Boy runs 36 kms backwards to spread social messages

PUDUCHERRY: An 11-year old boy of Puducherry chose a novel way to spread social messages -- by running 36 kms backwards along the thoroughfares of the city.

D Dhanathirukumaran started running at 11.30 am on Friday from Anna Salai, went around the city limits and completed his run at the same place at six in the evening.

In between, he took brief breaks to deliberate on topics ranging from AIDS awareness and eradication of illiteracy to significance of national integration.

He also spoke on the life and contributions of great leaders like Swami Vivekananda and Dr B R Ambedkar. Further, he displayed his skills in the ancient Tamil martial art, Silambam.

His father T Danaraju cycled along with him to ensure safety.

The boy told reporters that he got inspiration to undertake such a task from his father. He also intended to break existing records in 'running backwards'.