The trio -- Yogesh R. Mathuria (60), Sabalsihn Vala (78) and Somanatah Bhosle (26) -- are on the final leg of the ‘world peace pilgrimage,’ walking in India and Sri Lanka. They have been spreading the message of peace in the last 112 days, traversing 3,450 km.
Meeting reporters after landing here on completion of the Sri Lanka leg on Wednesday, Mr. Yogesh said that their smiles and love had won many friends in Sri Lanka. There was overwhelming response to their endeavour from all communities of the island nation, where they undertook a 654-km padayatra from Matara to Kankesanthurai in 24 days. The peace pilgrimage was supported by a team of Sarvodaya workers, led by A. T. Ariyaratne. “For the Sri Lankan people, any peace initiative is welcome after the war,” he said.
The trio had boarded a flight from here to Sri Lanka and also returned to Madurai after completing their padayatra. They have been travelling without money but with the support of people all the way. “We want to spread the message that humanity is one family, irrespective of the religions followed,” said Mr. Yogesh.
The ‘world peace pilgrimage’ began in Pune and will end in Pune. They have planned to cover 2,150 km in 78 days. Mr. Yogesh’s team will leave for Dindigul, where they plan to celebrate Pongal, on Friday.
