walk or jog. As most roads lack footpaths, where will they exercise? Only the main towns have the benefit of jogging tracks. The government must consider creating new infrastructure to build a healthy nation.
Images are for reference only.Images and contents gathered automatic from google or 3rd party sources.All rights on the images and contents are with their legal original owners.
Aggregated From –
Comments are closed.