That people cared became evident as hundreds turned up at the University Stadium at PMG Junction here on Sunday afternoon for ‘Back-A-Thon,’ a backward walk organised by the non-profit organisation Make-A-Difference (MAD).
The walk, organised with the aim of improving literacy rate and creating awareness of inclusive education, with focus on children in shelter homes, saw around 650 people of all ages taking part.
The Back-A-Thon was part similar programmes held in 23 cities across the country.
Aysha Joyce, a class 8 student of Christ Nagar International, Kowdiar, said it felt good to be part of the event because people rarely cared about others these days.
Mary Prarthana of the Sree Chitra Thirunal College of Engineering, Pappanamcode, said she came for the walk as it was held for a cause and at the same time offered a chance to have fun.
Having had experience of various initiatives for the underprivileged in her college, she wanted to do something for the children in shelter homes.
The MAD volunteers were on hand to register names and guide the participants to the stands till the event kicked off at 4 p.m.
Time to care more
Their enthusiasm unflagging, the participants lined up on the tracks, and MAD volunteers guiding them on how to walk backward without tripping.
Some participants held posters with messages such as ‘Walk backward to step forward.’ MAD volunteers kept up the tempo, exhorting the participants to clap and shout the slogan ‘1234, it’s time to care more.’
They said the backward walk symbolised what happened to children if people didn’t care enough. Aishwarya Bright of Barton Hill College of Engineering said she had got to know about MAD recently.
Being an active volunteer of the National Service Scheme, she was aware of the plight of shelter homes which were receiving less and less funding.
Her friend Keerthi Krishna said she had no apprehensions about walking backward. “It’s illiteracy that needs to be pushed backward.”
For record too
A drone flying overhead captured the walk, which was also an attempt at creating a world record for maximum number of people in a “backwards walk.”
Sanal Kumar N., Deputy Director General, NCC Directorate, Kerala and Lakshadweep, who was among the participants, said the walk was more than a bid to create a record; it was partnering a cause. “All such activities are being taken up by volunteers. There is a groundswell of support for the youth,” he said.
