Two messages below from two of my favourite people captures some deep insights of what went on day 16 as I arrived in the truly beautiful Mysore City. But before that –the day was so much more action packed. More and more people joined us at the starting point 16 kms from Mysore city. Many farmers from all over Malnad who had joined me at different points and days of my walk were all back in full force. I felt like my extended family had come to meet me and be with me. I walked yet again in full force- Stepping-up.
As we raced along the dangerous high way with hundreds behind us we did make a compelling sight. We managed to meet a load of school kids 4 km into the day’s walk and dashed only only to be stopped by a very annoyed man, after some discussion we were introduced to M. J Somashekar who is a friend of Dr Pradeep the president of KGF. The hapless man had managed to arrange a full scale tent with all facilities and meal to die for in line with a marriage menu. We squeezed in some time and ate happily but had to dash off.
We were met just one kilometre before the venue by Mr Subbaih, the ex-president of KGF, now residing in Mysore. He was kind enough to send out a full press memo with a message from his famous cine actress daughter. We were also met by Rekha, a kannada film actress, with her children one of whom is a national junior table tennis champion.
So it went that we met another group of college students who had no idea about why or what we were doing. A quick 101- and they cheered and joined us. More than 200 of us congregated, all very much together and very keen to do the last stretch. At that point I hit upon the idea of walking backwards for 500 meters to showcase the way our leaders have backed down and are pushing communities hard into suffering and loss through climate impact. At last we reached the venue and you can read the story through Viva’s eyes below.
We travelled home by Tippu Express, which was a good train that took 2 hours to reach Bangalore. I was thrilled to meet my older sister Manjula and my brother-in-law Srinath who presented me with a lovely Garland.
Also met with Vijeth, an active, energetic and solidly supportive young man who is studying law, he whisked me off to a park in Jayanagar! Where I exchanged ideas and action with 20 young Bangalore citizens on what next and how to work together. At the end of the day I rushed to meet my brother Krishna Raghavendra who was getting ready to return to the US. He handed a couple of copies of his latest CD, Bhairavi-Behag and Beyond The Music.
Being the night of the 17th day, Sunday, I pondered over the last tumultuous 16 days and 540 kms walking in the Hills and plains of Karnataka. My sense of deep felt gratitude to the people of Malnad is eternal, I am thankful for their taking me to their homes with such love and care, to the amazing, and beyond words, support from the KGF leaders: Dr Pradeep and Mohan Kumar. I have a deep sense of gratitude to Teertha Mallesh and the solid and ever present Uday, also to Somashekar, to whom I sometimes was harsh when he did not capture a dynamic picture for my camera, but he was so kind and understanding. Thanks to Shekar who drove the car that backed us up with water and everything that a large group needed as we walked and, to the quick like silver Chetan who always knew when I was down and out with thirst, and the amazing Hassan contingent who were always there when I was in somekind of trouble, to Balu and Attikatte Jagannath who are two remarkable men and good friends, to Raje Gowda and friends for being there at the end, and to the lovely Nanda Beliappa. More gratitude and thanks to: Appaih and the remarkable Kodavas who brought such energy, colour and connections, all the 30,000 or so people that I met, who extended instant drinks, food and great company, to all those women who took the challenge and walked, I can never do justice and convey my heart felt thanks and gratitude. To my team, here in Bangalore, the loveliest and most most supportive Viva and her leadership. The great duo, Heather and Kavi, still recovering from the extereme coorg hospitality and energy. To that great chum Joe Britto for all that he has done to make this walk so memorable. My very near family, Uma my wife, so much she has sacrificed for me to do all these crazy things, and to my loving sons Ahir and Shyam and our daughter Nisha. But also to my extended family of Bala Sunramanian and Indira, Visu Meera and Vrishin, Ram and Reva and Sivakumar and his nest.
Much to reflect upon too:
- the super back up support from Viva and team he leadership
- the ground support-plans and resource delivery by KGF and their teams, it was truly a marvel the way the ground was prepared, the communications that they planned and delivered and all the massive logistics that was put in place, the media coverage that they were responsible for in the Malnad and Plains. They demonstrated what leadership is all about, what the meaning of running a federated and democratic process is and an organization with creative and forward thinking ability
- the truly stunning from the 1000 year old Suttur Mutt for the grand and very reflective finale. I will hopefully do a short reflections on all the above for our internal use.
Also I want to go on record to acknowledge Oxfam GB for supporting me in every which way to work with CSM the last year on externship and giving me the space to undertake this second walk in 2 Years.
Please read Viva and Malini’s messages below:
Re: Push did it! Re: The Hindu :Walk for the climate
Sent: Sunday, 11 December 2011, 13:29
Subject: Push did it! Re: The Hindu :Walk for the climate
Dear Viva,
Thank you for keeping us posted on all the latest developments – you’ve been brilliant, as have Heather and Kavya in keeping things up and current.
What a remarkable achievement and what a big-bang culmination to weeks of unstinting effort! You’re right about the credit that goes to KGF and their outstanding organising capacity and faith in Push and the walk initiative. Hugely impressive.
And as for you, PUSH – the man of the hour …
YOU’VE DONE IT! BRAVO!!!
What a phenomenon!
I’m sure there have been times over the past two weeks when you may have doubted you’d complete the walk in one piece.
You’ve not only accomplished an astonishing personal physical achievement, but raised awareness on climate change and fired the imagination of all those you have come into contact with. With your example they will surely think that anything is possible!
As Viva has said, you have done us all proud and made such a difference to the issue that we work on and care about.
THANK YOU, PUSH. I’m proud to be associated with you.
Now I hope you get some peace and quiet – and the food of your choice!
Love and hugs,
Malini
——————
From: Viva Kermani <viva@csmworld.org>
Date: Sun, 11 Dec 2011 12:31:03 +0530
To: everyone<everyone@csmworld.org>; Pushpanath Krishnamurthy<pushpanath@btinternet.com>
Subject: The Hindu :Walk for the climate
http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-districtplus/article2702438.ece
Folks,
We had a grand finale yesterday when Push ended his walk - he ended at about 2.30 pm in the afternoon in Mysore – after covering a distance 540 kms, meeting 30,000 people (mostly small farmers), hundreds of school children, giving interviews, blogging everyday and being on the radio that is tuned into by 14 lak people !
KGF did a brilliant job from beginning to end – the end was as impressive as the beginning as was the entire walk.
The closing ceremony was well received
It was held at the JSS college for Women, they were the host for the evening – the college is run by a 1000 year old Mutt (monastery) the Suttur Mutt, which runs 300 educational institutions from Creche to Professional colleges – without any government support – Colleges not only in Karnataka but other states- they also have schools for differently abled children
The Swamiji graced the occasion(along with some MPs and representative form the Karnatakas Farmers Assoc) – apparently the Swamiji never goes to any function – if at all – he stays no more than 15 minutes – he actually walked a little bit with Push and stayed through the function – and spoke very well. This is the Push effect !
All those who walked with Push and supported were felicitated – KGF made momentos and certificates – every detail was thought through
I left Mysore at 6 am this morning with Dr Pradeep – and I am amazed how one person can impact 30,000 people and more in such a short time
Push- welcome back and it was good to see you arrived safe after the incredible walk you did !
Thank you for choosing CSM
Viva Kermani








